There’s something so special about watching a family grow—especially when you’ve been there from the very beginning. Sweet Samuel’s newborn session marked the third newborn session I’ve photographed this beautiful family, and let me tell you, it never gets old. From Liam’s newborn session (their firstborn!) to now, this mama has always made photos a priority because she knows just how quickly time flies.

(Mama’s maternity session with big bro linked here!)

Now that these parents have done 3 newborn sessions – I’d say they are now veteran experts on what matters most! One thing they have learned to prioritize is keeping things simple and stress-free. For them – this has meant no outfit changes, no overcomplicated setups—just love, snuggles, and real-life moments. The goal? Get one solid photo of everyone smiling and looking at the camera, and then let the rest be relaxed and natural. And honestly? Those real-life interactions—the little hand squeezes, the way big brother sneaks a peek at baby, the tender moments between mom and dad—are the ones that will tug at your heartstrings for years to come.

This laid-back approach is especially helpful when there’s a toddler in the mix. Let’s be honest, two & three year-olds aren’t known for sitting still and posing, and that’s okay! Instead of forcing perfection, we let big brother & sister be themselves, and that gave us the sweetest, most genuine moments. Those little glimpses of personality? They’re everything.

If you’re an expecting mama, take a note from this seasoned pro—prioritize these early days because they slip away faster than we’d like. Whether it’s your first, second, or third baby, each stage is worth remembering.

Ready to book your own newborn session? Reach out here to get started! And if you’re looking for inspiration, check out my Pinterest board here for more ideas!