A peek behind the sessions, the people, and some of my favorite places to photograph around Atlanta and North Georgia. From newborns and growing families to couples, milestones, and everything in between, the blog is where you’ll find recent sessions, location inspiration, and a little more of the story behind the photos.
Gireesh and Karishma are expecting a baby girl in November, and we met at Winn Park for their Atlanta maternity session. Since they live in Midtown, we wanted somewhere close to home with plenty of greenery and variety without making them drive all over Atlanta. Winn Park checked all the boxes.
We also lucked out with the light. Gireesh is a photographer himself, so I didn’t have to convince him that an overcast sky is actually a very good thing for photos. He already knew. 😂 Give me soft cloud cover or golden hour and I’m happy.
He also picked out Karishma’s dress, so I’m giving him credit there too. It photographed beautifully against all of the green in the park.
We spent the session wandering around Winn Park, taking advantage of the soft light and documenting these two in that weirdly short window where you already know so much about the little person coming but haven’t actually met her yet.
That’s one of the reasons I love maternity sessions. Of course we’re documenting the belly, but we’re also capturing the two people who are about to become parents and what their family looked like right before everything changed.
Next time I see these two, hopefully there will be a baby girl joining us.
They eloped without a formal engagement or an engagement ring. Then, years later, he surprised her with the ring she never had.
Which seemed like a pretty good reason to finally get the romantic photos they never had either.
They were celebrating with a special family dinner at Canoe in Atlanta. Amanda wanted the photos to tell both sides of their story. First, the family they’ve built together. Then, just the two of them.
Family Photos at Canoe in Atlanta
We started with their two young children and Amanda’s parents. Canoe gave us plenty to work with between the gardens, river and all that gorgeous greenery.
Amanda wanted the family photos to feel natural rather than overly posed, which obviously works for me. We photographed everyone together, the grandparents with the kids and plenty of walking and snuggling.
Once we had the family photos, we sent everyone else on their way and completely changed gears.
The Engagement Photos They Never Had
Amanda wanted the second half of the session to feel romantic, intimate and a little editorial. We focused on movement and connection instead of traditional engagement poses.
Canoe was pretty much made for it.
The gardens, river and late-day light gave us plenty of variety. We could make this part feel completely different while still keeping the entire gallery cohesive.
And yes, the ring got its moment too.
What I love about this session is that it doesn’t fit neatly into one category. It wasn’t really an engagement session because they’re already married. It wasn’t just a family session either. And calling it an anniversary session doesn’t quite fit.
It was simply a chance to document the family they have now. At the same time, Amanda and her husband finally got a little piece of the romantic celebration they skipped when they eloped.
There are no rules saying you have to do these things in a certain order.
Sometimes you get the ring later.
Take the photos anyway.
If you’re looking for relaxed, romantic couples photography in Atlanta, you can browse my couples portfolio or check out Packages & Pricing.
The last time I photographed the Seid family, Joel was still very much on the inside.
For their at-home Atlanta maternity session, I photographed Chelsea and Mike with Hayes and Lev while they waited for baby number three.
This time, I came back to meet Joel.
Born August 21, Joel Compton joined big brothers Hayes and Lev, officially making this a house full of three little boys.
We kept the entire newborn session indoors and let the boys stay in their element. With little kids, especially during newborn sessions, I don’t expect them to suddenly develop the patience of grown adults because I showed up with a camera. They can play, wander off, come back, be silly and join us when they’re ready.
Joel, meanwhile, understood the assignment.
He was a sleepy little champ while everything happened around him.
This is one of the biggest reasons I love lifestyle newborn photography. Of course I want the tiny baby details, but I also want the photos that show what bringing that baby home actually looked like.
And when you already have two little boys and dogs in the house, it isn’t supposed to look perfectly calm and orderly.
We also had to get the pups involved for the family bed photos. Those are always some of my favorites because everyone can pile in together without it feeling overly posed. Add the dogs and now we have a pretty accurate family portrait.
I love getting to photograph the before and after for families like the Seids. Their maternity gallery documented everyone waiting for Joel. Just a few weeks later, there he was, right in the middle of everything.
There is something I love about photographing newborn sessions at home. Yes, we’re there for the new baby, but we also get to document what life actually looks like when that baby comes home.
