Documentary newborn photography Archives - CHICAGO WEDDING & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

A Morning With the Marchuk Family | Northwest Suburbs Newborn Photographer

As a Northwest suburbs newborn photographer there’s something about photographing a fellow photographer’s family that just hits different. You know they see the world the way you do the light, the details, the in-between moments that don’t get staged, only witnessed. So when the Marchuk family invited me into their home in Cary, IL for their newborn session, I knew it was going to be a good morning.

I’ve had the privilege of documenting so many first days and first weeks at home. But every family brings their own energy into the frame, and the Marchuks? They brought warmth, a little chaos, and a whole lot of love.

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A father gently kisses his sleeping newborn, both wrapped in soft white clothing, illuminated by warm natural light. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A family of four sitting together on a light-colored couch in a bright living room, with a globe and decorative vase in the background. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

Close-up of a sleeping newborn baby with a peaceful expression, wearing a cozy cream-colored knitted outfit. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

Lovely Morning as a Northwest Suburbs Newborn Photographer

Their oldest daughter is the kind of kid who makes a session. A gymnast with a personality bigger than the room, she was sweet and silly and completely herself from start to finish folding herself over her baby sibling on the bed, stealing kisses on her mom’s cheek, jumping on the bed with her arms stretched wide while mom and dad sat with the baby completely unbothered. That black and white of her mid-air? That’s the kind of frame I live for. Nobody posed that. That’s just her.

As a Northwest suburbs newborn photographer my favorite types of images are when a dad holds the newborn by the window that soft, hazy morning light wrapping around both of them while proud mom and sister looks on. Including everyone in a meaningful way. These are the kind of images I live for. There are so many unspoken moments during a session. It is my job as a photographer to seek them out and to see tenderness. Build emotional tension in that moment. And capture my clients honestly. Working with another creative family means they know the deal and are willing to go a little extra for the shot. I completely loved working with them, before heading home I always have to stop and get some coffee for the road. This time I went to Conscious cup . Like many of us, I too am a sucker for a quaint little downtown charm.

A candid black and white photo of a family in a bedroom. A father is sitting on the bed, holding a newborn baby, while the mother, smiling, sits beside him. A young girl stands joyfully with arms raised, expressing excitement. In the background, a crib is visible.

A close-up black and white photo of a young child kissing a woman's cheek, with both showing expressions of affection. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A happy family with a father kissing his daughter on the cheek, while the mother smiles and holds a newborn baby, all sitting together on a couch. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A close-up of a newborn baby sleeping peacefully, with a hand gently cradling their head and another hand touching their tiny fingers. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A woman and a girl are dancing together in a brightly lit living room, while a small dog plays nearby. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A smiling family of four sitting together on a green chair, with a mother holding a baby, a father and a young girl embracing them, in a cozy, well-lit room.

A child playfully riding on the back of an adult sitting on the floor, surrounded by a cozy indoor setting with light-colored walls and wooden furniture. Northwest suburbs newborn photographer

A young girl sitting on the floor, gently holding and kissing a baby wrapped in a blanket, with sheer curtains in the background and soft natural lighting.

A child joyfully jumping on a gray and yellow floral quilt on a bed in a cozy bedroom.

A mother holding her newborn baby while her young daughter kisses her cheek, all appearing joyful and caring.

A woman and a child cuddling together on a bed, with green pillows in the background.

May 11, 2026

Chicago Petite Newborn Session | The Adri Photo Co.

Tiny Keepsake Moments: A Chicago Petite Newborn Session

There is a quiet, rhythmic beauty that settles over a home when a new baby arrives. It’s in the way the light hits the nursery floor and the way a tiny hand finds its place in yours. For some families, documenting this season doesn’t require a full day of shooting—it requires a focused, intentional eye. This Chicago petite newborn session was a perfect example of how we can capture the weight of this transition in a curated window of time.

The Art of the Intentional Session when I document a Chicago petite newborn session, my goal is to move beyond the posed and find the poetry in the mundane. We don’t worry about perfection; we focus on presence. I’m looking for the fleeting details: the soft fuzz on a shoulder, the stretch of a sleepy limb, and the raw connection between new parents. These are quick, sessions meant to be full of emotion but also not full of stress. Photographs should be stress free and fun.

