A Newborn Photography Session

Meet Baby Lucas

Houston Katy Texas Newborn in-home photography session

A couple of weeks ago, I visited Lucas and his parents for an in-home newborn photography session. I was super excited to finally meet this little nugget after having heard so much about him. But let me tell you the whole story. Hugo’s cousin Juan and his wife Shawna shared with us the happy news that they were expecting their first baby. We were so excited and watched her belly grow over the next months.

The Gender Reveal Party

Do you remember these fun photos? That was from Lucas’ baby shower. I will never forget the sheer surprise on their faces when the balloon popped and the blue confetti came out. Shawna and Juan were so sure to have a little baby girl, they had already envisioned her walking down the aisle. But after the initial moment of shock followed pure joy and excitement. They’re going to have a baby boy!!! I’ve always imagined Shawna and Juan having a little boy. Everyone was so happy. In my head, I already started planning their maternity session.

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Lucas’ Birth and Newborn Session

It was early December, about two months before Lucas’ estimated birth date, when Shawna found out that her body wasn’t able to support her sweet little baby much longer. Lucas was brought into this world a few days later. The following 45 days must have been the hardest days of their lives. Constantly commuting back and forth between work, home and hospital. Not being able to hold their little Lucas and not knowing when they could finally bring him home. Moments of joy and hope, mixed with moments of fear and helplessness. I can’t even imagine how hard this time must have been for them. But the day finally came and Lucas was ready to go home.

What I love most about a newborn photography session is being able to capture your first family memories in the comfort of your home (and I’m always excited to check out the nursery and find the little details that show how much love and thought went into decorating this special room). Taking photos in our home gives us plenty of time to photograph your beautiful moments because you never know how your little one will be feeling that day. I think Lucas was quite excited and nervous being in front of the camera for the very first time and didn’t want to miss a thing. I mean I was excited to meet the newest member of our family, too. But after a little while, he started to relax and showed us his cute little smile.

Each newborn photography session is different but they all show this deep, unconditional love between the parents and their little one. A new mother has this beautiful, special glow around her and her face lights up each time she sees her sweet baby. Shawna had all of that and much more. What made this newborn photography shooting unique is the deep gratitude Shawna and Juan had, especially Shawna. She didn’t get to have the full pregnancy experience. She didn’t get to take photos with her big, round belly. And she wasn’t able to take her little boy home after giving birth. But having these moments of her little family captured made her feel “normal”. Doing a newborn photo shooting is quite normal these days and that’s exactly what she needed .. a very normal experience as a young mother with her family. It’s because of stories like this one that help me realize, that it’s so much more than just taking photos. I’ve been given a gift that allows me to create lasting memories, to capture emotions and stories and to make you feel, sometimes beautiful and strong, and sometimes just like a normal person.

Shawna, Juan and Lucas, thank you very much for inviting me into your home. It was such an honor taking these newborn photos on your actual due date. I enjoyed meeting you a lot and I can’t wait to capture many more family memories for you.

With love, Nicole