For the Davidson family, that meant welcoming baby Camille with Mom Kaitlin, Dad Matt, big sister Raeleigh and big brother Aiden.
Everyone had a slightly different approach to getting ready for photos.
Aiden, who is five and a half, was busy running around and hammering away at something in his room. As five-year-old boys do. Raeleigh, 8, was VERY ready to participate and happy to be included in pretty much every photo possible.
Her bedroom was also the perfect representation of her. Pink everywhere. There was absolutely no question what her favorite color was.
Meanwhile, Camille was by far the easiest Davidson child to photograph. Born August 20, she slept through most of the action while we coordinated her considerably busier older siblings around her.
This is exactly why I love photographing newborn sessions at home. Kids can stay in their own space and be themselves instead of feeling like they’ve suddenly been dropped into a photo shoot and told to perform. I don’t need every sibling sitting perfectly still and smiling at me. I’d much rather photograph Raeleigh loving on her new sister, Aiden doing his thing and everyone together as they actually are right now.
We finished the session outside on the Davidson family’s nursery property, and this was definitely Matt’s territory.
As he showed me around and explained the different plants, his whole face lit up. You could immediately tell how much he loves what he does.
I always love when we can work something genuinely meaningful to a family into their photos. Camille now has pictures from her first weeks at home with her siblings exactly as they were at 8 and 5, plus a little piece of the family business woven into her newborn gallery.
That feels much more interesting to me than everyone sitting perfectly still.
If you’ve started looking for an Atlanta newborn photographer, you’ve probably noticed pretty quickly that newborn photography can look very different depending on who you hire.
On one end, you’ll see tiny babies perfectly posed in baskets, wraps, miniature beds, and setups that somehow convince a seven-pound human to sleep through an entire production.
On the other, you’ll see newborn sessions happening at home with parents cuddling their baby, siblings climbing onto the bed, nurseries in the background, and a much more relaxed documentary feel.
Neither one is automatically better.
They’re just very different experiences.
Here’s how lifestyle newborn photography and posed studio newborn photography compare so you can figure out which one feels more like you.
What is lifestyle newborn photography?
Lifestyle newborn photography focuses on your baby and family in a natural environment, usually your home.
There is still direction involved. Lifestyle does not mean I show up, silently lurk in a corner for an hour, and hope something photogenic happens.
I’ll help you find good light, position everyone, suggest where to sit or stand, and make adjustments when needed.
But the images are designed to feel relaxed rather than heavily posed.
Think:
Your baby sleeping against your chest
Tiny fingers wrapped around yours
Everyone cuddled together on the bed
Siblings meeting or loving on the baby
Nursery details
Feeding, rocking, stretching, yawning and all those tiny newborn things
Your dog inserting themselves into the session because obviously this is still their house
The goal is to photograph what this stage of your family actually feels like.
What is posed newborn photography?
Traditional posed newborn photography usually takes place in a studio.
These sessions tend to center more heavily around the baby by themselves, often using wraps, props, backdrops, baskets, beanbags, or carefully styled setups.
A photographer who specializes in posed newborn photography is trained to position the baby safely into specific poses and may spend a significant amount of time soothing and adjusting the baby between setups.
What’s the biggest difference between lifestyle and studio newborn photography?
The biggest difference is really what you want the photos to be about.
Posed studio photography tends to focus primarily on what your newborn looks like right now.
Lifestyle newborn photography focuses more on what your family feels like right now.
I absolutely photograph all the tiny newborn details. Their hands, feet, eyelashes, little rolls and expressions all matter.
But I also want the photographs of you holding them.
Your older child curled up beside them.
Your partner staring at the baby instead of the camera.
The nursery you spent months putting together.
The way your baby somehow looks impossibly small in the middle of your bed.
That context is a huge part of why I love photographing newborn sessions at home.
Does lifestyle newborn photography include posing?
Yes, just not the highly structured newborn posing you may associate with studio photography.
I will absolutely tell you where to sit, help position the baby, move someone closer, fix a hand, or tell everyone where to look.
Nobody needs to magically know what looks good on camera.
The difference is that my direction is designed to create natural interaction rather than a perfectly constructed pose.