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big brother and baby mini session in Chicago IL

A young boy with red hair sitting on a crib mattress, engaging with a baby lying beside him in a cozy nursery setting.

Why Choose a Chicago Petite Newborn Session?

When I document a petite newborn session, I move beyond the posed. Specifically, I look for the poetry in your everyday life. We don’t worry about perfection. Rather, we focus on presence. I search for fleeting details, like the soft fuzz on a shoulder. I also capture the raw connection between new parents. Being a Chicago newborn photographer means working with the most amazing people.

The Petite Story is designed for the intentional collector. However, it remains a high-end experience. It is perfect for those who:

Value Artistry: You prefer a curated gallery of your favorite images. Therefore, you receive the 20 images that truly move you.
Want an Unscripted Look: You want cinematic documentary photography. Moreover, you have a specific milestone to highlight.

September 28, 2023

Oak Park Lifestyle Newborn | River Forest Photos

Oak Park Lifestyle Newborn Photography: The Beauty of Growth

This lovely family invited me into their space earlier this year. As an Oak Park lifestyle newborn photographer, I travel all over. I visit the western suburbs, from River Forest to Forest Park. Indeed, documenting a home with a toddler and a newborn is a challenge. This season is a wild mix of love and exhaustion. Specifically, I love to capture the quiet moments between the chaos.

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Full family in the frame at home Oak Park lifestyle newborn photography at home session

Navigating Parenthood in Oak Park and River Forest

I can tell my clients are doing their best. Honestly, being a parent is so hard. Consequently, this style of photography is vital to me. Specifically, I love Oak Park lifestyle newborn sessions. These images allow you to reflect on this changing time. In fact, you will miss this chapter one day. Even though it is full of ups and downs, it is beautiful. As a result, you keep these memories forever.

left - photograph of baby in black and white

right- mom and dad kissing holding their babies Oak Park lifestyle newborn photography at home session

photograph of baby brothers and parents Oak Park lifestyle newborn photography at home session

close up shots of newborn Candid moments from an Oak Park lifestyle newborn session

mom and dad doting over baby boy Candid moments from an Oak Park lifestyle newborn session

little baby in tow mom and dad kissing Candid moments from an Oak Park lifestyle newborn session

Candid moments from an Oak Park lifestyle newborn session

big brother and little brother in crib Candid moments from an Oak Park lifestyle newborn session

A joyful couple leaning over a crib, smiling at their two young children inside. The crib features a checkered mattress, with one child lying on their back and another playing beside them.

A toddler sits in a crib, smiling and playing, while a baby lies on their back nearby. An adult hand gently touches the toddler's head.

A mother holding a newborn baby while sitting on a chair, smiling and interacting with an older child nearby. The room features a cozy atmosphere with a decorative mountain wall hanging.

A smiling couple gazes at each other while holding a newborn baby in a cozy indoor setting.

Why I Love the Lifestyle Approach

Being a Chicago Newborn photographer means so much emphasis on connection. Furthermore, your own home provides a level of comfort. You won’t find this in a studio. Instead of posing in a strange place, you have your own light. First, we let the toddler lead the way. This often leads to the most authentic smiles. Moreover, we allow the baby to set the pace. We pause for feeding and snuggles. Because of this relaxed approach, the photos feel real. Therefore, we capture the raw excitement of parenthood.

Similarly, the small details of your home become part of the memory. Additionally, you will want to remember the morning light in the nursery. In conclusion, thank you to this amazing family. I loved capturing their Oak Park lifestyle newborn story. Finally, I hope these images serve as a gentle reminder. Even in the chaos, you are doing a beautiful job. Looking for more inspiration? View my full guide as an Oak Park family photographer to see my favorite local locations and styling tips.

