A Baby-Led Newborn Session | Rapheal’s Story
While having my virtual consult with Rapheal — a first-time mom to the sweetest, very awake little baby boy — she opened up to me about how exhausted she was and how nervous she felt about doing a newborn session. Her little guy had a BIG personality already and wasn’t much of a sleeper... and honestly? I could relate 1000%. My second baby was the exact same way, and I remember just wishing for a tiny moment of peace to catch my breath.
That’s when I reassured her: our sessions are 100% baby-led, completely stress-free, and we always, always take our time.
A newborn session isn’t about forcing a sleepy baby into poses — it’s about capturing exactly who they are in these magical, fleeting first few weeks. Whether they sleep or stay wide-eyed, we roll with it. My only goal is a happy, comfy, and safely-posed baby.
When Rapheal arrived at the studio, her little man did not disappoint — he was WIDE awake! 😅 We started with a feed, and once he was full and content, I swaddled him up into a cozy wrapped pose... and like magic, out like a light! Snug as a bug and feeling so secure.
Baby boy was already 7 weeks old, which honestly made me even more impressed that he loved the wrapping as much as he did (even though mom had her doubts — haha, love you Rapheal 😂). We managed two different wrapped setups, and he slept so beautifully for both.
Then came the challenge: unwrapped poses.
He was like, "No ma’am, I’m not missing a thing!"
Wide awake for the rest of the session... but honestly? I wasn’t mad about it one bit. He gave us the sweetest images — chunky cheeks, big curious eyes, and those precious little expressions that just make your heart melt. 🥰
In the end, we got five gorgeous sets done, and when it was time to pack up, we just hung out and snuggled until Dad arrived. When I showed Dad a few images behind the camera, he literally said,
"WHO is that baby?! That can’t be our baby — he’s not crying!" 😂
Moments like these? They’re why I love what I do so much.
Being able to give parents a little break from the endless, exhausting, beautiful whirlwind that is newborn life — it’s truly the greatest gift.
Congratulations Rapheal, and your beautiful family! 💕
You are doing an incredible job — it’s hard, it’s tiring, but you are crushing it. Never forget that. 🤍
