Session Share: A Studio Newborn

12 Jun Session Share: A Studio Newborn

There’s something incredibly special about documenting a family’s first days with their newest member. Lauren and Matthew’s session was layered with profound meaning after their previous heartbreak of losing their firstborn’s newborn images. Unfortunately, their previous photographer lost their newborn images and waited to tell them until Henry was 3 months old. This caused a sense of distrust and anxiety for Lauren especially. As photographers, we know all too well the weight of such responsibility—we’re not just creating photos but preserving irreplaceable memories that will outlive us all.

Our Inspiration

The inspiration behind this session was two-fold: healing and authenticity. When Lauren shared her story of previously losing her newborn images, it immediately set the tone for our approach. I wanted to create a safe harbor for this kind family—a session that felt less like a structured photoshoot and more like a gentle documentation of their new reality.

The light, organic aesthetic we pursued wasn’t just a style choice, but a narrative one. The soft blue floral dress from my studio wardrobe, paired with the crisp white bedding and neutral wraps, created a timeless canvas that kept the focus exactly where it belonged—on their connections and emotions.

Favorite Element: Big Brother Moments

As photographers, we know that including toddlers in newborn sessions can feel like choreographing an unpredictable dance. Three-year-old Henry’s natural hesitation became one of my favorite elements to work with rather than against.

The images where Henry leans in to kiss his brother’s head or gently touches his nose tell a more authentic story than any perfectly posed portrait could. These fleeting interactions—captured in those split-second windows when a toddler’s curiosity overcomes their reluctance—are what transform our work from documentation to storytelling.

The technical approach here was patience and preparedness. My camera settings were dialed in for quick movements, and I maintained constant awareness of the changing dynamics, ready to capture those moments of connection when they naturally emerged.

Biggest Challenge: Creating Trust

The most significant challenge wasn’t technical but emotional: creating images worthy of a family who had experienced the loss of their previous newborn memories. My approach was to over-communicate the entire process, from backup procedures to delivery timelines. I entered their session with a calm confidence that I believe was much appreciated by Lauren. Ensuring they could relax and enjoy authentic moments with their family, rather than concern over their toddler’s behavior, was most important to me.

Final Thoughts

What struck me most about this session was how the act of photography itself became a healing ritual for this family. As Lauren visibly relaxed into the experience, I was reminded of our profound responsibility as memory-keepers. As photographers, we sometimes focus so intensely on technical perfection or stylistic trends that we forget the emotional archaeology of our work. This session was a powerful reminder that our cameras don’t just capture images—they capture healing, new beginnings, and restored faith in the permanence of memory.

For those working with families who have experienced previous disappointment with photography, remember that your calm confidence is as important as your technical skill. When Lauren emailed me after her session saying, “You made the entire thing so comfortable,” she wasn’t just complimenting my personality—she was acknowledging that comfort creates the conditions for authentic moments to emerge. In the end, these images aren’t just beautiful portraits; they’re tangible proof that this family’s story continues, that joy persists even after disappointment.

This post was written by Brittney Lear of Brittney Lear Photography.