April 18, 2022

Chicago newborn photographers | Named Best of by Peerspace

Peerspace: 10 Best Chicago Newborn Photographers

I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news and write a heartfelt thank you. To all the families who have invited me into their homes and most intimate spaces: thank you. Yesterday, I received a wonderful email from Peerspace. If you aren’t familiar, they are a fantastic resource for booking unique spaces for creative projects and events. Specifically, I am so honored to announce that they named me one of the 10 best Chicago newborn photographers.

CHICAGO AND WEST SUBURBS NEWBORN TAB Named one of the 10 best Chicago newborn photographers by Peerspace.

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from above Heartfelt connection during a session with Chicago newborn photographers.

A sleeping newborn baby lying peacefully on a white crib mattress, with soft shadows cast by the crib slats.

Named one of the 10 best Chicago newborn photographers by Peerspace.

A couple lovingly holds their newborn baby wrapped in a blanket while sitting together on a couch.

dog looking at baby Authentic lifestyle session from a premier Chicago newborn photographer.

A baby lying on a soft blanket in a dimly lit room, with a window in the background.

A woman in a cozy sweater gently cradles a newborn baby on a bed, showcasing a tender moment between mother and child in black and white.

A mother sitting on the floor, gently holding her newborn baby, who is dressed in a mauve outfit with a large white bow on her head. The setting features light wooden floors and soft natural light.

A mother holding her newborn baby reflected in a round mirror, with a minimalistic white wall and decorative wall hanging in the background.

A baby lying on a green crib mattress, wearing a light-colored outfit, with wooden crib slats in the background.

real motherhood Detailed documentary photography by a top Chicago newborn photographer.

A woman in a red dress kneels beside a wicker bassinet, gazing out a window with a potted plant on the ledge. A baby is peacefully sleeping in the bassinet.

Detailed documentary photography by a top Chicago newborn photographer.

Cozy at-home session with one of the best Chicago newborn photographers.

The Heart of Chicago Newborn Photographers

This recognition was quite unexpected, and it was such a lovely message to wake up to. I am incredibly grateful for the path my work has taken over the years. Moreover, this journey has taught me so much about how to view life. Meeting brand-new humans at their most vulnerable is a constant reminder of how precious our time truly is. Consequently, I feel like I have the most rewarding job in the world.

Creating art for families is my greatest passion. In addition, Peerspace specifically highlighted my “raw and real” portraits of motherhood. They mentioned that my documentary approach captures the authenticity of those early weeks. Similarly, being mentioned alongside such talented newborn photographers truly means the world to me. Actually, this city and the surrounding suburbs are absolutely full of incredible artists.

Documenting Your Story

Whether I am capturing a birth, a fresh 48 session, or a lifestyle newborn shoot at home, my goal is always the same. I want you to feel exactly how that moment felt every time you look at your album. Furthermore, I want to thank Peerspace for the kind feature. You can check out the full article on the 10 best newborn photographers in Chicago . Also, If you are looking for Chicago newborn photographers who value authenticity over stiff posing, I would love to connect with you. Therefore, let’s make some art together.

May 18, 2021

Chicago Fresh 48 Photos | Prentice Women’s Hospital

Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

As a Chicago Fresh 48 photos I visited Baby Ana Maria and her family at Prentice Women’s Hospital. There is something sacred about those first few hours of life. Consequently, the atmosphere in a hospital room is filled with exhaustion and pure joy. Capturing this transition into motherhood is a favorite part of my work.

A close-up view of a newborn baby being handled gently by an adult, with part of the baby's head visible, along with a hospital wristband on a nearby surface. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

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Documentary Newborn Portraits at Prentice Women’s Hospital

Prentice Women’s Hospital offers beautiful natural light for a Chicago Fresh 48 photos. The large windows overlooking downtown provide a clean, bright backdrop. This allows the focus to stay entirely on the new baby. Specifically, I love capturing the tiny details. I look for the hospital bassinet, the wrinkled toes, and the way a new sibling looks at their sister. Furthermore, these documentary moments fade the fastest. This makes them the most important memories to preserve for your family legacy..

