Having a baby is one of the most wonderful events we can experience in this life. I remember feeling like my life had really just begun when I first held my son in my arms. I also remember feeling a lot of pressure to make sure I captured all of the wonderful details of my newborn son and how exhausted I felt. And it all happens so quickly, so it’s really important to have a plan in place before your baby arrives so that you can be sure to capture this special time in your family. And once you do have your newborn session booked, it is a major weight off of your shoulders, which is a particular relief by the time you get to that third trimester! If you’re expecting or in the process of adopting and looking for a photographer, check out some of my recent posts to see what custom newborn photography by Captivating Imagery is all about.
Hiring a photographer to capture your baby’s first year is one of the best investments you can make. As time goes by, your photos will become more and more precious to you and your family.
Check out this video below to get a glimpse at a custom newborn session from start to finish:
During the post-session consultation, I like to introduce clients to some of the products I recommend for preserving their memories, like framed prints, custom-designed albums, and image boxes.
Image boxes are a great way to display your favorite images, especially when you’re low on wall space. And they’re perfect for holding images from multiple sessions, like the newborn session, sit-up session, and baby’s first birthday. I’ll be sharing more products that are available for custom newborn photography in the coming months.
If you’re interested in booking a session with me, please check out my contact page and give me a call or send me an email. In order to ensure my clients have the best service possible, I limit the number of sessions I accept each month, so it’s best to contact me during your second trimester.
One of the most satisfying parts about being a portrait photographer is getting to see how families grow. And I was so very excited to get an email from Janelle during her third trimester, inquiring about booking a maternity and newborn session. I was honored to photograph their engagement session while I was still shooting weddings and remembered how much fun we had working together. And little Lucas is no different. He slept most of the session and while we found out that he didn’t like being on the large bean bag, he loved being held in his parents arms, and that’s where the magic happens.
Sweetly Sleeping When I arrived at their home just east of Pittsburgh, Lucas had a belly full of milk and was nodding off to sleep, so we started with him in this cozy sweater suit and tucked him into bed.
Two Weeks and Younger This session is a great example of why it’s best to schedule newborn sessions within the baby’s first two weeks. Luke was just 8 days old and still in that dreamy state where he can pretty much sleep through anything. At this stage, newborns are less likely to be fussy because their little bodies are still adapting to life outside the womb. So Luke was pretty easy-going. Of course he cried a little here and there, but that’s to be expected. And we found out that he really did not enjoy laying on the large bean bag I use for individual shots. Most babies enjoy sinking in to the soft blankets on the bean bag, but each baby is unique so I’m always on the lookout to find a way to make each baby comfortable. So for the images that are all about Luke, we responded by including his parents in the shots in a way that he felt comforted, but was still the main focus of the image. Here’s a great example of one of those shots. And I kind of love seeing the soft outlines of Janelle and Andre looking over their little bundle.
I love seeing the baby and mama’s faces in close proximity. And in this shot, it almost looks like Luke is smiling at Janelle.
Capturing the Wonderful Bond Between Parents and Their Baby You can usually tell when a baby breastfeeds by how they respond in their mama’s arms. And I think that’s really neat, because in this next shot, you get the feel that he’s nursing even though he’s not and there’s no need to blush. I know from my own experience that it can be embarrassing when your baby does this (especially when you’re out in public) but it’s completely natural and I love it when it happens in front of the camera because breastfeeding can be such a wonderful bonding experience and in my opinion, newborn sessions are all about capturing the wonderful bond between parents and their baby.
First Family Portraits These last two shots are straight-up family portraits that we shot in their living room. Studio lights were added for this one.
And I went with natural light for this one. They’re equally great ways to show off this sweet little family, but there’s something about this natural light portrait that I love. It feels more spontaneous and that’s one of the aspects of lifestyle photography that really sticks with me.
If you like this approach to newborn photography and are expecting a little one, you might want to click here to find out more about what it’s like to work with me.
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2014-01-05 16:43:062014-01-06 16:19:14Touching Newborn Photos: Baby Lucas
Now that I have a little one of my own, my response to a friend or a loved one who’s having a baby is extra spirited. I can finally relate on a personal level, and I’m thrilled to find out about someone else’s joy and all of the fun things ahead as they expect their little one. So when my friend Annie told me she was pregnant with baby Zayn, I did a happy dance, or two, or three. Sometimes I just can’t contain myself and this was one of those times.
Bright-eyed Baby Here’s one of my favorite shots from their on-location session at their home in Wexford, Pa. Look at those eyes! I’d just love to know what he’s thinking!
First Family Portraits
The baby’s first family portraits is one of my favorite parts of the session. Because that’s where you get to see the love. Sometimes the portraits are formal with everyone looking at the camera and sometimes they’re informal with a focus on relationships and emotions.
