When you think of a newborn session, you’re probably imagining peaceful photos of your baby wrapped like a little burrito, sleeping soundly in their bassinet. A few close-ups of their tiny toes and sleepy eyelashes.
You’re not wrong; we are absolutely going to get those shots. They are adorable, and you need them (if you’re a first-time mom you’ll just have to trust me that ‘need’ is not an exaggeration).
But having been a newborn photographer in Clarksville, TN for over 10 years, I’m going to expand your definition. The session isn’t actually about the baby…
Okay, it’s a little about the baby. But mostly? It’s about your family as a whole.
It’s about the fact that your entire world just turned upside down (in the best way possible), and your family dynamic has completely changed overnight. Here is why we need to focus on the whole crew, not just the tiny new roommate.
Your ‘New Mom Mode’
Whether this is your first baby or you’re adding to your roster, the postpartum season is... a lot. You’re tired, you’re recovering, and you’re tired. Like REALLY tired.
Your brain is NOT primed for the safekeeping of memories right now. And this transitional time of adding to your family is short. Just read the captions of the first photo post of the ‘new’ whole family and you’ll see it: “We can’t imagine life without them!”
For first-time moms, I’m looking for the moments that show you officially growing into your new role. For veteran moms, it’s that intangible truth: The love you’re capable of doesn’t split between your children; it only grows.
You deserve to have photos of you snuggling your toddler while your baby snoozes in their milk coma.
Seeing Your Partner as a "Dad"
Is there anything better than seeing your partner suddenly turn into a total softie?
You think you know your partner, and then you see them holding a 7-pound baby with terrified, gentle hands, and it’s like meeting a whole new version of them. It’s a side of their personality you haven’t seen before.
Catching the pride, the protectiveness, the "I promise I won't drop them"—is honestly priceless. It documents the moment you two stopped being just a couple and started being a parenting team.
LIFELONG FRIENDS
If you have older kids, you know that introducing a new baby is a roll of the dice. Will they kiss the baby? Will they ignore the baby? Will they try to share their half-eaten cracker with the baby?
These are my absolute favorite moments to photograph.
I’m never looking for perfect poses here. This is the start of the longest friendship of their lives. I want to freeze the sense of curiosity and care as a big brother pokes a tiny toe, or a big sister feeling like a giant next to the new arrival. These are the very first pages of their friendship story, and it is so fun to watch (and photograph) as it unfolds.
Furbabies are in the mix too! They are another wild card: will they be protective? motherly? weirded out? When they’ve been Mom and Dad’s one and only (until now) their dynamic changes too.
YOUR NEW ‘US’
Fast forward a few years. Your teeny baby will have doubled in size, and you’ll finally be getting a full night’s sleep again (sometimes… fingers crossed).
When you look back at these photos with them, you won't just say, "Look how small you were." You'll say, "Look how in love with you we are."
You’re saving that feeling of your cup overflowing. And I can’t think of a better reason to battle the exhaustion and invite someone into your life for a few hours.
I’d love to be your Newborn Photographer
If you are looking for a newborn photographer in Clarksville, TN who has a heart for family connections, and not just the baby sleeping, I’m your girl.
Let’s celebrate this family milestone moment. Connect with me here to get started!