Three images of a sleeping newborn baby wrapped in a colorful blanket, wearing a pink bow headband, displayed in a hospital setting. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

The Beauty of a Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer Session

Choosing a Chicago Fresh 48 photographer means you can focus entirely on your recovery and your baby while I handle the storytelling. Instead of worrying about posing or perfect outfits, we celebrate the raw reality of these first moments. In fact, the quiet snuggles and the first feedings are what build your family’s history. As a result, you walk away with a gallery that feels like a poem quiet, intentional, and deeply personal to your experience at Prentice.

A caregiver gently swaddles a newborn baby in a hospital bassinet, with the baby wearing a pink hat and a printed blanket. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

Planning Your Hospital Session in Chicago

If you are delivering at Prentice Women’s Hospital or another downtown facility, I recommend booking your session well in advance. Ultimately, my goal as your Chicago Fresh 48 photographer is to be there to document the magic before you even head home. If you want to see more of my approach to those first days, feel free to browse my newborn lifestyle gallery. I would love to tell the first chapter of your baby’s story in the most authentic way possible.

A black and white photo depicting a father caring for his newborn baby in a hospital setting, with a view of the city skyline through the window in the background. The image shows the father gently adjusting the baby in a bassinet on one side and the baby crying while being held on the other side. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A newborn baby lying in a hospital bassinet, wearing a white onesie with small hearts, with minimal facial expression. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A newborn baby girl named Ana Maria Davison, born on March 11, 2020, weighing 6 pounds 11 ounces, lying in a hospital bassinet next to a sign with her details, with city buildings visible through the window.

A sleeping newborn in a hospital crib, wearing a pink hat and a white onesie with heart patterns, alongside a plush toy. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A black and white image of parents holding their newborn baby, with a close-up of baby hands and a plush toy, alongside a color image of the same parents cuddling and kissing, showcasing a joyful family moment with a city skyline in the background. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A happy family of three, consisting of a mother, father, and newborn baby, stands by a large window with a cityscape in the background. The mother embraces the father from behind as he holds the baby, who is wearing a pink bow and cozy outfit. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A newborn baby in a hospital bassinet, wearing a pink hat with a bow and a white outfit with small pink hearts, crying with a caregiver's hands gently holding them. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A smiling woman in a red robe holds a newborn baby by a window with a city view, showcasing a sign with the baby's name, birth date, weight, and a teddy bear. Chicago Fresh 48 Photographer

A mother in a red robe is holding her newborn baby by a large window, with a city skyline visible in the background. A sign next to a baby crib displays the baby's name and birth details.

A mother gently touching foreheads with her newborn baby, both smiling softly. The baby is wearing a pink hat with a bow and a white onesie with heart prints. The background shows a cityscape through a large window.

A couple joyfully interacting while holding a newborn baby in their arms, with a city skyline visible through the window.

A smiling couple gazes adoringly at their newborn baby, who is wearing a pink hat and a white onesie with heart patterns. The parents are sharing a tender moment in a softly lit environment.

A couple sharing a kiss while holding their baby, with a cityscape visible through large windows in the background.

A couple sharing a kiss inside a high-rise building, with cityscape visible through large windows. The image is in black and white.

A black and white image of a couple tenderly kissing their newborn baby, who is being held by them. The baby is wearing a white outfit with small hearts.

A father holding his newborn baby in a cozy indoor setting near a large window, showcasing a city view. The baby is wearing a pink hat with a large bow.

A father holding his newborn baby while sitting by a large window with a cityscape view. The scene is captured in black and white, emphasizing their intimate moment.

A man smiling while holding a newborn baby dressed in a white outfit with red hearts and a pink hat, in front of a city skyline window.

A family gathered around a hospital bed, celebrating the arrival of a newborn. The mother, sitting in the bed, is holding the baby while two adults stand beside her, and another adult leans over to admire the newborn.

A mother in a hospital gown holding her newborn baby, who is wearing a pink hat, while sitting in a hospital bed.

A mother in a hospital bed smiling while holding her newborn baby, who is dressed in a white outfit with pink hearts and a pink hat. The mother is wearing a hospital gown and is looking warmly at the camera, while a father figure is visible beside her, holding hands with her.

A close-up of hands holding a note that reads 'Briana, hope you love your baby...'.

