Tag Archive for: newborn

Pittsburgh Newborn Photography: Keep It Simple with an At-Home Session

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The first few weeks after bringing baby home come with a huge adjustment—it’s a wonderful, yet sleep-deprived time, marking the beginning of that precious one’s life and the beginning of a family’s story. Being a handful of years beyond that time, I can look back and say that I’m glad I hired a photographer to capture my sons as newborns and that I could be in the photos! We had both photo shoots done at our home and I remember feeling relieved that we didn’t have to go anywhere, because that took so much energy! And since we’ve moved, our photos in our old home are that much more meaningful to us now. Here’s a newborn session from earlier this summer and as I talked with this mama, she mentioned that she hadn’t heard of in-home newborn sessions before and was so glad to be able to schedule one for her baby.

mama and baby on the couch

Their loft had lovely light and this baby was so content.

baby close-up

It’s so nice to see this dad’s feelings for his son.

father and son

We headed to the rooftop terrace in their building for a family portrait with a view!

First family portrait

This baby boy seemed to like the sounds and fresh air and how sweet to see this mom and dad enjoying this moment!

baby snuggles with mom and dad

If you’d like to plan for a newborn session in your home, I’d love to hear from you. Please contact me here.

Pittsburgh Maternity and Newborn Photography: Being a Part of Our Child’s Story in Pictures

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Compared to the number of newborn sessions I photograph, I don’t get to capture many maternity sessions. I have no sure way of knowing why that’s the case, other than to remember my own feelings about being photographed when pregnant. Also, let me just say, these are my feelings and in no way, reflect on this radiant couple. I adored photographing their maternity and newborn sessions and am using their images to make a point – this special time in their lives is so fleeting and how wonderful that they can look back on it through these photos!

expecting parents on a walk through the woods

maternity portrait

I suspect it’s two things: the first and most likely is that many women don’t feel particularly beautiful in their last trimester of pregnancy; and secondly, all of their energy is focused on getting ready for their baby. I understand. But it is truly one of the most remarkable times in a woman’s life!

soon-to-be-mom and dad

getting ready for their baby

And I’m not writing to try and sell more maternity sessions, but I want to encourage moms to be photographed with their children all throughout their lives. I feel sad when I get contacted about a newborn session and the mom doesn’t want to be in the photos. What a loss! Of course, it’s wonderful to capture that sweet baby at just a few days or weeks old, but such a big part of that baby’s story is missing if parents aren’t included in the photos.

first family portrait

When I look back at photo albums my mom put together, one of my favorite things is seeing what my mom and dad looked like as I was growing up. And look at this dad – he’s baby-wearing and in front of their greenhouse full of lovely fruits and vegetables! It’s all a part of telling their story.

dad wearing his baby

And when I look back at my son’s newborn sessions, I’m glad that I was a part of the photos too. Because, gosh darn it, I was doing the amazingly incredible hard work of being mama and I’m proud of that!

mama and her baby

I’m so glad when I get the opportunity to photograph this special time in other family’s lives. What a blessing!

baby sleeping in mama's arms

Pittsburgh Newborn Photography: Hospital Newborn Sessions

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This mama has had her first three babies photographed in the hospital and so it was natural for her to do the same for her fourth baby, but she was shocked when she asked about a hospital photographer and found there wasn’t one available. Thankfully, she reached out to me and we found some time to make it work before she left the hospital.

babe in mama's arms

His daddy had this rosary made with his name on it.

baby with id rosary

This was one tiny room with a window tucked around the corner from the beds, so we got up close to the lovely natural light.

proud mom and dad with newborn

I love seeing parents gazing at their newborn!

sweet moments with their baby

I had to supplement the light for this group shot with the big siblings. While I’m not a fan of using flash for newborn sessions, I sure do love seeing all of these smiling faces!

baby brother and big siblings

I could shoot close-ups of newborns all day and I think seeing mama’s caring hands in the shot makes it extra special – it expresses the love and caring surrounding this baby boy.

happy baby

After his first photo shoot, this little fella is ready for a nap!

sweetly sleeping

If you or someone you know is getting ready to have a baby, I’d be happy to talk with you about hospital or in-home newborn sessions!

Pittsburgh Newborn Sessions: Keeping Baby’s Wardrobe Simple

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I love photographing babies simply swaddled or dressed in a basic onsie. It’s funny how when a parent is getting ready for their baby to arrive, it’s so much fun to shop for their clothes and get all of the warm, fuzzy feelings that go with anticipating our baby wearing them. So when I suggest dressing a baby simply for my sessions, I know that’s hard to do as a parent. We are so excited for our baby to be photographed and there are so many outfits to choose from, but I think this recent session illustrates how lovely and timeless a simple swaddle or onsie can be.

baby sleeping on a moose

One of the benefits of dressing a baby simply is that you don’t have to do an outfit change, which irritates most babies and by going with a soft onsie or swaddle, the baby is comfortable and more likely happy. This little guy sure way.

sleeping in his mama's arms

Even their dog was super relaxed!

family dog meets baby

They had great window light on the landing of their stairs, so we made a quick stop on our way up to the nursery.

mom and dad admiring their baby boy

so snuggly!

More great window light in the nursery too! Just love these images of mama with her baby.

mama and baby

kisses from mommy

And dad gets a turn too.

daddy kisses too!

When you’re a baby, yawning is adorable.

big yawn, sleepy baby

This might be one of my favorite shots of the session. Just look how this little sweetie is studying his dad!

checking out his daddy

This last one pretty much sums up how meaningful this time can be. Two adoring parents and a brand new baby, what a great start to this family’s story!

sweet family

Pittsburgh Newborn Session: Knowing When to Reschedule

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I have been waiting to photograph this session since before my friend was pregnant—I just knew she’d be a good mom and was so excited when she shared her news with me! Well, the session was just as delightful as I had anticipated. Actually better, thanks to this mama trusting her gut instinct!

mom singing to baby

This little sweetheart has been having tummy issues and just wasn’t feeling good, so her mommy new it would be best to reschedule. And thankfully with the prayers and support of her friends and the wisdom of her doctor, this sweet baby is feeling so much better! Her mom said she was uncomfortable most of the time, so for her baby to go from being mostly unhappy to only crying when she needed something was a huge blessing!

kisses for baby

I just love the personality of this sweet girl at just over two months!

baby looking at mommy and daddy

She even smiles for her first family portrait! Disclaimer: this is not the norm for any newborn, but being slightly older helps!

Pittsburgh-newborn-portraits-003

After a few portraits by the light of the front door and some of them on the couch, we moved to mom and dad’s bedroom which had lots of lovely natural light. Isn’t this a sweet scene? Watching your baby sleep is such a joy!

watching baby sleep

And I like this image too because while it could seem like it should be an out-take, my friend is looking at her husband to see his reaction. It was a moment where I feel like she was thinking, “should I pinch myself? Is this real?” I should ask her if that was what she was thinking, but I think that’s part of a natural response to becoming a parent.

mom looking at dad's reaction

We moved this little sweetie three times during her nap and she would rouse each time, but her mama had all of the soothing tricks down and could easily help her baby fall back asleep.

working her mommy magic to help her baby fall asleep

When they were pregnant, they chose not to find out the baby’s gender and decorated the nursery with an outer space theme. What a beautiful and creative idea to inspire their little girl as she explores her world!

mom and baby in nursery

My friend has many talents and this planetary mobile is one of her many inspiring creations!

outer space themed nursery