Is an at-home newborn session harder if you have older kids?
I actually think home can make things easier.
Older siblings are in their own environment. Their toys are nearby. Their snacks are nearby. They can wander off for a few minutes if they need a break.
That is considerably more realistic than asking a two-year-old to calmly sit through an entire photography session because a new sibling showed up and apparently stole everyone’s attention.
We follow their lead and get them involved when they’re ready.
What if my home isn’t very photogenic?
This is probably one of the most common concerns I hear about lifestyle newborn sessions.
Your house does not need to look like a magazine.
We don’t need every room.
Usually, I’m looking for a few things:
Good natural light.
A relatively uncluttered area.
Enough room for everyone to sit or stand comfortably.
That’s about it.
We might photograph in the nursery, your bedroom, a living space, or wherever the light looks best that day.
You’d be surprised how little of your actual room sometimes ends up inside the frame.
Do I need newborn props?
No.
Your baby is enough.
For my newborn sessions, I’m much more interested in photographing your baby with you than putting them into elaborate themed setups.
A favorite blanket, meaningful item, or special nursery detail can absolutely be included.
But you do not need to order a miniature wooden airplane from Etsy before I arrive.
When should lifestyle newborn photos be taken?
One advantage of lifestyle newborn photography is that there is usually more flexibility around timing.
Traditional posed newborn photographers often prefer babies within roughly the first two weeks because newborns tend to sleep more deeply and curl naturally into certain poses during that window.
Lifestyle sessions don’t rely on those poses.
If your baby is a little older, that’s completely fine.
You may get more awake images, eye contact, stretching, expressions, or interaction, and that can be just as meaningful.
What should we wear for an at-home newborn session?
Comfortable, simple clothing photographs beautifully at home.
Neutral or softer colors tend to work well because they keep attention on your family and blend easily with your environment.
You don’t all need to match though coordinating with the color scheme of your home can work well.
And please don’t choose something that technically looks great but makes you miserable. You just had a baby. This is not the time for suffering in the name of pants.
I’m always happy to help clients decide between outfit options before their session.
Is lifestyle newborn photography right for you?
You may prefer lifestyle newborn photography if you want:
A relaxed session at home
More photographs of your family interacting together
Images that incorporate your nursery or home
Less emphasis on props and elaborate newborn posing
Flexibility for feeding, changing, soothing and sibling breaks
Photographs that feel natural and personal rather than studio-styled
You may prefer posed studio newborn photography if you love:
Carefully styled newborn portraits
Props, wraps and backdrops
Highly posed images of your baby alone
A consistent studio aesthetic
More elaborate newborn setups
Again, neither style is better.
The right photographer is the one whose work already looks like what you want hanging on your walls ten years from now.
Lifestyle Newborn Photography in Atlanta
I photograph lifestyle newborn sessions throughout Metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, Smyrna, Brookhaven, Atlanta and surrounding areas.
Sessions take place in your home and are designed to be easy, relaxed, and flexible around your baby.
Because newborns are not particularly interested in sticking to an itinerary.
If you’ve made it to the “researching photographers and opening 37 browser tabs” stage, you probably have questions.
How much direction will you get? What happens if your toddler decides they’re absolutely not participating? Do you need to know how to pose? What if your house doesn’t look like it belongs in Architectural Digest?
Here are the things people usually want to know before booking a photography session with me.
Do I need to know how to pose?
Absolutely not.
You don’t need to know what to do with your hands or show up with a Pinterest board full of poses. I’ll keep things easy, help when you need it, and give you plenty of room to actually interact with the people you came with.
I’ll give you enough direction that you’re never wondering what to do, without making the whole session feel overly posed or awkward. The goal is for your photos to look like you, just on a particularly good day.
Will you tell us what to wear?
Yes.
You don’t have to buy an entirely new wardrobe unless you’re looking for an excuse, in which case I fully support you.
I’m happy to help with colors, coordinating outfits, deciding between options, and figuring out what will photograph well with your location.
In general, I recommend coordinating rather than perfectly matching. Think colors and textures that work together without making everyone look like they were issued a family uniform.
What if my kids don’t cooperate?
They’re kids. I assume at least a little chaos is coming.
