In 2016, a charming man named James reached out to me about photographing his engagement proposal to his girlfriend, Emily. Despite the icy winter chill, James wanted to pop the question right after Emily’s white coat celebration since lots of family would be around to celebrate afterwards. He wanted to take pictures at the picturesque waterfront behind the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The frigid air coming off the water provided them with solitude; hardly anyone ventured outside. I immediately sensed their undeniable connection.
Fast forward to 2023, and I had the honor of capturing their first pregnancy announcement. We were gifted with beautiful weather that day! Witnessing how their bond deepened was heartwarming; they radiated joy during our maternity shoot. Maternity session are great for couples to spend some quality time with each other before their relationship goes through a monumental change plus it celebrates such a huge life event. Documenting this precious time allows couples to cherish each other before welcoming new life into their world!
Finding a beautiful location for a photoshoot is very satisfying. However, photographing families in their home is my favorite thing. I love seeing families surrounded with the multitude of decisions that makes their house into a home that reflects their values, beliefs, and style. One of the best parts of a newborn session is seeing how they designed their nursery. Emily and James did not disappoint when I came to their home for their newborn session. The use a of a beautiful mural style wallpaper complimented with lovely furniture and accessories, this is a room that a parent and child can feel at peace, at home, and loved.
Now that you’ve seen the nursery, I can’t forget to introduce James and Emily’s brand new baby girl, who I will refer to as {C} since she is a child. She was such an easy baby to photograph.
Before having their first child, many couples expand their family with a pet. Emily and James adopted a scrappy little dog named, Speedy, before they had their first born. Speedy is absolutely adorable but a little anxious. When I first met Speedy, he was just getting used to the newest family member in the home. He was both protective and curious. He made me laugh all morning because he repeatedly wanted to be included in the photos.
Lastly, we moved downstairs for a few more shots. We started in the hallway and got an adorable picture of Mom and Dad adoringly looking at each other as well as their precious baby girl.
My favorite moment was when we took some pictures on the bottom of the stairs and Speedy was manically poking his head in between Mom and Dad so he could see {C} from all angles and be included. We were in stitches.
When I came back almost a year later to photograph {C} 1st birthday, I was greeted by a spunky one year old. She was standing at the door waiting for me to come in the house and I had so much fun hanging out with her all morning. I mean look at this face!!!
Father and daughter are sitting in the same chair as in the newborn photos but now they can read a book together plus look how big baby girl has gotten.
Since she has a summer time birthday, we were able to easily go outside and play in the yard. Just like for the maternity session, we got a beautiful day. Perfect for being barefoot on the lawn.
While outside the cake for the cake smash arrived. Yum!!!!
Back inside and it was the big moment. Free reign to entire cake! I think she liked it.
Just like during the newborn session, we took some photos at the bottom of their stairs. Speedy was less involved this session but you can still see him peeking out in one of the photos.
During this photosession, I did get some wonderful news. This family of three was becoming a family of four!!!
Fast forward from summer to winter and we documented this maternity session at home by the warmth of a glowing Christmas tree. Personally, I am obsessed with Christmas tree lighting and had so much fun using the tree as my main source of lighting. Plus kids in pjs are also one of the cutest things around.
Mom had one of those 3d ultrasounds done and the image came out so clear. Please note that the tree has lights and ribbons, no ornaments. These first time parents are very smart.
Much like the quality time that mom and dad spent with each other during the first maternity session, this maternity session allowed mom and dad to both document and celebrate their first born before the new sibling came into the picture.
Of course I needed to make sure that Mom and Dad get a few moments of quality time between just the two of them…something that can be hard to accomplish with little ones around.
A few weeks later I returned to photograph baby number two, who I am going to call {E}. Check out this beautiful baby girl.
Baby toes are the cutest.
We spent time in nursery number two. Similiar to her big sisters with a twist but just as beautiful. A great spot for this family of four to spend some quality time together.
Mom created this beautiful wall above the dresser/changing station that was the best backdrop for family photos.
Seeing a Father hold their little baby is such a heart tugging dichotomy. {E} looks even tinier when held by Dad. How sweet are these two together?
Even though this was “technically” a newborn session, love and attention always needs to be given to the first born. It is amazing to see how much she has grown since the last time I photographed her in her crib.
One of the best parts of doing a family photoshoot is to see the things that are important to your child at this stage of life and what your home looks like at that age. Having this little jungle gym area is perfect for a one year old to get out their energy. Over time, these toys will be swapped out with something more challenging and eventually removed altogether, but for now, the formal living room is her playground.
Much like two of the previous sessions, we took a picture at the bottom of the stairs. I love repeating these little traditions to truly document the passage of time and the growing of their family.
