Top 10 Favorite Newborn Moments

Inside my all time favorite newborn photos… and why I love them!

Newborn sessions always feel so special to me. The newborn phase is such a transformative experience for the whole family. It is a time filled with immense joy, bonding, and the wonder of getting to know the newest family member. For mom, it’s also a period of intense emotions and physical recovery. Despite the sleepless nights and the challenges, this phase truly magical. Being invited in to your home during this precious time is a privilege I don’t take lightly!

I want to share my top 10 moments I love during a newborn session! These mark some of the images I always try to capture (when able). I always prioritize great light so that can affect what images we are able to achieve. But no matter where the good light is or what your home looks like, we will document those sweet, fleeting moments that you will cherish!

1. cozy family shots

I love to capture as many cozy family shots as possible. When I think of having a newborn, I think of those cozy couch snuggles or everyone piled on the bed together. It’s all about those sweet and tender moments as a family. My favorite photos from any session are always those when everyone is close and connected to each other. When your focus is loving on your family, magic will always happen!

2. TINY HANDS AND FEET

I always include detail shots in a newborn gallery. You are never going to want to forget those tiny little hands and feet! I don’t think there is much more precious than teeny tiny baby toes. It’s amazing how fast everything grows and changes. The incredible thing about photographs is that they capture those sweet details so you won’t ever forget. Every time I get to work with a new baby, I am so shocked at just how tiny everything is! Even though I see new babies often, each time I see those hands and feet it just melts me. I want you to always remember your little ones’ precious features.

3. CHEEK-TO-CHEEK

I have been loving these sweet check-to-cheek moments with parents and their sweet babies. I always recommend having baby wear one outfit then swaddle them for other shots. I love doing this pose when baby is swaddled. These have been some of my favorites lately. I often joke that on a newborn session we do things that feel super unnatural when you’re doing it but look natural and beautiful in images!

4. NURSERY DETAILS / DECOR

I just LOVE a good nursery! It is so special to see the spaces you thoughtfully curate for your new little one. Even though your baby likely won’t be using the nursery for a while, it’s so nice to have a special space just for them. Preparing your nursery takes a lot of time and energy, and I want to be sure I capture those efforts for you to remember!

5. CANDID MOMENTS

Sometimes the moments in between the planned photographs are the best! Whether it’s dad trying to help alleviate baby’s gas bubbles, entertaining your toddler, or soothing your baby….those moments deserve to be captured! Watching families parent their new little ones is so sweet. Becoming a new parent can a very vulnerable experience and I’m grateful to be able to witness these special moments.

Sometimes when I arrive to a newborn session, I can tell that parents are a little stressed and want to be sure baby is fed and happy and worry if they aren’t quite ready yet. This is no big deal! Newborn sessions are scheduled for longer so that we can accommodate your baby. If they are still eating, take your time. If they are fussy, we’ll stop so you can do what you need to do to help them get more comfortable. In these moments, I will continue to take pictures because sometimes those moments are the sweetest and are moments you’ll want to remember. Like dad stopping to bicycle his baby’s legs before swaddling him to help alleviate gas. These moments make my heart melt and really show the care and attention you give to your sweet baby.

6. MIRROR SHOTS

Another favorite of mine. When you have a nice mirror in the nursery (or your bedroom) I loveeeee to use it! Whether it’s a family shot or just mom/dad and baby these are just so sweet. I love that these make it feel like I’m not really there. It just shows a sweet moment you are sharing with your family.

7. “CREEPER” SHOTS

My favorite images are always those where you aren’t looking at the camera! I love to create images that look like I’m peering in on a moment. Like you didn’t even know I was there. I like to call these my ‘creeper’ shots because I often stand outside of the nursery and pull the door slightly closed to get the peering in effect. These don’t always have to be in the nursery or bedroom, as long as it looks like it’s just a special moment between family members.

8. INDIVIDUALS

We obviously have to take individual photos of the star of the show! In addition to those detail photos of baby, we also capture full shots of baby.

9. BIG SIBLINGS

If you have an older child, it’s important to document your kiddos together! Watching your child step into a new role of big brother/sister is magical! Sure, there are probably a lot of meltdowns that go along with it, but you won’t want to forget seeing your sweet little ones together in this new phase. These images can take a little finagling (depending on how eager your older child is to hold the baby). But we trying make it exciting and special for them!

10. ON THE BED

I love using the master bedroom (as long as the light is good!). Using the bed is perfect for family portraits, individuals of baby, and just mom/dad with baby too! I always tell families to prepare the nursery, master bedroom, and family/living area so we can utilize all of those spaces for photos!

having a baby soon?

Are you expecting or know someone who is? I’d love to be considered when planning your newborn session! It is such a privilege to help you welcome your new addition into the world. Click HERE to view my availability for newborn sessions!

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