Jen and Eric’s sweet, cozy newborn session

Jen, Eric, and I go way back! I photographed their engagement session and wedding a few years ago, and more recently I did an anniversary session with them. I’ve known them for a long time and they’re such sweet and fun people! I was so thrilled when they reached out to me and shared that they were pregnant and interested in doing a newborn session together. 

It is truly THE ultimate compliment and honor when I have clients who want to work together over and over again -- and personally, it’s so magical and fulfilling to get to follow clients throughout the years and photograph different chapters of their lives together! On a funny note, I kind of flipped out when I got to Jen and Eric’s house -- they have wedding pictures on their walls, and I got to visit their beautiful trio of framed anniversary portraits in their dining room. It’s really fun for me to get to go back and see my past artwork in clients’ homes! 

Planning Jen and Eric’s newborn session

Jen and Eric really wanted these pictures to feel sweet and cozy, just like the newborn phase of life! This is their first child and such a new, exciting experience for them. They said from the get-go that they wanted pictures when their baby was super small and tiny, but that they didn’t know how they’d be feeling during their newborn session -- exhausted, overwhelmed, exuberant, or otherwise! They said they found it really helpful to do a bit of planning together beforehand so that things wouldn’t feel stressful during the session. 

Leading up to the session, I went over to Jen and Eric’s house for an in-person meeting. We looked through different rooms in their home to talk about what spaces could work well for photos. We talked about outfits, too. One little tip I often give parents when they’re planning a newborn session is to have the parent who is pregnant and giving birth to pick their outfit ahead of time. Those first few weeks after giving birth can feel a bit overwhelming, especially because the person who was pregnant and gave birth may also be experiencing a changing body. Having a couple of options pre-planned can be so helpful and such a comfort -- one less thing to think about! 

Jen and Eric’s newborn session

Theodora, Jen and Eric’s little one, was a superstar! She was very mellow and adorable -- she has a ton of hair, which is really really cute! The light was super beautiful in Theodora’s nursery when I arrived, so we started the session there. I took some photos of her snuggling in her crib as well as with each of her parents. 

Theodora just looks so peaceful here. <3 

I love that we got a smile here so much!! Smiling pictures are a bit rare for newborns, and I feel so lucky that we got one!

Next, I took some pictures of Theodora hanging out with her parents in their bedroom. They spend a lot of time rocking and cuddling with Theodora in their room, as well as reading to her! I absolutely loved the way Jen and Eric read to Theodora -- they hold her up and show her each page, really engaging her the way you might engage an older child. They read “The Monster at the End of the Book” to her (one of my childhood favorites!), and it was such a special moment to document. 

The lighting makes this photo feel so cozy -- you can just feel the connection between Jen and Theodora. 

Theodora looks so thoughtful in this picture! 

We headed down to their living room, and Jen and Eric snuggled with Theodora for a bit before we took a few pictures in the backyard! It was a lovely, warm spring day, perfect for a few outdoor family portraits. 

So, so sweet. 

I love how much personality is in this portrait! 

Jen and Eric, it was such a joy to photograph your sweet family and to get to meet Theodora! Thank you so much for trusting me time and time again with your family’s portraits. Watching your family grow and blossom is such an honor, and I am so grateful for you! (And welcome to this world, Theodora -- we are so glad you’re here!)