I LOVE the newborn phase. Aside from the sleep deprivation, I really grieved the ending of this season in my own life. Something that brought me a lot of joy as I was processing my own “ending” was knowing that I would still get to interact with, and love on, a lot babies during newborn sessions! Truth be told, these might just be my favorite kind of family session and here’s why:

When we had our first baby, we didn’t take any professional photos with her until she was six months old. To this day, it is a regret I have from that time. We were quite overwhelmed as first-time parents, so I give myself a lot of grace, but I wish we would have done a newborn session despite not feeling up to it at the time. As a result, just a few weeks after I found out I was pregnant with my second, I immediately scheduled a newborn session for a few weeks after his birth to ensure I wouldn’t find myself in the same situation again.

What I guess I’m trying to say is that I know, firsthand, how difficult it can be to think about doing a photos shortly after the birth of a child. And don’t get me wrong, a newborn session isn’t a necessity or for everyone! I am not writing this post to make moms and dads feel pressure, ever. But, I am trying to encourage those who do think professional photos of the first few weeks weeks of your child’s life are something you would want to have down the road — get them on the calendar now. Schedule the session and trust your photographer to guide you through the rest. I can almost guarantee you won’t regret it.

I love newborn sessions because I really do think I have a gift, of sorts, as I move through them with my families. I empathize deeply with all the things mom and dad are going through in such a big transition. I am patient, good at connecting with others and ‘reading the room’ (toddlers and babies, too!), I BELIEVE wholeheartedly in the work I am doing, and not only do I love being around babies, but I feel completely comfortable in their presence (all emotions, experiences, blowouts, etc!). There is something truly magical and sacred about being in the presence of a newborn.

I want to help families preserve this season in a way I did not with my daughter, but was able to with my son. It is such a gift to do so.

See more newborn sessions on the blog!