Mixing Natural and Studio Lighting In my previous post, I mentioned the need for adding lighting to already existing natural light as a family portrait gets larger. Here’s a great example of just that. We started with natural light and I overexposed so that there is adequate light on their faces.
This was a cloudy afternoon in December and the sun was setting fast. So it was time to start mixing in some studio lighting, especially since we added in Annie’s parents and I’d need to increase the depth of field to make sure that everyone is in focus. So here’s a shot with some mixed lighting. I still wanted to keep the feel of this shot light and airy, so I made the most of the light coming in from the window and added some studio light to illuminate their faces. This might be too much info if you’re not interested in photography, but I think it’s worth mentioning because my clients sometimes ask why I use extra light in some shots but not in others.
The Lifestyle Approach: Keeping It Natural Here are a few more natural light images since I’m partial to lifestyle photography and keeping things natural.
Are you pregnant or adopting and looking for a newborn photographer? If so, please check out this post with an overview of custom newborn photography.
Boy is this little babe a cutie! I am just getting caught up on some blogging from last year when I had the pleasure of photographing baby Tyler and his first family portrait. This on-location session took place in Cranberry, Pa., in the family’s living room. During our pre-session consultation, Tyler’s mom, Lisa, and I discussed the best location for shooting this session, and when I heard about the French doors in their living room, I knew we’d have plenty of natural light in the afternoon.
Thoughtful Details Made by Grandma It was important to Lisa to incorporate some of the handmade items her mother had knitted for her new grandson. So we laid the blanket on the giant bean bag that I use for posing and dressed Tyler in his matching hat and sweater. I know I’ve mentioned before how I love to incorporate some of the baby’s blankets and accessories, but I can only imagine how Tyler’s grandma loves having this photo with her grandson dressed in the clothes she took so much time to knit for him.
Getting Newborns to Smile If I knew how to make newborn babies smile, I’d be a lucky lady. But when it spontaneously happens in front of my camera, you can bet I’ll be clicking away. I think it was Lisa’s voice that made him smile like this. But I consider this a special treat, because a smile by a newborn is a rarity!
Telling Your Story in Natural Light (When Possible…) I always come to my sessions equipped with studio strobes and other lighting gear, but when there is gorgeous natural light like this, I go for it because it’s the most beautiful light if you ask me. If this family were any bigger, I’d need to add more light with studio strobes to ensure the right depth of focus so that everyone’s eyes are sharp. So I’d never define myself as a natural light photographer solely, because there are certain situations that really call for additional lighting and I think that’s one of the things that separates professional photographers from amateurs.
Lifestyle Portraits Can Be The Most Meaningful
This image of Tyler with his dad is one of my favorites from the session. I knew it was important to capture as this was one of the images Lisa had mentioned wanting during our pre-session consultation and we went about it in a few different ways as far as posing and lighting goes. But this image is the most natural and I think it really shows the bond of father and son.
If you or someone you know is looking for meaningful newborn photography, here’s another post that gives a great overview of custom newborn photography by Captivating Imagery.
Here’s a bit of holiday cheer from a recent family portrait session featuring little Arleigh who is about to turn two. Her mama dressed her in a cute party dress and she really sparkled in front of their tree.
Arleigh’s daddy playfully told her not to tip the vase of Christmas bulbs (smart guy!). And she went for it with a sweet and mischievous sense of satisfaction.
It was pretty warm outside for the beginning of December, so we were lucky enough to do some portraits with them in front of their home, all decorated for the holidays.
I’m learning a bit about how to keep a toddler’s attention during a photo shoot. Having photographed brides and grooms over the last six years, this was never really a concern of mine. But now, I’m practicing a lot at home with my son and finding out what works and what doesn’t. Some people are naturals at this, but for me, it’s all trial and error. So during this session, I put a stuffed puppy on my head that barks when you snap or clap. And I think it was mildly amusing to Arleigh. Until the puppy slipped off of my head and fell to the floor. That was a very happy mistake. Now, how many shots could I get with this technique before it got old?
And this is probably my favorite shot of the day. We were in Arleigh’s bedroom when her mama and daddy told her to look outside at the blue bird in the tree. She was curious and played along with them for a few minutes and I love opportunities like this to capture these candid moments and her sweet personality. If you’re interested in scheduling a photo shoot like this at your home, I’d love to hear from you!