A bedside scene with handwritten notes for Brian, accompanied by a card that says 'YOU ARE KILLIN' IT.'

A couple reading a card together in a hospital room, with one partner standing behind the other. A newborn and stuffed animals are visible in the hospital bed.

August 19, 2020

Hyde Park Newborn Session | Ajani’s At-Home Story

Hyde Park Newborn Session: Strong Like Thunder

“Strong like thunder he came.” While I wasn’t able to be present during Ajani’s birth, I heard all about the birth plan his mother carefully crafted for him. Actually, she had all the confidence it took to educate herself and have the exact birth she always wanted: at home, surrounded by light and love. She is definitely full of tenacity, and that energy was palpable throughout our Hyde Park newborn session.

A mother holding her newborn baby while sitting by a large window, showcasing a serene moment of bonding. Hyde Park newborn session

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Creating Art in Small Spaces

The family was in the midst of a move during our shoot. This meant we had to be creative with our surroundings. Specifically, we chose a sweet spot with just two walls and a window. Because I believe “honesty over poses” is the heartbeat of photography, we didn’t need a grand backdrop. Consequently, these images prove a perfect house isn’t required for a Hyde Park newborn session. You just need beautiful light and a connection to your story.

A close-up of a sleeping newborn's face, showcasing soft features and a wrapped blanket, alongside a mother cradling her baby in sunlight by a window, wearing a red dress and sitting beside a small potted plant. Hyde Park newborn session

The Beauty of At-Home Documentary Sessions

If you’re thinking an at-home session isn’t for you because of clutter or limited space, I’m here to prove otherwise. Furthermore, by focusing on the intimate details—the way a baby is held or the light hitting a small corner—we create something timeless. This Hyde Park newborn session was about Ajani’s presence and the love his parents have for him. It was a reminder that home isn’t about the furniture; it’s about the people inside.

A woman holding a newborn baby by a window with a cityscape in the background. Hyde Park newborn session

Documenting Your Family’s Visual Legacy

As a Chicago Newborn Photographer Every session I shoot is about preserving your family’s unique visual legacy. In addition, these are the moments you will look back on twenty years from now. Also, the small details from Ajani’s first days will become treasures as he grows. Whether it’s a home birth story or a quiet afternoon in a new apartment, the focus remains on the raw and real.

A mother lovingly cradling her sleeping baby in a cozy setting, showcasing a tender moment. Hyde Park newborn session

A woman in a red dress sits beside a woven bassinet, gazing down at a swaddled newborn inside, with natural light streaming through a nearby window. Hyde Park newborn session

A mother breastfeeding her baby while sitting on the floor, wearing an orange dress, captured in a warm, natural light setting. Hyde Park newborn session

A woman in a red dress gently touching her swaddled baby in a wicker basket near a sunny window, with a small plant on the sill.

A serene image of a peacefully sleeping newborn swaddled in a light blanket inside a wicker bassinet, with a caring hand gently reaching toward the baby. A woman in a red dress is shown beside the bassinet, reflecting a nurturing atmosphere.

A monochrome image of a mother breastfeeding her baby, clearly depicting the bond between them. The upper portion shows the mother's shoulder and the baby's face as it nurses, while the lower section focuses on the baby's feet resting peacefully.

A mother gently cradling her newborn baby in her arms, both looking serene. The mother is wearing a red, off-the-shoulder dress, standing near a window with soft natural light illuminating the scene.

A mother sitting by a window, wearing a red off-shoulder dress, breastfeeding her baby while gazing thoughtfully outside.

A mother in a red off-the-shoulder dress is breastfeeding her newborn baby while sitting against a wall. The image is presented in both color and black and white.

A mother lovingly breastfeeding her baby while sitting on the floor, wearing a red dress, with a small potted plant on a windowsill nearby.

A mother breastfeeding her baby while sitting by a window, captured in a black and white photograph. The intimate moment highlights their bond and the soft light filling the room.

