I love newborn sessions. They’re so laid back. Second (third, fourth) babies are always fun, too, because the older kids get to be involved as well! I like to time the sessions so older siblings are either just waking up from a nap or are coming home from school about an hour into the session. It gives us time to focus on the new baby and lets the older siblings feel like they are a part of the action, too.
New babies, new babies. Is there anything better?
Yes, one thing: New siblings of now-grown babies I’ve previously photographed! I love seeing how siblings look similar and different. And it’s always fun to see second timer parents who are able to relax a bit and enjoy the bumpy, hectic ride of having a new baby in the house.
Sweet little baby I was so sweet during her session- she slept almost the entire time, with just a brief little wakeup to eat. Her parents and brother are very lucky to have her! And, of course, if you have a dog, the dog’s going on my website. Not sorry!
I was super excited to follow up with this lovely family- we’d taken photos in the fall while they were expecting their second son, and he came just in time for bluebonnets! We took a few photos at home and then popped over to Timbergrove to take some flower photos. I am so glad we did, because the light was amazing!
My favorite thing about newborns: when you go to someone’s house and they’ve just had a baby, it’s like entering a parallel dimension. Everyone is so calm, so happy, and so engaged in the moment. As kids get older, there’s so much movement and excitement that it’s hard to stop and really enjoy the details. This time, (luckily for me!), I got quiet time with the baby and fun time with her big brother!
Sometimes parents want to get newborn sessions but find they are too busy, overwhelmed, or distracted to take photos when they first come home. Imagine that! Like there aren’t a bunch of new things to do with a baby or something! Alessi’s parents contacted me when she was a few months old. We were able to get great squishy baby photos while also documenting her in a little-more-awake, little-more-engaged mood. I love these images and this beautiful baby!
One of my favorite parts of this business is the relationship I share with my clients. I have the privilege of seeing repeat clients’ children growing up, learning new things, and getting siblings! This was the case with this family, who have been clients since their son was a newborn. I was so happy to photograph little Alice, and I can’t wait to see them again soon!
I was so excited when my friend called to tell me their baby had arrived! These images were taken last March, and you wouldn’t believe how much this kiddo has grown! I love these newborn sessions- I get to visit people in their homes and talk to them during those magical early moments when their entire lives are changing. I know that’s sappy, and I don’t care! I love it!
Here are a few of my favorite shots from February 2016! It was hard to narrow it down, but I really loved these sessions. The weather was starting to get warm, and we welcomed a few new babies (and anticipated the arrival of one more!) and enjoyed a birthday or two.
I find myself being drawn to many of these images because I feel like they’re authentic expressions of moments- less formal and posed, and more about having fun or feeling love in the moment. My favorite sessions are ones where we work together to create special moments that are focused on the great emotions that come with raising kids: love, excitement, hilarity… It’s all good!
Overall, it was a wonderful month for Water Oak Families!
Okay, so we all know I’m not great at blogging on time. I’d love to talk about each session in depth, but I think it’s going to be easier for me to get caught up if I can change it up a bit. So let me show you a few of my favorite shots from January 2016.
The first three months of the year are historically slow for my business, because we’re coming right off holiday card season and everyone is recovering from the stress and travel. I was lucky to have a few adorable newborns, including one with a hilariously angry-looking cat! I was also very honored to shoot some maternity shots for dear friends of mine, who now have the sweetest little baby (you’ll see him later). Finally, I ended the month with a Valentine’s day photo booth. An unusual event for professional photos, maybe, but we had a super fun time and, aside from Halloween, it’s my favorite booth event I’ve done.
I’ve been asked about doing more booth events, because they’re so affordable for parents and you get some interesting shots. I’d love to do more of those, but my pregnancy has really reduced the amount of long days I can do! We’ll see how I’m feeling in January, perhaps.
(As always, click to enlarge these photos!)
This session is particularly special to me because I’ve known this couple for nearly 15 years! We were at the same residential college during our time at Rice. More importantly, I really connected with them because Brandi ended up in the antepartum ward at Texas Children’s Women’s Pavilion- the same place I spent 2 months while pregnant with my own son. I can’t imagine how hard it was for Brandi and her family, because she already had one son “on the ground”. We were able to do their photos in various areas in the hospital, which created an unusual and fun challenge.
