Lifestyle Newborn Session in Nursery

Welcome to the world, Carter August! To document his arrival home, Carter’s parents and I planned a lifestyle newborn session in his nursery at home. This little boy’s nursery is simple and sweet, full of neutral colors and darling accents. It was the perfect space to photograph him, his parents, and his big fur brother! No matter how many times I capture a lifestyle newborn session, it will always feel so special to me. 

Photographing newborns in their nursery is super meaningful. Parents put so much energy, time, and love into preparing the nursery while they wait for baby! You’re creating the very first space that your baby will know as “home” and that’s magical. Families take the time to select the furniture, paint the walls, and decorate with special little details all for their new love. 

Alyssa, Carter’s mama, made a beautiful felted mobile with black labs and stars, knowing that her son’s first best friend was going to be their black lab, Lincoln. She spent months lovingly working on this and dreaming about her sweet baby boy. How special is it now to see her holding him and rocking him in this very nursery, while he watches the shapes of his mobile swirl overhead? 

Carter August, you are so incredibly loved. Thank you to his trio for welcoming me to your home. It was beautiful and your session was wonderful! I’m so happy for you all! 

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Lifestyle newborn portraits for baby #3

Three years ago, I photographed this beautiful family in their home when their middle daughter, Sloane, arrived. It was so special to return back to their home to capture the arrival of their newest little girl, Baby Blake! I could hardly believe how big Sloane and big brother Jack were, too. Time truly does fly by! 

This family’s home has such a neutral and boho inspired vibe. I absolutely love photography in this space. It’s got the best light and the space truly makes my job easy! One of the things mom wanted to do while I was there was recreate some portraits from Sloane’s session with Baby Blake. I’m always a huge fan of families doing this - it creates such a unique connection between portrait sessions. But, I don’t think that she nor I were quite ready for how emotional it would make us, seeing both of her big siblings loving on Baby Blake! 

While we spent most of their lifestyle newborn session in their living room, we also spent a little time in Blake’s nursery. I adored their beautiful Moses basket - it’s a favorite for me in the studio, so I was pleased to see theirs in the nursery! We also captured some sweet photos of Blake and her big siblings in her crib. One of my tricks for creating a new “sheet” in the crib is to add your favorite swaddle blanket, tuck it around the edges, and I’ll clone in the rest later on. This is such a great trick to be able to keep your little one swaddled and show off your favorite blankets during this time! 

To the sweet T family, thank you for asking me to capture these beautiful moments for your growing family. I loved meeting Baby Blake and seeing all of your sweet babies. I hope that you’ll treasure these portraits forever - I know that they’ll hold a special spot in my heart.

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Lifestyle Newborn Session with Toddler in Saratoga Springs

Krystie and Andrew recently welcomed baby Bennett Cyril to the world! I’ve been honored to document this family’s milestones ever since they welcomed their first baby (Easton) into their family, and this time they chose to do a lifestyle newborn session in the comfort of their home to capture these special moments as they welcome their second boy boy home. I loved getting to see them again - and spend time in their beautiful Saratoga Springs home. 

Krystie and Andrew’s home is absolutely gorgeous. It’s got a wonderful light-filled nursery and master bedroom, so figuring out where to capture Bennett’s newborn portraits was a no brainer! Easton was a great sport and snuggled with Bennett in his beautiful wooden crib for me. He was honestly a great big brother our entire session. Lifestyle newborn sessions are wonderful for big siblings, especially toddlers. They can take a break, hang out in their favorite spaces, show me their toys, and even enjoy a snack. It definitely helps them feel more relaxed and excited to be part of the portraits. 

After spending time in Bennett’s nursery, we captured a few portraits of the whole family on Krystie and Andrew’s bed. I loved watching Easton snuggle with his brother! He was so sweet. We finished up the session in their living room. They had the most beautiful built-in shelves and window light - so it turned out to be a perfect spot for their newest family portraits. 

Congratulations to this sweet family! I’m so happy for you all and I loved getting to meet Baby Bennett! I’m so excited to watch him grow and to see Easton settle into his role as big brother. It’s going to be a wonderful adventure.

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A lifestyle newborn session in a mountain-themed nursery

Welcome to the world,  Maverick Henry! I’m so happy to have been able to meet Stephanie and Matt’s sweet new baby boy. They recently came to my studio for maternity portraits, and I was so excited for their lifestyle newborn session. We knew that we wanted to capture Maverick’s newborn portraits at home, in the coziness of his nursery. 

One of the reasons that we wanted to plan a lifestyle session is because Matt is a painter. He hand-painted the incredible mountains on the walls by hand. Stephanie and Matt’s inspiration for the nursery came from the Adirondacks, which is perfect since we live so close! Maverick’s entire nursery was simply beautiful, full of blues and greens. It’s definitely a wonderful space to welcome their first baby boy home to. 

