If you’re expecting a baby, chances are you’re already making a lot of decisions.
When should you schedule newborn photos? What should everyone wear? Will your baby cooperate? And how do you find a photographer whose style feels like you?
As a newborn photographer with nearly two decades of experience working with growing families, my goal is simple: to make this part easy.
The newborn days pass in a blur of feedings, snuggles, and very little sleep. My job is to create beautiful, meaningful photographs while helping you feel relaxed, comfortable, and cared for throughout the process.
If you’re wondering what it’s like to work together, here’s exactly what you can expect.
Step One: Planning Ahead
Because newborn sessions are best photographed within the first few weeks after birth, most families reserve their session during pregnancy. (If you’re wondering about timing, I’ve written a helpful guide on when to schedule newborn photos.)
Once your session is reserved, we’ll spend a little time planning.
We’ll discuss:
- your vision for the session
- the overall look and feel you’re drawn to
- wardrobe selections for everyone
- any special images you’d love to create
This doesn’t need to be complicated. My goal is simply to help you feel prepared so that once your baby arrives, you can focus on soaking up those first precious days.
Step Two: A Calm, Cozy Studio Experience
One of the things parents tell me they appreciate most is not having to prepare their home for photos.
My natural light studio in Wake Forest is stocked with everything we need for a successful newborn session, including wraps, blankets, newborn accessories, and a carefully curated wardrobe for moms and babies.
When you arrive, there is no rush.
We’ll follow your baby’s lead, allowing plenty of time for feeding, soothing, cuddling, and breaks as needed. Newborn sessions are intentionally slow and relaxed because babies don’t work on a schedule – and that’s perfectly okay.
Step Three: Natural, Connection-Focused Portraits
Many parents worry they’ll feel awkward in front of the camera.
The good news? You don’t need to know what to do.
I’ll gently guide you throughout the session, helping you settle into natural interactions that feel genuine rather than overly posed.
My style is soft, timeless, and connection-focused. Rather than elaborate props or complicated setups, I focus on the relationships that matter most: the way your baby curls into your chest, the tiny fingers wrapped around yours, and the quiet moments you’ll want to remember years from now.
Your only job is to love on your baby.
Step Four: Wardrobe Support (So You Don’t Have to Stress)
Let’s be honest—shopping for photos while pregnant or caring for a newborn is not most people’s idea of fun.
To make things easier, I offer wardrobe guidance before your session and access to my studio wardrobe for moms and babies.
Together, we’ll choose clothing that photographs beautifully and allows the focus to remain where it belongs: on your family and your connection with one another.
Step Five: Viewing Your Images
After your session, I’ll carefully hand-edit your gallery and prepare it for viewing.
Instead of scheduling a separate ordering appointment, you’ll receive an online gallery where you can view your images, choose your favorites, and select the collection that best fits your family.
My image collections include digital images along with a print credit because I believe both matter.
Digital images are wonderful for sharing with friends and family, preserving your memories, and building your family’s archive.
But I also believe photographs deserve to be enjoyed beyond a phone screen.
Research has shown that children who see photographs of themselves displayed in their home develop a stronger sense of belonging and connection. That’s one reason every collection includes a print credit, giving you the flexibility to enjoy your images digitally while also creating something tangible for your home.
And if you need help deciding what to print, I’m always happy to offer guidance.
Why Families Choose this Approach
Some photographers offer a completely DIY experience. Others provide extensive design appointments and product consultations.
My approach lives somewhere in the middle.
You’ll receive expert guidance, thoughtful planning, wardrobe support, and a relaxed experience from beginning to end – but without a complicated process or multiple appointments.
It’s simple, intentional, and designed for busy parents who want beautiful photographs without adding one more thing to their already-full plate.
From Overwhelmed to Confident
The newborn season is fleeting.
One day you’re counting kicks and wondering when labor will begin. The next, you’re watching your baby stretch, yawn, and slowly grow out of those tiny newborn features.
My goal is to help you preserve this chapter in a way that feels easy, meaningful, and true to your family.
Many families choose to begin with a newborn session, while others choose the First Year Anthology to document pregnancy, newborn days, and baby’s first year as a cohesive story.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’re expecting and would like to learn more about newborn photography, I’d love to hear from you.
You can explore my newborn portfolio, view current pricing, and learn more about the experience by visiting my newborn photography page.
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Hi, I’m Christy. For more than 17 years, I’ve photographed the fleeting seasons of pregnancy, newborn days, and baby’s first year for families throughout Raleigh, Wake Forest, and the surrounding Triangle area. My work is known for its soft, light-filled style and relaxed approach, helping families preserve the first chapter of their baby’s story in a way that feels beautiful, meaningful, and true.