Some kids warm up immediately. Some need ten minutes. Some have very strong opinions about everything happening around them.
We work with it.
I don’t expect young kids to stand perfectly still, smile on command, and behave like tiny professional models for an hour. We’ll move around, play, take breaks if we need to, and adjust based on their mood.
A lot of my favorite images happen in the middle of the chaos anyway.
What if my baby cries during our newborn session?
Also normal.
Lifestyle newborn sessions are intentionally relaxed because newborns are unpredictable little people with zero concern for our schedule.
If your baby needs to eat, be changed, rocked, cuddled, or take a break, we do that.
There is no prize for finishing your newborn session as quickly as possible.
Do you photograph newborns in a studio?
My newborn photography is primarily lifestyle-focused, which means sessions typically happen in your home rather than in a traditional newborn studio setup.
Instead of elaborate props and heavily posed newborn setups, I focus on your baby, your family, and what this stage of life actually looks like.
That might mean your baby sleeping in your arms, siblings piled onto the bed, details around the nursery, or your dog trying very hard to remain the favorite child.
Does my house need to be perfectly decorated for an in-home newborn session?
No.
I promise I am not arriving with a clipboard to evaluate your interior design choices.
We typically use a few areas with the best light, such as the nursery, primary bedroom, or living room. You do not need your entire house spotless.
Clear the nightstands. Hide the random water bottles. Toss the laundry pile somewhere outside the frame. Open some curtains.
Done.
How far in advance should I book?
The earlier, the better, especially if you already have a specific date or weekend in mind.
September through November is my busiest stretch thanks to fall photos and holiday card season, and weekend dates can fill up months in advance. If you’re hoping for a fall session, I definitely wouldn’t wait until fall to start looking.
Outside of those months, there’s usually a little more flexibility, but once you know you want a session, it’s best to get on the calendar rather than waiting for the perfect time.
For newborn sessions, we’ll typically plan around your due date and adjust once your baby actually arrives because babies are not particularly concerned with our scheduling plans.
What happens if it rains?
Atlanta weather likes drama.
For outdoor sessions, I keep an eye on the forecast as we get closer. If the weather genuinely looks bad, we’ll figure out whether it makes sense to adjust the time, location, or date.
I don’t automatically cancel because an app shows a 30% chance of rain five days away. Georgia forecasts change constantly.
And honestly, overcast skies are some of my favorite lighting to shoot in. Soft, even light without everyone squinting into the sun? Yes, please.
Where do photography sessions take place?
I photograph families, maternity sessions, couples, and newborns throughout Metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including areas like Alpharetta, Milton, Roswell, Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, Smyrna, Brookhaven, and Atlanta.
Your session location depends on the type of session and the look you want. That could mean a park, open field, neighborhood, urban location, or your own home.
If you have no idea where you want to go, that’s fine too. I can help.
Can we bring our dog?
Always yes, unless the location specifically doesn’t allow pets.
Pets are part of the family too, so if you want them in your photos, bring them.
Just know there is a very real possibility your dog will look directly at the camera while every human in the photo is looking in four different directions.
Dogs are overachievers like that.
How long are sessions?
My full sessions are typically 45–60 minutes, while mini sessions are about 20-30 minutes long.
You can see current session options and pricing on my Packages & Pricing page.
How many photos will we receive?
Full sessions include 50+ hand-edited images while mini sessions include at least 20.
I don’t hold back great images just to hit an arbitrary gallery number. If we get more great photos, you get more great photos.
Can you Photoshop something?
Normal retouching and editing? Yes.
Completely rebuilding reality? We may need to manage expectations though AI does some impressive things these days.
I edit every final image for things like color, exposure, cropping, and overall consistency. I’ll also take care of temporary distractions when appropriate.
My editing style is meant to keep people looking like themselves.
What if I feel awkward in photos?
You are in very good company.
Most of the people I photograph are not professional models and do not spend their weekends practicing candid laughter in front of a mirror.
You don’t have to perform for the camera.
I’ll give you enough direction to keep you from feeling lost, but the best photographs usually happen once everyone stops thinking quite so hard about being photographed.
How do I book a session?
Start by heading to my contact page and tell me what kind of session you’re looking for, who will be there, and approximately when you want to schedule it.
