Big brother was so excited and expressive – just look at his face! And it’s pretty perfect, right now, to share a session at home, right?

Mom and dad were thrilled with their new little love. As much as things may not feel the best for many of us at this time, it’s important to recognize the magic still happening all around us!

So, here is some magic for you today. I hope it brings you joy. I was honored to photograph this sweet little girl at this special time!

I started photographing this mama and  her family back when we were in the PMC together, meeting on blankets in the park. Her son was always one step ahead of everyone – even the adults! Every year, we get together for a fun-filled crazy mini session somewhere in Petaluma. This year, we were downtown with the brick buildings and bridge across the river. Location is everything, and this family needed to be photographed in their element. We chased the sun and captured the big love of this family. Big brother is enamored with his little sis (as we all are!) and he just wants to snuggle her! It is an adorable relationship to capture.

I love this little town and all of the support I have gotten from sweet families like this one.

I worked with the whole family first, moved to photos with the two girls together, and then focused on just Lily while dad took big sister out for hamburgers and ice cream! So cool.

Mom wanted to be sure to capture Lily’s sweet peach fuzz and I couldn’t resist.

We all make our grand entrance into the world as tiny little baby bundles and newborn sessions are such a wonderful reminder of this. Fresh, new, miraculous life. I loved photographing all of the love in their home. Welcome to the world, Lily!

I was thrilled when I got an email from a past client who was expecting her second little boy! I previously photographed Levi as a newborn and now I get to see him as a big brother!

I went to the families new home to photograph newborn baby Cole and big brother Levi! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that sweet baby boy.

I got to hang out in their home, just letting them be a new family. To know that, soon, these newborn photos will be a part of their home, too, really made my heart warm.

By the way, I need to tell you that I know all about 2 year-olds and tantrums (Believe me!). Let me tell you that Levi was the best 2 year-old I have ever photographed. He was respectful, took directions, and above all, he was kind, gentle and loving with his baby brother. I was floored!

Cole was perfect during his session and slept most of the time. We were lucky to get a few photos of him with his eyes open while he was calm as well. So cool. I loved seeing this family again. What an honor!

Mom saved her beautiful lace veil from her wedding dress, and we incorporated that into the session as well.

The family signed up for the Full Year Journey, and I was thrilled when they booked they were able to book their next appointment when Elliot turned 5 months old. She was already sitting up! We did her milestone session at the family’s new home, which was built in 1928! So cool. I love seeing clients in their own home and capturing new memories for them there. Since this baby is such an early sitter, I am sure I will be seeing her in just a few months for her last Full Year Journey session.

Mom and dad said, “We love the photos!”

I do, too!

It is so much fun to have these guys in the studio, located in Potrero Hill, San Francisco. This family laughs together and has a good time navigating toddler AND baby hood.

Mom usually snags a few behind the scenes photos as well, which is wonderful.

I want newborns to be remembered just as they are, and a big part of that is capturing beautiful imagery straight out of camera and keeping post-processing to a minimum. From their precious newborn details, to the special bond they’re developing with you, there is something especially special about preserving every bit of this earliest stage of life outside the womb.

These photos of Zoie, and Zoie and Ellie, mean so much to me. I know they’ll be treasured for generations to come. I hope I’ll be able to look through these with Zoie in a year or so and see her reaction. Oh, the joys of a baby.

Time is fleeting, memories can fade, but little moments captured in images can last a lifetime.

These photos were taken during a studio newborn photography session. If you are located in the San Francisco Bay Area and are expecting a bundle of joy, I would love to capture the precious details of your newborn baby. Feel free to visit my Investment page and use the contact page to get in touch with me. Let’s schedule your session!

The studio is located in Potrero Hill, San Francisco. Minutes before the session, Henry’s parents called me worried that he hadn’t taken a nap. He was also suffering a bit from his one-year vaccinations. We decided to give the mini studio session a “green light”, and Henry nailed it! He also had the most adorable gingham outfit!

Look at his adorable little teeth peeking out of that smile, too. It always warms my heart to capture the grins of some of my youngest clients.

The clean white studio backdrop is one of my favorites and most used for mini sessions with little ones. It’s classic and timeless.

We ended the session with a couple images including mom and dad. I always suggest parents jump in a frame or two if possible.

I have photographed a lot of one-year sessions and adore them. A year old is such a wonderful age and stage worth celebrating! (Babies all-too-quickly turn into toddlers, as we know!)

Mom said, “LOVE these! Emily, you are amazingly talented. Thank you so much!”

He made it safely earthside. Alive. Healthy. Perfect.

Laura hadn’t completed the optimistic tasks of collecting baby items or packing a “go” bag because, following the birth of her daughter 10 years ago, Laura experienced 9 pregnancies that were not carried to term. She was never quite sure that this pregnancy would be successful until precious Ted was actually in her arms. The strength of mind, spirit, and will that this mother carries within her is nothing short of breathtaking.

There may not be a word in the English language that properly exemplifies the wave of feelings that washed over Laura but she was, simply said, relieved.

I felt a deep and immediate connection to this family, and the need to photograph dearest Ted and his big sister. I could sense how much these images would mean to Laura. When I arrived at their home and saw mama nursing baby, I was absolutely blown away by the intense, almost palpable love in the room. During our session, Laura mentioned to me that she didn’t even want to find a babysitter for Ted because she doesn’t want to miss a single fleeting moment.

I feel privileged to have photographed Laura’s family at such an extraordinary and heavenly time in their lives. Jackie helped me downstairs after I packed up to leave their home, and I received this message from Laura: “Lucky number Ted, as I like to call him, just wanted to let you know you’re the best and that he fell asleep before you guys reached the elevators. Can we stop time? Please! Thank you again for your time, patience, and kindness.”

Laura, I did my very best to stop time for you with these photos. Thank you for sharing your family with me.

I can’t wait to get mom and dad in the photos next time!

~Emily