You know that feeling when you’ve been part of someone’s story from the very beginning? That’s exactly how I felt walking into Sebastian and Taylor’s home last Tuesday morning, camera in hand, ready to meet their newest family member.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of photographing this sweet couple since their pregnancy announcement (cue all the happy tears), through their glowing maternity session, and now—the moment we’d all been waiting for—their precious daughter Eliana’s first portrait session.

Their Lafayette home was filled with that unmistakable new-baby energy. Soft morning light streamed through the nursery windows, casting the most gorgeous natural glow. The house smelled faintly of coffee and baby lotion, and honestly? It was pure magic.

Why At-Home Newborn Sessions Hit Different (And Why Your Baby Will Thank You)

Listen, I’ve shot newborns in studios, parks, and even a few unconventional locations over the years. But nothing—and I mean nothing—beats the comfort and authenticity of at-home newborn photography in Lafayette, LA.

Here’s the real talk: newborns don’t care about your Pinterest board or your carefully planned shot list. They care about being comfortable, fed, and close to mama. And guess where they’re most comfortable? Yep, home sweet home.

The at-home advantage includes: • Zero travel stress (because let’s be honest, leaving the house with a newborn feels like planning a military operation) • Baby-led timing (hungry baby? We pause. Diaper blowout? We handle it.) • Personal touches everywhere (that nursery you spent months perfecting? It’s getting photographed.) • Family pets can join (more on Sebastian and Taylor’s adorable pups later!)

Pro tip: I always tell my families to think of me as that friend who happens to have a really good camera. We’re just hanging out, capturing real moments as they happen.

Meet Miss Eliana (Spoiler Alert: She’s Perfect)

Can we talk about this little angel for a second? Eliana made her grand entrance just two weeks ago, and she’s already mastered the art of being absolutely precious.

She’s got this incredible head of dark hair that sticks up in the most adorable way (Sebastian swears she gets it from his side), and these tiny, perfect little fingers that kept curling around anything they could grab—including my camera strap during one particularly sweet moment.

But what really got me? Watching Sebastian and Taylor together during the session. The way Taylor would instinctively adjust Eliana’s little hat, how Sebastian’s entire face would light up every time his daughter made even the tiniest sound. These are the moments that make lifestyle newborn photography so incredibly rewarding.

Fun fact: Eliana slept through about 80% of our session, but her most beautiful portraits happened during those brief awake moments when she was just quietly observing the world around her.

The Session Highlights (AKA The Moments That Made My Heart Melt)

Cozy Morning Cuddles with Mama

We started in the master bedroom, where the light was just chef’s kiss. Taylor, still in her favorite nursing-friendly pajamas (because comfort first, always), settled into the reading chair by the window with Eliana.

The natural light was doing all the heavy lifting—no fancy studio setup needed. Just a mama and her baby girl, sharing quiet morning moments while dad made coffee in the background. These are the images that will matter most in 20 years.

Family Connection in All the Right Places

The nursery was our next stop, and wow. Sebastian and Taylor had created this beautiful, serene space with soft blues and creams. We captured some gorgeous family portraits right there in Eliana’s room, surrounded by all the love and preparation that had gone into creating her special space.

But honestly? Some of my favorite family shots happened in the living room, everyone piled onto the sectional sofa, dogs included. Real life is messy and beautiful, and that’s exactly what we captured.

The Little Details That Matter Most

Close-up shots included: • Those impossibly tiny fingernails • Eliana’s sweet little rosebud lips • Her perfectly formed ears (seriously, newborn ears are works of art) • The way her hand looked so small in daddy’s palm

I also made sure to photograph some of the special details in her nursery—the handmade quilt from Taylor’s grandmother, the little shoes Sebastian bought the day they found out they were having a girl, the “E” initial hanging above her crib.

And Yes, the Dogs Were Absolutely Included

Can we take a moment to appreciate Sebastian and Taylor’s two golden retrievers? These sweet pups have been preparing for their new sister for months, and they were so gentle during our outdoor portion of the session.

We captured some beautiful family portraits in their backyard, dogs flanking the new parents while Eliana slept peacefully in Taylor’s arms. Fair warning: these shots might make you cry happy tears.

Real Talk: My Best Tips for Amazing Newborn Photos

After seven years of newborn photography in Lafayette, LA, I’ve learned a few things about what makes sessions successful. Here’s what I always tell expecting parents:

Timing Is Everything

Book during your second trimester. Seriously. My calendar fills up fast, especially during baby boom seasons (looking at you, September babies). Plus, having your photographer locked in is one less thing to worry about during those hectic final weeks.

Keep It Simple and Comfortable

• Neutral clothing photographs beautifully and won’t compete with your baby for attention
• Layer up (newborn sessions can involve some skin-to-skin shots, and houses can get chilly)
• Comfort over fashion, always (those designer jeans can wait)

Don’t Stress About the Fussy Moments

Here’s a secret: some of my most beloved images happen during feeding breaks, diaper changes, or when parents are soothing a cranky baby. Real life isn’t perfect, and neither are the best photographs.

Feed Baby Right Before I Arrive

A fed baby is a sleepy baby, and sleepy babies are cooperative babies. It’s photographer math, and it works every time.

Why These Moments Matter More Than You Think

There’s something profound about documenting a family’s growth from the very beginning. Every session with Sebastian and Taylor has told a piece of their story—the excitement of expecting, the glow of pregnancy, and now the pure joy of welcoming Eliana home.

These aren’t just pretty pictures (though they are that too). They’re time capsules. They’re proof of love, growth, and the beautiful chaos that comes with expanding your family.

Sebastian told me during our session that he keeps looking at their maternity photos on the mantel and can hardly believe that the tiny person he’s now holding was once just a bump in those pictures. That’s the magic of photography—it helps us remember not just how things looked, but how they felt.

Thank you, Sebastian and Taylor, for trusting me with these precious milestones. Watching your love story unfold, chapter by chapter, has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Story?

If you’re expecting in the Lafayette area and want newborn portraits that feel authentically you—not posed, not forced, just real—let’s start planning your session.

I only take on a limited number of newborn sessions each month to ensure every family gets the time and attention they deserve. Don’t wait until baby arrives to book; the best dates fill up fast.

Ready to get started? Contact me here to chat about creating beautiful, timeless portraits of your newest family member.

P.S. – Yes, your pets are absolutely welcome in your session. Some of my favorite family portraits include four-legged siblings!