During their lifestyle newborn session, I also got to meet Cash and Cleo, Stephanie and Matt’s two fur babies. They were so precious and very interested in their new little brother. I loved watching them want to be nearby, and hang close during our portraits. Adding your fur babies into your portraits is always a fun perk of a lifestyle session!! 

Maverick, it’s clear you are very loved. Your mom and dad absolutely adore you, and so do your fur siblings. I can’t wait to watch you grow, little guy! 

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An in-home lifestyle newborn session with two big brothers

Welcome to the world, ‌Ella Kate! This sweet girl is so loved and we marked her arrival with an in-home lifestyle newborn session. I’ve been photographing this family since her big brother Miles turned one, and I love capturing portraits for this sweet family year after year and seeing the boys grow into their roles as big brothers. This session was extra special for all of us, too, because Ella is their rainbow baby. She is SO loved and so celebrated. 

We focused on capturing a lot of her portraits in the nursery. Since she’s their rainbow baby, they made the nursery so vibrant and beautiful. I loved all of the rainbow touches, from the tassels on the curtains to the abacus to the sheets and the watercolor mural on the wall. It's so beautiful and a wonderful way to honor their journey with this sweet girl. 

While I loved the nursery, I think I loved the moments with Miles and Oscar even more. They were both so gentle with their new baby sister, as they held her and snuggled near the crib. There’s just something so wonderful about watching new siblings be together. 

If you’re welcoming a new baby this year, consider a lifestyle newborn session! 

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In-Home Lifestyle Newborn Portraits at Christmastime

World, meet Lucas.

This sweet baby boy is proof that miracles really do happen. His mama is one of my closest friends, and we all waited and wished and hoped for his arrival for a very long time. After working as a newborn photographer for over a decade, I truly have such respect and awe for each family’s unique journey to parenthood. For so many families, mine included, the road is long and rough and filled with some twists and turns that break your heart. But when it ends with a sweet little bundle like this boy right here? It makes it all worth it.

Katie and I have known each other for about 15 years. We worked together when I was an elementary teacher in Massachusetts, and then fate brought us back together as roommates in Boston a few years later. We both wound up marrying Jeffs, and you can often hear us refer to “my Jeff” or “your Jeff” in conversation to keep it from getting too confusing. ;o)

We had many conversations about their journey to parenthood, and a few years ago I told Katie that I had had a dream about her the night before. She and I were sitting in front of a Christmas tree holding a baby. I couldn’t tell from the dream whose baby it was or whose lap the baby was on, but I felt certain that it was hers and we took it as a positive sign. For years, that dream kept popping up in both of our minds and gave her a glimmer of hope that good things happen around Christmastime.

And then one day she told me she was pregnant and due at the end of November. She was having her Christmas tree baby!

Katie’s sweet baby boy did not want a November birthday, so he held on until the wee hours of December 1 to start making his arrival into the world known. From the very beginning, or even before the very beginning, he was destined to be a holiday baby.

But the funny thing about that dream is how I couldn’t tell whose baby it was that we were holding. Because as I sat in front of my own Christmas tree holding my own little six-month-old girl while looking at a photo of Lucas that Katie had just texted to me, I realized that it was BOTH OF US with our babies in front of that tree.

I went out to visit Katie & Jeff to document this milestone for their family with a lifestyle portrait session in their home. My little Adelaide came along as my “assistant” and she got to meet her new friend Lucas. Katie and Jeff’s Christmas decor was up, which was the perfect touch to bring this story full circle. I love how you can even see a hint of a window wreath in the nursery portraits! After we finished their portraits, we sat in front of their tree with our babies and we just savored this long-awaited moment.

It’s funny how life works, isn’t it?

Enjoy a peek into this cozy at-home newborn session with this sweet family!

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Lifestyle newborn portraits for baby brother in Saratoga Springs

There’s nothing I love more about this job than working with a family year after year as they grow and welcome new family members. I remember when these sweet parents were pregnant and expecting their first baby. Now, they’ve got a new baby boy and are about to sell their gorgeous home to move to Texas. It’s not an exaggeration to say I’ll miss them, but I’m glad we were able to capture their first weeks as a family of four in their house!

It was so special to welcome Brooks William home, especially because just 2.5 years ago, we did a session in this house with his big sister, Georgia. We photographed her and her parents on their front porch in the summer. I love knowing that they will always have portraits of their babies in their first home!

Brooks William was a joy to photograph. He is such a sweet baby and definitely wanted to be awake a lot of his session - so much to look at! Everyone got a chance to cuddle with him, especially Georgia - who was excited to show me her new baby brother! We worked in his nursery, his parents’ room and made sure to photograph everyone (and their dog!) on the porch, too. I’m so happy I had the chance to see everyone again before they head to Texas!!

