I’ve met a lot of incredible couples, families, and individuals over the years, but getting to capture all of the wonderful people who were in my life before I became a photographer is one thing that makes my job even more extraordinary, like this newborn session for my very best friend from High School, Jenna. I can see life through so many lenses (no pun intended)—my own family members, childhood and college friends, and so many new ones, too! This time, I got to catch up with Jenna and get a peek inside the wonderful life she’s created with her husband, Ryan.

Nursery Newborn & Family Photos

Jenna and Ryan just welcomed their first baby girl, Nora Ann, into the world on March 16th. I was thrilled to give my sweet friend an overdue squeeze and capture her beautiful family a few weeks after Nora’s grand debut. Jenna is just a remarkable human. I remember the days we used to belt out Kelly Clarkson songs together. We made puffy-paint t-shirts for Friday football games, cried on each others’ shoulders, and grew up a bit together during those High School years. It was such a joy getting to captured her in her new role as a Mom, and what a natural she is!

Nora Ann is their first baby. As you might imagine, they thoughtfully prepared the most GORGEOUS nursery for their little girl, with lots of light streaming through her windows. This intimate nursery newborn photoshoot was the perfect option for their family. These photos will help them remember this sweet nursery they made for their baby girl years from now, and the soft sunlight also helped us capture every precious detail and tiny newborn feature as naturally as possible. There is nothing like a white onesie and a bow on baby girls to give them some feminine cuteness but not distract from those tiny newborn features. 

If you want to add extra meaning and a few design elements to your in-home nursery newborn photos, I’ve got a few ideas for you. The goal is to add a few special items or décor that add significance to your pictures without taking away from those sweet newborn details and family connections. 

Meaningful Additions for Your Nursery Newborn Session

When it comes to photography for newborns, less is more. You don’t want to overcrowd the photos with props or detailed compositions because your sweet baby is the star of the show! But there are still fun ways to personalize your session and add extra meaning to your portraits:

Family Heirlooms

Handmade or crocheted blankets, heirloom furniture, and passed-down toys make meaningful nursery additions. Some families like to include items like heirloom bassinets, rocking horses, or hanging mobiles that we can incorporate into some photos.

Easily Removable Accessories

Instead of trying to pick out a cute outfit, it’s often best to keep it simple for newborn photos. Outfits tend to overwhelm their tiny bodies, but it’s that impossibly soft skin, fine wrinkles, and wiggly fingers and toes you’ll want to remember forever. 

Feel free to skip the outfits and opt for a plain onesie instead (for both girls and boys). You could add a simple little bow or headband for girls or a tiny bowtie, suspenders, or knit hat for a boy. Swaddling blankets work well, too, for a little something extra. 

Some people like to use accessories in a few photos, especially birth announcement photos. Then, you can easily remove them for natural bare-skin photos. (You just don’t want something difficult to get on and off that might irritate your little one.) 

Wall Art & Décor 

You already know—the nursery is the setting for such a precious life stage, but it doesn’t last long. The mermaids, trains, comic book heroes, princesses, and Disney characters aren’t far behind. During your newborn session, I’m happy to take photos of your nursery as treasured mementos. Let me know if you have any wall art, murals, or specific décor that’s extra meaningful to you so I can be sure to photograph those details

Photography for Newborns by Meg Adamik Creative

I’d love to get your newborn nursery photoshoot on the books! Aim to tentatively book your newborn session about 1-2 weeks from your due date. Get in touch with me around your second trimester to go over the details. The earlier the better so I can keep the weeks around your due date open and flexible.

Looking for photography for newborns near Chicago? I’m your gal! Get more info on newborn photo sessions here, and find photo inspiration on Instagram @megadamikcreative. I look forward to photographing these precious moments in your family’s story.