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You just had a baby. You’re short on sleep, your arms are full (literally), and the idea of “being prepared” might feel… a little ambitious. Take a deep breath—you don’t have to do it alone.
My Spring Hill studio is designed to be a soft, welcoming space where you can show up just as you are. But if you love a good checklist (or just want the day to run a little smoother), here’s my go-to guide for what to bring to your newborn session.
Your Studio Newborn Checklist
1. A Pacifier (Even if They Don’t Normally Use One)
Sometimes babies get fussy or need a little extra comfort between poses. Even if your baby doesn’t usually take a paci, having one nearby can help me calm and settle them quickly.
It’s not required—but it can be a total game-changer.
2. A Sentimental Item (Optional, but Beautiful)
If you have something meaningful—like a baby blanket from your own childhood, a special teddy bear, or a gift from a grandparent—bring it! I love finding ways to incorporate sentimental pieces that tell your family’s story.
3. Whatever You Need for Feeding
Whether you’re nursing, pumping, or bottle-feeding, I’ll pause the session anytime your baby needs to eat. A full belly makes for a much sleepier baby—and that means more of those soft, snuggly images.
- If you’re using formula, bring an extra bottle or two
- If you’re nursing, feel free to bring your favorite pillow or cover
- 💡 Pro tip: Feeding your baby right before we start helps them settle in quickly
4. An Extra Outfit—for Baby and You
Babies spit up. It happens. Bring a backup onesie or gown for your little one just in case, and I recommend a neutral shirt for you or your partner too—just in case baby leaves a little love on your shoulder during snuggles.
I’ll provide all the wraps and accessories, so no need to pack much!
5. (Side Note) If Your Baby Was Recently Circumcised…
If your baby has been circumcised, I recommend waiting 5–7 days before your session. This gives their body time to heal and helps keep them comfortable during posing. If you’re unsure, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to walk you through it.
What I Have Ready at the Studio
I’ve stocked the studio with everything you might need, so you don’t have to stress about packing it all:
- Soft wraps, swaddles, and posing pillows
- A client closet with flattering, flowy dresses you can borrow
- Wipes, blankets, and cozy comforts for baby
- A private, quiet space for feeding or snuggling between setups
A Quick Note from Me
The best sessions aren’t about perfection. They’re about presence.
I’ve had parents show up feeling a little frazzled and leave with full hearts and a gallery of images they love. Bring what you can, and I’ll take care of the rest. We’ll follow your baby’s lead, take breaks when needed, and move at a pace that feels calm and easy.
You don’t need to do anything fancy—you just need to show up. I’ve got you.
Thank you so much for being here. I love sharing stories and tips that help you feel more prepared—and more seen. If you’re ready to plan a session that feels true to you, click here to get in touch.
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Every newborn session tells a story—but some stories begin long before the baby ever arrives.
For some families, the journey to holding a newborn in their arms includes chapters of loss. A miscarriage. A stillbirth. A child gone too soon. And when a new baby is born after loss, they’re often called a rainbow baby—a symbol of hope after the storm.
Newborn sessions for rainbow babies hold a different kind of energy. There’s joy, yes—but also remembrance, reflection, and reverence. I approach these sessions with our whole hearts, knowing that behind every image is a story of strength, love, and healing.
What Is a Rainbow Baby?
A rainbow baby is a term used to describe a child born after miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. Just like a rainbow doesn’t erase the storm, a rainbow baby doesn’t replace the child who came before—but they are a symbol of renewal, of life continuing, and of hope returning.
These sessions are often filled with deep emotion—joy and sorrow sharing the same space.
The Power of Symbolism in Your Session
Many families choose to include a symbol of the baby they lost. This could be:
- A small teddy bear
- A birthstone charm
- A handwritten note or ultrasound photo
- A rainbow-colored wrap or blanket
These quiet additions become powerful. In images, they gently say: you are still part of this family.
I photograph them intentionally—never to overshadow the new baby, but to honor the one who came before. It’s a way to hold space for all of your children in one frame.
Loss-Aware Photography with Sensitivity
I know that grief doesn’t end just because a new baby is here. That’s why I take a trauma-informed, heart-led approach during these sessions:
- I move slowly. There’s no pressure to smile or “perform.”
- I check in often. Your emotions are welcome here.
- I hold space. For tears, for silence, for remembrance.
You don’t have to explain yourself. You don’t have to be okay.
I see you. I honor your story. I are with you. You are fully welcome here.
A Studio That Feels Safe
My Tampa studio is a quiet, neutral space designed to feel peaceful and private—especially for families walking through tender experiences. Natural light, soft textures, and gentle tones allow the focus to stay on connection, not distractions.
No loud props. No forced posing. Just a calm, baby-led session where you can breathe, be present, and feel whatever comes up.
Your Grief Is Not Forgotten
If you’ve experienced pregnancy or infant loss, you are not alone.
If your arms are full now, but your heart still aches for the baby who isn’t here—your story still matters.
You are allowed to celebrate and grieve at the same time. You’re allowed to hold both joy and sadness in the same session. I create space for all of it.