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Newborn portraits in a beautiful mauve and floral nursery

Reagan Ann has made her appearance in the world! Alexandra, Dan, and Baby Lincoln are over the moon with their newest family member - and I don’t blame them. When I had the chance to meet her during their lifestyle newborn session, I was instantly in love. This sweet baby girl is SO loved and can we just talk about her nursery?! Her nursery was just gorgeous! Alexandra and Dan chose a mauve and gold color scheme with floral accents and it’s beautiful. I’m so happy we were able to do her portraits in their nursery. What a special memory!

Lincoln’s not quite sure about being a big brother yet but he loved getting to hug mama and look at his little sister. These early moments at home are so precious. I’m thrilled I was able to capture these newborn portraits for Reagan Ann and her sweet family!

Can’t get enough of them? Check out Alexandra’s maternity portraits below!

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A Lifestyle newborn session with Albany Newborn Photographer

I first met this family three years ago when they welcomed their daughter into their family. They reached out when Baby #2 was born, and I was excited to join them for another lifestyle newborn session in their beautiful home. And this time with big sister Emerson!

We captured so many sweet moments for this family of four in their home. Baby Madeline’s nursery is the same as her big sister’s was three years ago, and I had a sense of deja vu capturing parent portraits in that cozy little blush pink room. The best part was watching how excited and proud Emerson was with her new baby sister, and she gave us so many beautiful smiles while holding her new sister!

Oh my goodness, those little tiptoes melt my heart! Big sis was so excited to peek in on Baby Madeline, and mom and dad told me that she loves bringing her step stool into the bedroom to look into the crib. Of course we had to document this for the family to remember forever!

It’s always so sweet and unexpected when clients email me a thank you, and I loved getting this note in my inbox. I’m truly thankful for all of the amazing families that I am lucky enough to work with, and I couldn’t love this job any more!

It’s perfect! We can’t wait to have the album. Thank you so much for everything. We feel so fortunate to have had you capture these moments with both of girls that we will have forever.

Wondering how I got started as a newborn photographer? Read more here!

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Welcoming Baby Home - A Cozy Lifestyle Newborn Session in Saratoga Springs

There is nothing sweeter than an in-home lifestyle newborn session, and I loved every second with Baby John’s family as they welcomed their sweet boy home and showered him with love and kisses. His two big sisters adore him, and it was beautiful to watch them interact with their new brother and with each other. We had such a wonderful time and I truly enjoyed spending the morning with this family capturing and intimate peek into their lives at home with their new baby.

The crib is always one of my favorite spots for newborn portraits, and when it’s filled with creamy neutrals like this one, it’s truly the perfect spot to capture all of that newborn sweetness while still keeping the focus on the baby.

What a proud big sister! She was so excited for her new role as “big sister,” and I know she’s going to love her baby brother soooooo much!

Besides a few swaddles, I don’t bring any props to a lifestyle newborn session. We work with what you’ve got, which usually means incorporating your rugs and bedding as “backdrops” in your portraits. Here the three kids laid down on the nursery rug for this portrait, and later I posed the baby on the blue rug in the master bedroom. Simple & sweet!

This special pillow was made from their grandfather’s shirt, and it was extra sentimental to incorporate it into Baby John’s portraits.

No lifestyle newborn session is complete without a few little monkeys jumping on the bed!

Wondering if a lifestyle newborn session is the right fit for your family? Check out the helpful tips in this blog post to see if this might be just what you’re looking for in your portrait session!

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At Home with Baby | A Lifestyle Family Portrait Session in Saratoga Springs

Have you noticed more and more of your friends’ portrait sessions take place in their home? And not in their home with a flimsy backdrop set up, but on their couch, cuddled up on their bed, playing on the floor in the nursery, or sharing a snack at the kitchen counter.

You might be asking yourself, what’s the deal? Are these lifestyle sessions just trendy right now?

But no. They’re not trendy, they’re timeless.

These portraits show your family at home, in your space that is so uniquely you, cuddled up together and just loving on your children. These are family portraits that show you relaxed and having fun, and personality is infused into everything from the decor and the outfits to the tickles and the smiles. These sessions make my heart skip a beat because they are just so much fun, for families AND for me!

I absolutely loved being invited into this sweet family’s home to capture the three of them loving on their little girl at almost 12 months old! Little miss Avery truly lights up their world, and there was so much joy in watching her smile, giggle, and push herself.

Plus, my favorite thing about going into a family’s home for a lifestyle portrait session is finding beautiful little corners of their home with gorgeous light, and this family’s home was filled with amazing spots for them to cuddle up for portraits!

Ahhhhh, just look at those bright, sparkly eyes! What a beauty!

