I have been photographing most newborn clients in their own homes for newborn lifestyle sessions, so it has been a while since I have photographed a family in the studio with their newborn. I prefer to photograph the whole family together for newborn sessions, so choosing either one of these sessions is a great option. For those clients who want more of a documentary look to their photos, the in home newborn session is best; whereas for others, the bright, airy and polished look of the studio newborn session is the best option. Both will document you and your family interacting with the baby.

I photographed this family three and a half years ago for their first daughter’s newborn session. They chose a classic studio session and mom told me that she regretted not having family photos taken at that time. So, when she booked her session for baby two, she made sure to book a session that involved family photos. Now don’t get me wrong; posed images are important to have, but the images of you and your child together are going to be the ones that pull at your heart strings when your newborn has grown up. You will want to remember how tiny the baby was in your arms and be reminded of those times when you cuddled your little one close. These moments are fleeting and precious, so they need to be documented for both you and your child to see when she is grown up. I am so glad my client opted to capture family photos this time around.

Whenever possible, I try to start the session with sibling photos. I find that toddler aged children are the most cooperative during the first few moments of a photo session. I didn’t need to worry about all of that because big sister was THE most cooperative toddler with whom I have worked. Miss K smiled for the camera, was eager to kiss and hug her baby sister and, consequently, I captured some adorable images of the new sisters together.

We were able to get some great family photos and individual parent photos during the session. What I love the most about family newborn sessions is that, with the exception of posed images, the baby can be awake for the entirety of the session. Although sleeping images are great to have, I prefer images in which the baby is awake and alert because they convey so much more connection. Instead of spending time during a session coaxing baby to sleep, the time is spent documenting your relationship with your little one. The baby always falls asleep on her own and then we are able to move on to a few posed and propped images.

For the posed section, Mom wanted to do some similar images to those captured of her oldest child. So, I started on the bright white bed and used some purple florals for a pop of color and I dressed sweet Miss I in a pretty purple lace onesie. I also made sure to capture some swaddled images to align with those taken of Miss K nearly four years ago. Last, I used my new rattan bed, jute rug and some purple swaddles and accents for some boho inspired images during which time I was able to capture some sweet smiles from Miss I.

Here are some of my favorite images from Miss I’s very first photoshoot.