Life comes fast, especially when you’re juggling big milestones like buying a house and welcoming a baby—back to back. That’s exactly what my amazing clients, Ross and Lynsey, experienced. It’s such a special time, full of new beginnings, and I had the honor of capturing these moments for them. We decided to take family photos in the comfort of their beautiful new home, with their newest little addition in tow.

In the Nursery: A Calm, Cozy Start

We began the session in the nursery, where their baby was peacefully sleeping. The nursery was soft and serene—a perfect backdrop for those intimate moments. I always prefer to focus on lifestyle shots that tell a story, rather than stiff, posed photos. I want the family to forget I’m there, so I can capture genuine interactions. This approach allows me to document the quiet, tender moments—the look of pure love between new parents and their baby.

In this kind of setting, I always aim for authenticity. I encourage parents to simply hold, cuddle, and interact with their little one naturally. This is where the magic happens—when the parents are lost in the moment, just enjoying their baby.

As a photographer, one of my main priorities is lighting. Nurseries tend to be smaller and cozier, but they’re not always the best-lit spaces for photography. While the soft light is great for the baby’s environment, it can leave us with shadows or dark areas in the photos. To overcome this, I bring a small portable light to help illuminate the room. I aim the light toward the ceiling to bounce the soft glow around the room, creating a bright, natural look without being overpowering. This ensures we get those crisp, beautifully lit images, even in a dimly lit nursery.

We spent time capturing the family together—parents gazing at their newborn, gentle kisses, the quiet joy that comes with new parenthood. These are the moments that truly tell the story of this new chapter in their lives. Of course, I also made sure to get some solo shots of the new mama, basking in the glow of her new role and the love she already has for her baby. It’s incredible how much emotion and connection are wrapped up in these early days, and my goal is to capture it all.

A Change of Scene: Front Porch Family Photos

After we wrapped up in the nursery, we moved outside to their front porch to capture a different side of their new family life. The porch offered a more open space, perfect for some fresh air and a bit of natural light. These family sessions on the front porch are always a favorite of mine because they give families the chance to be more relaxed and casual while still looking polished. The front porch is such a beautiful symbol of family life—it’s where you greet the world, and it’s the first place visitors see when they come to your home. It feels like an extension of the family’s personality and vibe.

Here, the lifestyle approach continued. I didn’t want stiff, posed portraits; I wanted to capture the authentic love and connection they had as a family. Whether it was the way they lovingly held their baby or simply interacted with each other, every shot felt personal and real. We let the moments unfold naturally as they sat together, holding hands or laughing as they played with their baby. I believe in letting the environment speak for itself—there’s something about the warmth of home, combined with the natural light on a front porch, that creates such a magical feel.

While I love capturing newborns in their nursery or at home, there’s something about getting a few outdoor shots, too. The contrast between the soft interior shots and the fresh air outside brings such balance to the overall gallery. And if the family has a beautiful front porch like Ross and Lynsey’s, it’s the perfect backdrop to symbolize the beginning of a new chapter.

Why In-Home and Front Porch Photography?

Some clients might wonder why I suggest in-home or front porch family photos instead of traditional studio portraits. The answer is simple: home is where the heart is. It’s where families are most comfortable and authentic, and the photographs captured here will always have more personal significance.

When families open their homes to me, they’re inviting me into a deeply intimate part of their lives. Whether it’s the nursery, the living room, or the front porch, every corner of their home has a story to tell. It’s these stories I want to document. I want to capture the real, everyday moments—the ones that might seem small now but will be cherished forever. The way a baby’s tiny hand fits perfectly into their parent’s, the quiet lull of a rocking chair, or the way a family relaxes on their front porch at the end of a long day—these moments are the ones that matter.

Another reason I love these types of sessions is that they’re relaxed. Parents don’t have to worry about rushing to a studio or getting the baby dressed up for a formal shoot. Everything happens organically, in a comfortable space, where everyone can feel at ease. This results in photos that feel effortless, natural, and full of love.

Let’s Work Together

When you think back on the early days of your family, what do you want to remember? For Ross and Lynsey, it was important to document their first moments in their new home as parents, with their beautiful baby. From the peaceful nursery to the lively front porch, these photos tell the story of their new life together—of love, connection, and the joy of being a family.

As a photographer, it’s my privilege to capture these precious moments and help families preserve them forever. If you’re considering a lifestyle family session, whether in the nursery, on the front porch, or anywhere else that feels like home, I’d love to help you tell your story.

After all, home is where your story begins. -SM