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A Lifestyle Newborn Session in a Dreamy Nursery in Rexford, NY

Oh my goodness!  Can I just live in this beautiful nursery?  I fell in love with the great big windows and the sunlight streaming in, plus everything was decorated so beautifully and serene.  

Little Luciano's newborn session was an absolute dream.  This tiny little sweetheart was wide-eyed and curious, checking out everything going on around him, resulting in some beautiful awake portraits.  

These backlit family portraits are always my favorites during our newborn sessions, and Luciano seemed to know this and decided to give amazing eye contact during his family portraits.  Just look at how alert he is!

He enjoyed all of the snuggles with mom and dad, and their two dogs (Romeo & Juliet) even joined in for a few portraits!

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Did you love this session? 

Check out Baby Harry's lifestyle newborn session with his two dogs, too!

Saratoga Springs Lifestyle Newborn Session with Big Sisters

Baby Harry was welcomed home by the cutest big sisters, and I love the excitement that they brought to our lifestyle newborn session in Saratoga Springs!  

This very special family moved into their new home just in time to welcome home a tiny little brother.  It was all blank walls and huge windows with lots of natural light streaming through, perfect for capturing these moments and newborn cuddles on camera!

Little Sister Ruthie took a little convincing to get in the photos (it's tough becoming a big sister and realizing you're not the baby anymore!), but once she did, she had the BIGGEST smile on her face and was so excited to love on her baby brother!

Big sister Havah was such a little mother, and she melted all of our hearts when she cuddled up to Harry to tell him how much she loved him.  

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Did you love this lifestyle newborn session?
Check out Ronan's session with his adorable big brother here!

Product feature - Welcome Home Baby Blair | A Lifestyle Session in Our Linen Storybook Album

Now that we have a little one of our own, our keepsake albums are even more special to me.  I truly love being able to hold all of our favorite memories in my hands, flipping through the pages of a beautifully bound book and feeling the linen cover beneath my fingers as I trace the debossed words on the cover.

These are such beautiful keepsakes, and our albums stole my heart long ago.  Today we're showcasing this beautiful lifestyle newborn session in our Sand linen storybook album.

Album details:
8x8 Storybook Album
Linen color: Sand
Font color: Rose Gold

One of my favorite behind-the-scenes tasks as a business owner is album design.  I truly enjoy weaving together all of your favorite photos across the pages of a book to tell your story, trying different combinations and layouts to get it just right while showcasing your beautiful family.

These albums are perfect for our lifestyle sessions because the sessions are true STORYTELLING sessions.  You might not hang every portrait on the wall, and that's okay!  But the moments are ones that you're not going to want to forget, and it's so special to be able to preserve them and relive them through the pages of your family's album.

There are 5 beautiful linen cover options to choose from so you'll be able to find the perfect shade to suit your style.  A few of the most classic ones are Tundra (a smooth dark gray), Sand (the beachy beige shown here), and Tusk (a creamy white). 

Plus we can deboss your baby's name & birthdate on the cover, or your family name & the year for a family session!  The debossing options are silver, gold, and rose gold -- the album in this blog post is done in rose gold, which is one of my favorite combinations with the sand linen.

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Curious about our other keepsake products?  We truly believe that you'll enjoy your memories more when they are printed -- check out a few of our options here!

The Wooden Keepsake Box
Heirloom Wooden Wall Art
Accordion Albums
Birth Announcements
Thank You Cards
The Storybook Album

Welcome Home, Vivian Jane: A Lifestyle Newborn Session with Saratoga Springs Newborn Photographer

Lifestyle sessions always steal my heart.  There is something so magical about being invited into a family's home to capture their quiet moments together as they welcome their brand new baby into the family, and I love visiting them in their space and documenting these moments for them to show their children one day that THIS is the space we brought you home to when you were born. 

Even if they change houses and move states, there is something so amazing about that first home that holds so many newborn memories for them.  The first cuddles, the first smiles.  So many late night feedings, and quiet moments just watching your baby breathe in and out when they're (finally!) asleep.  The walls are filled with stories, and it's always an honor to be invited into their space to capture the beginning of this new love story for their family.

Vivian Jane's house was filled with natural light, and we started off in the bedroom with a simple wrap and a knit blanket that I brought from the studio.  Her mom bought a few headbands before the session for a sweet girly touch.  

Family portraits are always my favorite during our lifestyle newborn sessions at home.  Tina & Curtis cuddled up on the bed with their baby girl, and we captured some quiet moments of the three of them together.  

Are you wondering where in your house we might capture a few portraits?  If you have a sliding door, there's a pretty good chance we'll go there for lots of natural light to flood your portraits!  I love these moments we captured in their living room that show their beautiful bond with their new daughter, and a hint at their style with their furniture and decor showing in the background. 

Check out a few recent lifestyle sessions for some at-home newborn inspiration!

John Aldrich
Connor James
How to Know if a Lifestyle Session is Right for You