What a fun session! Thanks to Kristin and Travis for the opportunity to photograph your darling family! Merry Christmas!
https://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.png00kmillerhttps://www.captivatingimagery.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Use.pngkmiller2013-12-23 12:01:402013-12-21 12:51:53Pittsburgh Christmas Family Portraits
Custom Newborn Photography
/by kmillerHaving a baby is one of the most wonderful events we can experience in this life. I remember feeling like my life had really just begun when I first held my son in my arms. I also remember feeling a lot of pressure to make sure I captured all of the wonderful details of my newborn son and how exhausted I felt. And it all happens so quickly, so it’s really important to have a plan in place before your baby arrives so that you can be sure to capture this special time in your family. And once you do have your newborn session booked, it is a major weight off of your shoulders, which is a particular relief by the time you get to that third trimester! If you’re expecting or in the process of adopting and looking for a photographer, check out some of my recent posts to see what custom newborn photography by Captivating Imagery is all about.
Newborn Sessions in the Convenience of Your Own Home
Capturing Relationships and the Essence of Everyday Life
Revealing Personality Through Lifestyle Photography
First Family Portraits to Treasure Forever
Hiring a photographer to capture your baby’s first year is one of the best investments you can make. As time goes by, your photos will become more and more precious to you and your family.
Check out this video below to get a glimpse at a custom newborn session from start to finish:
During the post-session consultation, I like to introduce clients to some of the products I recommend for preserving their memories, like framed prints, custom-designed albums, and image boxes.
Image boxes are a great way to display your favorite images, especially when you’re low on wall space. And they’re perfect for holding images from multiple sessions, like the newborn session, sit-up session, and baby’s first birthday. I’ll be sharing more products that are available for custom newborn photography in the coming months.
If you’re interested in booking a session with me, please check out my contact page and give me a call or send me an email. In order to ensure my clients have the best service possible, I limit the number of sessions I accept each month, so it’s best to contact me during your second trimester.
Touching Newborn Photos: Baby Lucas
/by kmillerOne of the most satisfying parts about being a portrait photographer is getting to see how families grow. And I was so very excited to get an email from Janelle during her third trimester, inquiring about booking a maternity and newborn session. I was honored to photograph their engagement session while I was still shooting weddings and remembered how much fun we had working together. And little Lucas is no different. He slept most of the session and while we found out that he didn’t like being on the large bean bag, he loved being held in his parents arms, and that’s where the magic happens.
Sweetly Sleeping
When I arrived at their home just east of Pittsburgh, Lucas had a belly full of milk and was nodding off to sleep, so we started with him in this cozy sweater suit and tucked him into bed.
Two Weeks and Younger
This session is a great example of why it’s best to schedule newborn sessions within the baby’s first two weeks. Luke was just 8 days old and still in that dreamy state where he can pretty much sleep through anything. At this stage, newborns are less likely to be fussy because their little bodies are still adapting to life outside the womb. So Luke was pretty easy-going. Of course he cried a little here and there, but that’s to be expected. And we found out that he really did not enjoy laying on the large bean bag I use for individual shots. Most babies enjoy sinking in to the soft blankets on the bean bag, but each baby is unique so I’m always on the lookout to find a way to make each baby comfortable. So for the images that are all about Luke, we responded by including his parents in the shots in a way that he felt comforted, but was still the main focus of the image. Here’s a great example of one of those shots. And I kind of love seeing the soft outlines of Janelle and Andre looking over their little bundle.
I love seeing the baby and mama’s faces in close proximity. And in this shot, it almost looks like Luke is smiling at Janelle.
Capturing the Wonderful Bond Between Parents and Their Baby
You can usually tell when a baby breastfeeds by how they respond in their mama’s arms. And I think that’s really neat, because in this next shot, you get the feel that he’s nursing even though he’s not and there’s no need to blush. I know from my own experience that it can be embarrassing when your baby does this (especially when you’re out in public) but it’s completely natural and I love it when it happens in front of the camera because breastfeeding can be such a wonderful bonding experience and in my opinion, newborn sessions are all about capturing the wonderful bond between parents and their baby.
First Family Portraits
These last two shots are straight-up family portraits that we shot in their living room. Studio lights were added for this one.
And I went with natural light for this one. They’re equally great ways to show off this sweet little family, but there’s something about this natural light portrait that I love. It feels more spontaneous and that’s one of the aspects of lifestyle photography that really sticks with me.
If you like this approach to newborn photography and are expecting a little one, you might want to click here to find out more about what it’s like to work with me.
Lifestyle Newborn Session: Baby Zayn
/by kmillerNow that I have a little one of my own, my response to a friend or a loved one who’s having a baby is extra spirited. I can finally relate on a personal level, and I’m thrilled to find out about someone else’s joy and all of the fun things ahead as they expect their little one. So when my friend Annie told me she was pregnant with baby Zayn, I did a happy dance, or two, or three. Sometimes I just can’t contain myself and this was one of those times.
Bright-eyed Baby
Here’s one of my favorite shots from their on-location session at their home in Wexford, Pa. Look at those eyes! I’d just love to know what he’s thinking!