A black and white image of a baby breastfeeding, closely focused on the baby's face and the mother's chest. Hyde Park newborn session

A mother breastfeeding her baby while sitting on the floor, captured in a black and white image. Hyde Park newborn session

A mother wearing a red dress is breastfeeding her baby while sitting on the floor, leaning against a wall. A small plant is seen on the window sill. Hyde Park newborn session

September 11, 2019

Lifestyle Newborn Photography Itasca | Baby W At-Home Session

New life near the holidays always feels a little more magical. I photographed this sweet little family right before Christmas, and their home was the perfect, cozy backdrop for lifestyle newborn photography Itasca. They were so gracious and inviting from the moment I walked through the door.

Meeting new parents always takes me back to my own experiences. There is a specific kind of quiet chaos and immense love that fills a home during those first few weeks. Baby W is truly the luckiest little dude; his parents gushed over him the entire time we were together.

My favorite part of the session was winning over the “first baby” their pup. At first, he seemed a bit hesitant, perhaps feeling protective now that a new human was in his space. Eventually, he couldn’t resist and was all over the baby, showing off that loyal bond. These unposed, honest moments between a growing family and their pets are exactly why I love being a Chicago at-home newborn photographer

Their beautiful home sat right in the heart of such a cute town. It served as a wonderful backdrop for all the love they shared. If you are looking for lifestyle newborn photography Itasca, remember that your own home is often the most meaningful studio you could ask for.

Take a peek at their session below.

The Beauty of Lifestyle Newborn Photography Itasca

“Being based so close to Itasca, I find myself driving through this charming community constantly. It has become one of my favorite pockets for sessions because of the variety it offers. While I adore the intimacy of an at-home session like Baby W’s, I’m also frequently at Songbird Slough for outdoor family portraits. There is something about the way the light hits the tall grasses there that feels so cinematic and honest—much like the ‘milky city lights’ mentioned in the poem above.

Whether we are documenting your story inside your living room or wandering through the trails at the Slough, my goal remains the same: capturing the genuine connection that makes your family unique. If you’re curious about how an outdoor session compares to an at-home one, you can see more from this family > Itasca family photography as they are their family. or check out the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County to see why I love that location so much.

January 6, 2018

Indiana Travel Newborn Photographer: A Soulful At-Home Session

Indiana Travel Newborn Photographer: Margo’s Soulful Home Session

As an Indiana travel newborn photographer, I live for unique family stories like this one. Meet Margo—or “Sprinkles,” as her mama nicknamed her during pregnancy. Her beautiful family welcomed her into the world, and her big brother, Miles, and big sister, Sophie, already adore her.

When I arrived for this session, my great friend Christine greeted me at the door. She immediately apologized for the missing house numbers, as they made me search for the right home. Eventually, the stunning baskets of succulents lining the entrance helped me find the house—a shared love of ours!

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Documentary Details with an Travel Newborn Photographer

Inside, Christine’s eye for design clearly stood out. Her home features lush greenery, beautiful wall art, and a bold black feature wall. Naturally, she loves color! I absolutely adored the theme for Margo’s room: “Sprinkles and Narwhals.” It served as a perfect tribute to her nickname. Margo slept soundly throughout the session, which allowed me to capture her quiet, authentic world. Chicago Newborn photographer.

Candid Moments from an Indiana Travel Newborn Photographer

One of my favorite, most honest moments happened when Margo decided to go to the bathroom right after a fresh diaper change! It was endearing to watch how smitten Miles and Sophie were with their new baby sister. This is exactly what I look for as an Indiana travel newborn photographer—those unscripted, “real life” moments that tell the true story of your home.

The fun continued outside the nursery. The kids were incredibly excited to show me their chickens. We explored their favorite spots, and the swing and the garden topped the list. Sophie even gifted me a beautiful, large pear from their tree—an adventure I won’t soon forget.

Booking Your Session

It was an absolute honor to be invited inside to capture this new chapter as a family of five. While I am based in the Chicago area, I frequently work as an Indiana travel newborn photographer for families looking for this same soulful, unposed, and documentary-style photography.

Are you looking to capture your own family’s unique story? You can view more of my newborn portfolio to start planning your session. I am currently booking travel dates and would love to tell your story.