And a few short months later, I was back with the family to photograph baby Matilda! She’s so sweet, and so loved by her family (especially her brother!). We’ll be seeing more of this lovely family with a bluebonnet session soon!
Last November, I had the chance to photograph a newborn session for little Meredith. This session was awesome- partly due to older sis being hilarious and fun, and partly due to Mom and Dad being super cool human beings (and also from Ohio, so bonus points!) Rock on, little Meredith! O-H! I-O!
We’ve had some serious rain down here in Texas, so what else is a gal to do but update the old blog? Ansel’s newborn session is being blogged out of order, because I just love it so much, I had to share it. 2016 has stood out as The Year of the Amazing Rugs and The Year of the Awesome Dogs. My clients are so stylish… And their pets are cracking me up! Ansel’s family is no exception. Enjoy!
Okay, here’s the big Holiday 2015 Superpost! I had so many images I wanted to share, but I narrowed it down to just a few… It was a wonderful season with old and new friends, and I am always so honored to be a part of people’s holiday cards and memories during that special time of year. Thanks to everyone who joined me for 2015!
I was so excited to meet sweet Josephine in May after her parents’ maternity session. And by December, when we did holiday photos, I was blown away by how much she’d grown! Sweet Josephine, I can’t wait to see you again!
And the photos from November:
It’s little Marcus! We met Marcus last April; I went to college with his parents, and was so excited to see such an owl-y Rice-y room! (Good job, guys!) Marcus was (and is) such a joy of a kiddo. I have his newborns below, as well as a few images from a mini session in December, AND a video I did for them! Lots to look at! Keep on being awesome, Marcus!
(As always, click to enlarge photos!)
The photo above is one of my all-time favorite newborn shots. Little Sarah was such an angel… So alert and sweet. She’s super lucky to have such an awesome big sister, too! I wanted to share her newborn session from June as well as a few shots from a family session we did this December… Six months later. You can see how big she’s gotten!
Six months later…
Who doesn’t love siblings?! Luke was one of my first Father’s Day mini sessions, and now look how big he is. I can’t believe it. And he has a little sister now, too! She’s a sweetie! I can’t wait to see if they look alike!
Little Sage is such a sweetheart! Her session was last February, and I got to hang out with her and her newly-minted older sister, Serena! Sage is part Turkish, so we got to do some fun shots with some of the evil eye stuff around the house. They also had some amazing matching pants with their names printed. Think they come in adult sizes? Welcome, Sage!
Back at the end of January, I did an indoor Valentine’s day “photobooth”. Parents could show up and see their kids in a few different setups: Valentine’s Day, Spring, or a Brick Wall option. They pay nothing to show up, but have the option to buy images from the gallery. I do something similar during Halloween. It’s a great way to get one or two shots for an otherwise minor holiday. We had a great time! Here are just a few shots:
Charlotte was born in October, so this post is WAY overdue! Charlotte is so sweet and slept through quite a bit of her session! Welcome Charlotte, I can’t believe you’re already six months old now!
Wow! Where have I been? Don’t I know I have a blog backlog to catch up?!
Here’s beautiful Covey, who is infinity times more grown up and beautiful now! Her mom and dad are a Longhorn and Aggie– I wonder who Covey will root for when she gets older?
Little Miss Mia wasn’t quite a newborn when we had this “newborn” session back in September. I really enjoy seeing babies at this age- around 2 to 3 months. Parents don’t often choose to do photos at this stage, but they’re missing out! Babies are really starting to get little personalities at this point. Enjoy!
As always, click to enlarge.
Something CRAZY happened… I had a baby! But before that, I was stuck in a hospital for 9 weeks… Being super pregnant and then stuck in a hospital is not good for a photographer, let me tell ya… But I’m back! And booking appointments!
Anyway, look at this kid! Today he’s a month old, and we did a few quick shots before the hungries took over.
It’s always an honor when someone chooses me to photograph the important moment in their lives– and especially exciting when I’m pushed to try something new! Our friends just had a baby, so we went over for fresh snuggles and a few shots!