First Family Portraits
The baby’s first family portraits is one of my favorite parts of the session. Because that’s where you get to see the love. Sometimes the portraits are formal with everyone looking at the camera and sometimes they’re informal with a focus on relationships and emotions.
Mixing Natural and Studio Lighting
In my previous post, I mentioned the need for adding lighting to already existing natural light as a family portrait gets larger. Here’s a great example of just that. We started with natural light and I overexposed so that there is adequate light on their faces.
This was a cloudy afternoon in December and the sun was setting fast. So it was time to start mixing in some studio lighting, especially since we added in Annie’s parents and I’d need to increase the depth of field to make sure that everyone is in focus. So here’s a shot with some mixed lighting. I still wanted to keep the feel of this shot light and airy, so I made the most of the light coming in from the window and added some studio light to illuminate their faces. This might be too much info if you’re not interested in photography, but I think it’s worth mentioning because my clients sometimes ask why I use extra light in some shots but not in others.
The Lifestyle Approach: Keeping It Natural
Here are a few more natural light images since I’m partial to lifestyle photography and keeping things natural.
Are you pregnant or adopting and looking for a newborn photographer? If so, please check out this post with an overview of custom newborn photography.
In-Home Newborn Portraits: Baby Tyler
/by kmillerBoy is this little babe a cutie! I am just getting caught up on some blogging from last year when I had the pleasure of photographing baby Tyler and his first family portrait. This on-location session took place in Cranberry, Pa., in the family’s living room. During our pre-session consultation, Tyler’s mom, Lisa, and I discussed the best location for shooting this session, and when I heard about the French doors in their living room, I knew we’d have plenty of natural light in the afternoon.
Thoughtful Details Made by Grandma
It was important to Lisa to incorporate some of the handmade items her mother had knitted for her new grandson. So we laid the blanket on the giant bean bag that I use for posing and dressed Tyler in his matching hat and sweater. I know I’ve mentioned before how I love to incorporate some of the baby’s blankets and accessories, but I can only imagine how Tyler’s grandma loves having this photo with her grandson dressed in the clothes she took so much time to knit for him.
Getting Newborns to Smile
If I knew how to make newborn babies smile, I’d be a lucky lady. But when it spontaneously happens in front of my camera, you can bet I’ll be clicking away. I think it was Lisa’s voice that made him smile like this. But I consider this a special treat, because a smile by a newborn is a rarity!
Telling Your Story in Natural Light (When Possible…)
I always come to my sessions equipped with studio strobes and other lighting gear, but when there is gorgeous natural light like this, I go for it because it’s the most beautiful light if you ask me. If this family were any bigger, I’d need to add more light with studio strobes to ensure the right depth of focus so that everyone’s eyes are sharp. So I’d never define myself as a natural light photographer solely, because there are certain situations that really call for additional lighting and I think that’s one of the things that separates professional photographers from amateurs.
Lifestyle Portraits Can Be The Most Meaningful
This image of Tyler with his dad is one of my favorites from the session. I knew it was important to capture as this was one of the images Lisa had mentioned wanting during our pre-session consultation and we went about it in a few different ways as far as posing and lighting goes. But this image is the most natural and I think it really shows the bond of father and son.
If you or someone you know is looking for meaningful newborn photography, here’s another post that gives a great overview of custom newborn photography by Captivating Imagery.
Pittsburgh Christmas Family Portraits
/by kmillerHere’s a bit of holiday cheer from a recent family portrait session featuring little Arleigh who is about to turn two. Her mama dressed her in a cute party dress and she really sparkled in front of their tree.
Arleigh’s daddy playfully told her not to tip the vase of Christmas bulbs (smart guy!). And she went for it with a sweet and mischievous sense of satisfaction.
It was pretty warm outside for the beginning of December, so we were lucky enough to do some portraits with them in front of their home, all decorated for the holidays.
I’m learning a bit about how to keep a toddler’s attention during a photo shoot. Having photographed brides and grooms over the last six years, this was never really a concern of mine. But now, I’m practicing a lot at home with my son and finding out what works and what doesn’t. Some people are naturals at this, but for me, it’s all trial and error. So during this session, I put a stuffed puppy on my head that barks when you snap or clap. And I think it was mildly amusing to Arleigh. Until the puppy slipped off of my head and fell to the floor. That was a very happy mistake. Now, how many shots could I get with this technique before it got old?
And this is probably my favorite shot of the day. We were in Arleigh’s bedroom when her mama and daddy told her to look outside at the blue bird in the tree. She was curious and played along with them for a few minutes and I love opportunities like this to capture these candid moments and her sweet personality. If you’re interested in scheduling a photo shoot like this at your home, I’d love to hear from you!
What a fun session! Thanks to Kristin and Travis for the opportunity to photograph your darling family! Merry Christmas!