Whether you bring a symbol of remembrance, speak their name aloud, or simply carry that memory silently—I will hold it with care.
Thank you for reading my blog! I love sharing real stories and beautiful moments from my clients. If you’re interested in booking a session, click here to get in touch!
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Let’s talk about indoor family sessions—and why they are, quite honestly, the unsung hero of photography options. While outdoor golden hour gets all the hype, studio sessions deserve their flowers too. Especially if you’re a parent trying to wrangle tiny humans, navigate nap schedules, and not melt into a puddle in the Florida heat.
This session reminded me of how powerful it can be to keep things simple. We stayed inside, leaned into natural light, had direct access to outfit changes, snacks, and AC… and still captured connection, laughter, and all the sweet chaos that makes your family yours.
Look, I get it. “Indoor” doesn’t always sound exciting at first—but if you’re parenting in the real world? It’s a game-changer. Here’s why: No weather reschedules. Rain? Wind? Humidity? Doesn’t matter. We’re inside. Nap-friendly scheduling. No waiting for golden hour—you can book around your baby’s best time of day. Bug-free zone. That’s right—no bug spray, no bites, no swatting. Access to the client closet. You don’t have to panic about what to wear or change in your car. Everything’s right there.
This kind of session gives you flexibility and comfort. It’s low-stress, clean, cozy, and still just as meaningful.
You might be surprised at the variety we can create in one indoor space. This session had: classic family portraits with everyone snuggled on the bed, solo shots of the kiddos playing in window light, candid moments of giggles and in-between hugs, soft, moody images using different corners of the studio, and even a few quick outfit changes (thanks, client closet). It’s not about having a million props or backgrounds. It’s about light, energy, and giving your family space to be themselves.
Studio lighting tends to be soft and neutral, so outfits that reflect that same tone always work beautifully. Think: warm creams, light browns, muted greens, dusty blues, soft blacks, and cozy textures. The goal? Coordinate without matching. Keep it relaxed. And if you don’t know where to start, I’ll send over my pre-session style guide—and you’ll have access to the client closet too, which has tons of studio-friendly options ready to go.
There’s something sacred about slowing down. About giving yourself permission to enjoy the moment without worrying about where the sun is or whether your toddler will melt down in the parking lot. This family came in open, relaxed, and real—and it showed. We laughed. We took breaks. We captured the moments that mattered most. No chasing light. No fighting bugs. No hauling snacks across a park. Just love, documented with care.
Thinking About an Indoor Family Session?
Let’s make your life easier—and your photos more meaningful.
Indoor sessions are perfect for Florida families who want timeless photos without the weather stress. If you’re interested in booking a family photography session in Tampa, reach out here!
Click here to get in touch
There’s something so special about maternity sessions. Maybe it’s the quiet strength. Maybe it’s the anticipation. Or maybe it’s because this moment—this exact season—is such a powerful pause before everything shifts.
This studio maternity session in Tampa reminded me why I love this work so much. It was soft, simple, and full of presence. And the best part? No sweating, no bugs, no weather reschedules. Just a cozy, comfortable space for this mama to show up and feel seen.
Scroll down to read more about this amazing session.
That’s the gift of a studio maternity session in Tampa. You’re not stressing about golden hour. You’re not hoping the sky holds off one more day. You get clean, natural light in an air-conditioned space, where you can take your time and just be.
One of the standout looks from this session came straight from the client closet—a textured two-piece set that felt soft and elevated all at once. It had a fitted top and a netted skirt that framed the bump beautifully. These are the kinds of pieces I hand-pick for comfort, movement, and how dang good they photograph. You don’t have to overthink your wardrobe—I’ve already done that part for you.
Studio sessions also give us so much flexibility with variety. You can go for cozy and intimate, or clean and modern. We can shoot against white walls, soft window light, a bed setup, or even moodier, more editorial vibes using darker backdrops. It’s all in one space, and it flows naturally without rushing or stressing.
If you’re looking to blend a soft boudoir feel with classic maternity images—or want to include your partner or kiddos too—it all works in the studio. We create the vibe that fits you. And because everything is in one place, you don’t have to pack the car with extra snacks, drive 45 minutes out to a park, or worry about dirt on your dress before we even get started.
For anyone planning a maternity session, here’s what I recommend:
- Stick to neutrals or earth tones—cream, beige, soft browns, black, olive, rust, or blush tones all photograph beautifully
- Think texture—knits, lace, gauze, linen
- Avoid heavy patterns or neons—they can distract from your face and your bump
- And always choose something you feel confident and comfortable in
If styling stresses you out, don’t worry. I’ve got a full client closet of flattering, photo-ready options for you to choose from—and I’ll help you mix and match pieces to create the perfect look.
Maternity photography is about so much more than pretty pictures. It’s about honoring your body and the journey you’re on. Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, this moment deserves to be documented. These images become part of your story. They’re for you now—but they’re also for your children one day. A reminder of where it all began.
Indoor studio sessions are one of the easiest, most relaxed ways to get beautiful, meaningful maternity photos in Tampa. No stress. No weather delays. Just time, intention, and a little space to celebrate the season you’re in.
