Portland Oregon Lifestyle Photographer - welcome to the world, baby Marcus!

At-home “lifestyle” sessions are my favorite way to photograph families with little ones. When I go to a client’s home, they have everything they need right there (diapers, change of clothes, snacks, etc.). They don’t have to worry about forgetting anything or plan for the unexpected. Toddlers and small children are usually apprehensive about a stranger photographing them, but being in their own home makes them feel FAR more comfortable. By the end of the session, they’re usually showing me their toys and telling me funny stories about their pets. Plus, it’s just so much easier for me (a woman whose children are all adults now) to hop in my car and drive to the client!

I do very little posing with lifestyle sessions. I may say, “everyone sit over there.” or “Let’s put the baby here.” Beyond that, though, I just let everyone do what they want…especially babies and toddlers! THEY ARE IN CHARGE! This cuts down on the stress of trying to get that “perfect” family photo and results in shots that are way more authentic.

I’ve been to Ashley and Alina’s house a few times now and in addition to getting to see their adorable family, I get to see the changes they’ve made to their first home! They’ve done quite a few DIY projects and they look SO good!

Oregon Newborn Photographer - newborn session at home with baby Ravi

I met Jessica & David at their maternity session in Salem (CLICK HERE TO VIEW THOSE PHOTOS), but for Ravi’s newborn session we opted to shoot at the family’s home in Portland. In fact, we shot in the nursery, which offered some beautifully dramatic window light. Ravi was unexpectedly fussy during the session, but you’d never know by looking at these photos (yay for patience and creativity on my part, haha)!

I also managed to get a couple of photos of Cat Damon, as he was very curious as to what we were doing.

Portland Oregon Newborn Photographer - casual family session at home! (part 1)

I love, love, LOVE watching my clients’ families grow and this adorable family is no exception! I met Ashley & Alina (aka Ashlina) over 8 years ago, when they were newly engaged. Since their engagement session, I’ve photographed a lot of their milestones, including newborn sessions for each of their little ones. With their first baby, I visited them in the hospital, but with their newest bundle we opted for a session in their home. It was definitely the best option with an energetic toddler in the mix!

Portland Oregon Newborn Photographer - Fresh 48 Session with baby Everett

I can’t believe this little newborn just turned one! In case you missed the post featuring this couple’s maternity session, CLICK HERE to see it (spoiler alert: they’re gorgeous). As usual, I’m way behind on blogging, so here I am, finally sharing this Fresh-48 session, over a year later. If you are asking what a “fresh-48” session is…Well, that is when I travel to you and photograph your baby within 48 hours of birth. This often takes place at a hospital, but can also be done in a birthing center or in your home. Most hospitals do not offer professional photography, so this is the ideal replacement for that…or simply for those who don’t want (or can’t afford) to have the birth photographed. Many clients who book fresh-48 sessions also book newborn portraits for a few weeks later, as babies really do change that much in that short of time.

Like many babies born in late 2019 or 2020, Everett has spent the majority of her first year at home, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. I don’t think she’s had any complaints, though, seeing as both of her moms have also been home pretty much this whole time.