Newborn Home Lifestyle Session | Seattle Family Photographer

Newborn sessions make my heart so very happy. The pace of them is quite a bit slower than other sessions - we’re at the whim of a new baby and the feeling of a rushed schedule can completely slip away. It’s easy to connect with the parents because they’re in the middle of such a wild and special time. Often exhausted, but hearts unimaginable full.

The whole “photographing a happy baby” part can be a challenge, but over the years I’ve picked up some helpful tricks for calming newborns down. Scroll below for some precious newborn and family photos, and bonus points if you spot my favorite moment - when big sister paused the photoshoot to go get a nectarine to pose with.

How might COVID-19 affect Future Habits and Behaviors | Seattle Newborn, Family & Wedding Photographer

Never underestimate the magic of an evening walk. 

I’m curious which of these new habits will stick around for years to come. Will more families go on daily walks in their neighborhood? Will more children schedule phone calls with their elderly loved ones? Will more parents want to be a part of their child’s education? Will we all learn to “slow down?” I’m starting to accept the idea that things will never go back to being the same as they were in January. But what will that change look like?

Seattle Maternity Session | Magnuson Park

I love it when expecting moms to reach out about doing photo sessions over the course of their pregnancy, hospital delivery, and raising their new baby. This mom was so sweet and easy to connect with over the phone that I couldn’t wait to photograph her maternity session. Both she and her husband are from Australia and we had an amazing time getting to know each other while exploring Magnuson for photos. Can you believe how beautiful she looks? And you wouldn’t know it, but the temps were pretty low this February evening. Stephanie was so warm from the pregnancy that it didn’t bother her one bit. Adam and I were a little jealous ;) I’m so excited to continue to photograph this crew, and I can’t wait to meet their baby in May!

Best Portrait Photographers of the Year | LOOKSLIKEFILM

I was thrilled to hear that one of my images made it in the Lookslikefilm portraits of the year selection. My favorite part about this photo is that it wasn’t planned. That said, can you ever plan how kids will act/react? I was taking newborn photos of this little one’s new sister, and her mom asked for a feeding break. I decided to go hang out with big sister in her bedroom and she jumped up on the bench right as the sun was shining through the clouds. I asked her if I could put “Big Bunny” on the bench with her and she yelled “of course!” and then snuggled him close. Within seconds, the sun was covered and she was all the way on the other side of the room. If there’s anything I’ve learned from family photography, it’s that Kids move quickly! Almost as quickly as the sun in Seattle ;) .

Grab some tea and scroll through the article, there are so many beautiful portraits in here: http://bit.ly/lookslikefilm

Vashon Newborn Lifestyle Session

This home session was a neat one. Mallory and Matt had just finished building their first home on Vashon Island. (Not sure how they managed to do this at the same time as having a new baby…) Even cooler, Mallory grew up in a house on this same lot. Years after her family moved, the house caught on fire and was abandoned for 16 years. Mallory and her husband, Matt, decided to build their first home on this lot, and moved in not long before our session. You can follow their blog here: https://dandelionsdrywall.com/

I loved that I got to capture the space at a time like this. I can only imagine the walls will be filled with framed photos, finger paintings, and handwritten notes as their family grows. But for now, just like their new daughter, everything is so fresh- so new! This home has so many sweet memories to come. :)

Seattle Newborn Lifestyle Session

Newborn home sessions are one of my favorite things to photograph. The transition of having a new baby in the house isn't easy- parents are often sleep deprived, covered in spit up, and anxious about getting everything "right." But despite all of this, capturing a new baby in his home is so beautiful. Everything is new. The dog is still getting used to his scent. The parents are learning what keeps him calm and how to swaddle. The baby is learning what this crazy thing called life is. And I love that I get to stand back and capture it.