A Cozy Morning with Baby Brother
I had been holding my breath for this session for weeks before it came, both out of nerves and excitement! It would be my first time capturing memories like this inside someone's home.
Every time I've seen in-home photography, it truly lights me up inside. My heart just cannot get enough of those kinds of images, and I knew I had to capture some of my own. That's when Al and Savannah came into the picture (figuratively and literally!)
Leading up to this session, we had lots of back and forth about what it would look like, ideas for activities they already do as a family that they want captured, and even a shared Pinterest board so I could see exactly what Savannah was envisioning. This part of the process is sooo important because it is vital to me that every sessions is unique and authentic to each family!
Then came the morning of the session! Scout, their sweet pup, greeted me at the door with Kinsley close behind. I walked in and already felt so cozy, and I knew the photos would feel the exact same way!
Learn more about what I offer and how to book your own session here.
A Quiet moment in the nursery
We planned to start in the nursery for some reading, one of Kinsley's favorite things to do with her daddy, Al. Right as they hopped into the chair, Al kicked out the foot rest and like clockwork, Scout jumped right up onto her own little spot. You could tell that this family does this daily, and that meant so much to me that I got to be a fly on the wall for such a sweet ritual.
As Al and Kinsley read the book "Daddy's Kisses" and took turns giving each other kisses all over, Savannah nursed Colter and watched on with a small but joy-filled smile. You could literally feel the love beaming off of her as she watched her husband love on their daughter, as I'm sure she's seen so many times before, and yet that feeling just never gets old. My guess is that she wished these little moments would last forever, but we all know they never do.
Toddlers will be toddlers (and that's okay)
After the nursery we all gathered in Al and Savannah's bedroom so everyone could snuggle on the bed together, but by this point, Kinsley was already done with me. Really all she wanted to do was use my camera, so in true mama fashion Savannah grabbed her an old polaroid camera. Kinsley immediately went into full-photographer mode, trying to capture all the memories herself! She took that job very seriously and was insistent on staying out of photos for a while.
Despite the goldfish bribes from her parents, Kinsley was doing her own thing, as toddlers do, and I told them: don't worry, I'll just follow her lead from now on. She wandered and played, just like she does in her home all the time, and I captured little, true moments of her throughout the session.
This is honestly one of my favorite things about documentary family photography — you don't need cooperation. You just need realness. And toddlers? They are nothing if not real.
the kitchen sink bath
Savannah had seen some beautiful sink bath photos and wanted to document giving one to Colter. This was only his second bath of his life so far, what a special moment to capture! ( I mean honestly, I wish we had some beautiful photos of my two children's first baths).
In true newborn baby fashion, Colter was not thrilled about the water! He unsurprisingly got pretty upset, and I told them not to worry bout me getting shots, just wrap that baby up whenever you're ready! We still got some beautiful images, and one of my favorites is of him wrapped up in the fuzziest blanket, cozy and happy as can be in daddy's arms.
Colter snuggled up with his mom and dad on the couch and was in pure heaven, wide-awake but calm and loved-on. One of those moments that likely happens daily, now frozen in time for them to look back on for life.
Some time in the playroom
It wasn't long before Kinsley called her mommy over to play with her. Everyone snuggled up on the tiny toddler couch while Kinsley brought them delicious coffee (pretend, of course!) from her cute little play kitchen. She eventually came over to snuggle up with her brother and her mommy and daddy, finding her space in this new family she is still getting used to.
The end of the session was one of my favorite parts, as Kinsley invited her mommy to play magnatiles with her. Al took Colter outside for some back porch time which they both said is a daily occurrence, and if you know babies, you know they love being outside! He promptly fell asleep and I got the coolest shots of his sweet tiny toes against Al's tattooed arms. Seeing the contrast between Savannah and Kinsley playing inside, with Al and Colter relaxing outside, was such a beautiful and poetic ending to the session.
I seriously loved every second of this session, and it really solidified my desire to capture in-home, real moments for as many families as I can!
A note for coastal oceanside families
If you live close to the coast in Oceanside or anywhere along North County San Diego, here's something worth knowing when you book your in-home session: the marine layer is real, and it usually doesn't burn off until around 10:30am.
We started this session at 9:30am, and by the time that gorgeous natural light came flooding through their windows, we were just wrapping up. So for coastal homes, I now recommend starting sessions no earlier than 10:00–10:30am to make the most of that beautiful soft morning light.
Every home is different — and part of what I love about in-home photography is learning the light in your specific space. It's always a little adventure.
why i love photographing families at home
This session reminded me why I started doing in-home documentary photography in the first place. Not for perfect poses or coordinated outfits. But for the real stuff — a toddler reading to her baby brother, a newborn who hates baths but loves his towel, parents just soaking in the chaos and the sweetness of all of it.
Your home is already full of the best moments. You just need someone to show up and catch them.
If you're in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos, or anywhere in North County San Diego and you're thinking about an in-home session — I would love to come to you. Reach out here and let's make something real together.