From there, we’ll figure out availability, location, and the details.
It was so fun capturing the Moore family as they welcomed their newest arrival, Max, and officially became a family of four.
The last time I saw Maria, Patrick, and Owen was last summer for their outdoor family session in Brookhaven, where Owen was all smiles. This time, he brought that same big toddler energy to their in-home newborn session with his new baby brother.
Owen was doing exactly what toddlers do, which means keeping everyone on their toes, but we still captured the sweetest snuggles with Mom and Dad and some really cute moments with both brothers. A toddler plus a newborn is basically its own sport, and everyone did great.
Max was the perfect sleepy little guy for his newborn photos. He even gave us a big smile with Dad, which was absolutely worth the wait.
I love in-home newborn sessions because they feel relaxed and personal, especially when there is an older sibling involved. You get the quiet newborn moments, the family connection, and the real-life sweetness of everyone adjusting to the newest little person in the house.
If you are looking for an Atlanta newborn photographer, I photograph newborn and family sessions throughout metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Brookhaven, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, and Kennesaw. You can see more newborn sessions on the blog or learn more about booking a session on my Packages & Pricing page.
Murphey Candler Park is one of my favorite spots for family photos in Brookhaven, and it was the perfect backdrop for Yasmin and John’s outdoor session with their three girls.
I have loved watching this family grow over the years, from photographing Yasmin’s pregnancy and the arrival of their first daughter, Soriya, to now capturing them as a family of five with all the female energy. John is officially outnumbered, but honestly, he seems to be handling it well.
Atlanta weather was being its usual finicky self, but we lucked out with a last-minute clear forecast just in time for their golden hour session before John headed back to Australia for the season.
Soriya, Shy, and Sunday brought the perfect mix of sweetness, movement, and sister chaos. Sessions with three kids are never boring, which is exactly what makes them fun.
If you are looking for a Brookhaven family photographer, I photograph families throughout metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Woodstock, Marietta, and Kennesaw. You can see more family sessions on the blog or learn more about booking a session on my Packages & Pricing page.
Jess and Shane welcomed sweet Ireland Jordan on July 20, and it was such a joy to photograph this new chapter for their family.
I loved seeing these two become parents, and of course, their fur baby has officially been promoted to big sister. A very important title. Hopefully one that comes with treats.
Ireland was the perfect little model for her newborn session. Not a single cry from her, which is basically newborn session royalty behavior. Even better, she gave the sweetest smiles with Mom.
Her nursery was also perfectly decorated, with beautiful artwork highlighting cities in Ireland across the wall. Such a thoughtful detail for a baby girl with the sweetest name.
In-home newborn sessions are always special because they capture so much more than just the baby. They document the nursery, the family pets, the quiet first days, and all the little details that make this season feel real.
Jess and Shane, I am so happy for you both. Ireland is so loved already, and it was such an honor to photograph her first days at home.
If you are looking for a Kennesaw newborn photographer, I photograph newborn and family sessions throughout metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Marietta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, and Woodstock. You can see more newborn sessions on the blog or learn more about booking a session on my Packages & Pricing page.
I first met Mike and Chelsea in 2021 when they were pregnant with Hayes. We had a fun maternity session in Inman Park back then, and now they are getting ready to welcome baby Joel with a much more comfy at-home maternity session.
We have done a few sessions at their home over the years, but this was the first time we got to photograph in Chelsea’s gorgeous garden. Between the flowers and plants in both the front and back yards, it made the perfect backdrop without having to go anywhere. Very convenient. Very beautiful. Zero loading children into the car required.
Hayes and Lev were hamming it up per usual, which is exactly what I expect from this crew at this point. They brought the energy, the laughs, and the very necessary big brother chaos.
This session was easygoing, playful, and full of the kind of real family moments that make at-home maternity photos so special. It is always fun getting to photograph families through different seasons, and I cannot wait to see this crew grow again when Joel arrives.
If you are looking for an Atlanta maternity photographer, I photograph maternity and family sessions throughout metro Atlanta and North Atlanta, including Roswell, Alpharetta, Milton, Canton, Woodstock, and Marietta. You can see more maternity sessions on the blog or learn more about booking a session on my Packages & Pricing page.