Ready to Book Your Studio Maternity Session?
Let’s create something beautiful—without the stress.
Studio maternity sessions are all about comfort, connection, and celebrating your strength. If you’re looking for a Tampa maternity photographer who keeps things relaxed and beautiful, I’d love to hear from you.
Click here to get in touch
There’s something extra special about an in-home newborn session. It’s cozy, personal, and tells your story in the space where real life happens. But I totally get it—letting someone into your home (especially during those early postpartum days) can feel a little overwhelming. So today, I’m breaking down some of my favorite tips to make your session relaxed, meaningful, and totally doable.
And I just have to share this particular in-home newborn session in Tampa, because it was such an honor. Mom is actually a fellow photographer, which always feels like the highest compliment… and just a tiny bit nerve-wracking 😅. It’s humbling to be trusted by someone who does what I do—so naturally, I wanted to make the experience as seamless and comfortable as possible.
Why Choose an In-Home Newborn Session?
As a Tampa newborn photographer, I can tell you—there’s nothing quite like capturing a new family in their own space. No need to pack diaper bags, juggle car seats, or work around nap schedules. You’re already where you feel most at ease, and that calm energy always shows up in your photos.
Your home also adds a beautiful layer of storytelling. That couch where you cuddle with your baby every morning? The nursery you lovingly set up? They become part of the legacy we’re documenting. An in-home newborn session allows your photos to reflect your life, not just a Pinterest-perfect setup.
Tips to Prep Your Home (Without Going Overboard)
Let me be super clear: your home doesn’t need to look like a magazine. I’m not judging your dishes or your laundry pile. Promise.
But here’s what does help:
- Choose 2–4 spots in the home with good natural light—think big windows, sliding doors, or bright corners.
- Tidy just those areas. Seriously—move the mess to one side of the room if needed. I shoot from multiple angles, so the more space I can work with, the better.
- Turn off overhead lights (they cast weird yellow tones) and open up the blinds for that dreamy, soft light.
- If we’re doing baby-only shots, crank the heat a little. A warm room keeps your little one comfy and sleepy.
How to Prep Yourself + Baby
Don’t worry about everything being “perfect.” Honestly, I live for the in-between moments—nursing, rocking, soothing, diaper changes. It’s your real life, and it’s so worth capturing.
A few tips to make the session feel smoother:
- Feed baby just before I arrive so they’re nice and snuggly.
- For older kiddos, having snacks or a quiet activity nearby can be a lifesaver.
- Wear neutral, comfy clothes—skip logos or bright neon. Stick to tones that feel calm and true to you.
- Let toddlers be toddlers. The best photos come when they’re allowed to be themselves. I’ll guide them gently, but there’s no pressure for them to be quiet or still. I promise—I’d rather photograph a joyful, wild-hearted child than one who’s been told to “say cheese” a hundred times.
- And if your baby cries? That’s okay too. Chaos can still be beautiful.
The Energy of This Session
This particular session felt like magic. Seeing a photographer-mama fully hand over the reins and trust the process was so powerful. Big sister was full of life and totally rocked her role. Their home gave us the dreamiest light, the perfect cozy vibe, and everything felt real and warm from start to finish.
As a lifestyle newborn photographer in Tampa, these are the sessions that remind me why I do what I do.
Ready for Your Own In-Home Newborn Session?
Whether this is your first baby or your fifth, your story deserves to be told. In-home newborn sessions are raw, connected, and full of love—everything we want your photos to reflect.
If you’re in the Tampa Bay area and dreaming of relaxed, real-life newborn photos that feel like you, I’d love to hear from you.
In-home sessions capture your baby’s earliest days in the place that matters most—home. If you’re ready for a relaxed newborn session in Tampa or nearby, reach out and let’s get you on the calendar.
Click here to get in touch
I had the sweetest newborn session at Spring Hill Studio with this beautiful family—Mom, Dad, their newborn daughter, and their toddler big sister. Everyone was dressed in white, which gave the whole session such a timeless feel.
The session was filled with all those precious family moments—big sister loving on her new baby sibling, and the proud parents soaking in those early newborn days. It was so much fun capturing the connection between them all, especially seeing how excited big sister was!
There’s nothing like those first few days with a newborn. I had the chance to capture a Fresh 48 session with this sweet family right after their baby was born. It’s such an emotional time—those tiny little details, first cuddles, and just soaking in all the newness.
Fast forward a week, and they came into the studio for their newborn session. I love getting to capture both the Fresh 48 and studio sessions… it’s such an amazing way to capture those early days!
There’s something extra special about being chosen by another photographer for their maternity and newborn sessions. It’s such an honor—and honestly, a bit nerve-wracking, but in the best way! We captured such precious moments between their kids, which was truly so special.
As a parent myself, I totally get it—raising young kids close in age can be chaotic, exhausting, and make you question your sanity (been there, done that, lol). But moments like these, when you see them growing up together and loving on each other, make it all worthwhile.
It was a blast working with another photographer, and capturing these special memories felt like a true privilege.
