I could tell you all about my goals for your maternity and newborn sessions. I could describe my style as a Seattle area photographer and show you tons of photos from each session. However, who better to give you a feel for what that photo session experience is like than from a mother who just had maternity and newborn photos with me done?
So I bring you an interview with Julie, who’s family I photographed as they welcomed their first child, a beautiful baby girl.
Q: This first question is a big, multi-part one! Why did you decide to have maternity and newborn photos done? Did you have any concerns or worries before you booked your photo sessions?
A: I always knew that newborn photos were a must for our family. Maternity photos, on the other hand, were just a dream. They were something I envisioned and very much wanted but I also knew it was another expense. That all changed when I came across Neyssa’s photography business which included an affordable lifestyle maternity and newborn session bundle (with an album included)! You mean I COULD have both?! The decision was easy and my dream of having both experiences quickly turned into a reality. I knew it would be so special to build conversations with our daughter around photos of being in mama’s belly to then seeing herself in our home at just a few days old.
Q: Could you describe your experience for your maternity photo session?
A: Our maternity photo session was a wonderful experience! Neyssa was amazing to work with and helped us find a beautiful outdoor location for our session. It felt as if we’d known Neyssa for years! She and I also discovered our love for the same show Friends. Could this BE a better fit?! She had my husband and I laughing throughout the entire afternoon. She reminded us to simply be ourselves and that was so helpful. Neyssa even sent us preview photos just hours after our session! Her professionalism and punctuality blew us away!
Q: Now let’s chat about once baby girl was here. What was it like having Neyssa come to your home to photograph your family just a week or so after giving birth?
A: It was so nice to have a visitor! The best part was that we didn’t feel rushed in the morning to get ourselves and baby Penelope ready as the session was in our home. I can’t imagine trying to get out the door with our family put together just nine days after giving birth. We also took as many nursing and diaper change breaks as needed without feeling pressure to hurry.
Q: Could you describe your experience for your newborn photo session?
A: Another reason we chose to work with Neyssa is because she’s a lifestyle photographer. I didn’t want anything too posed or shots in a studio. I wanted pictures that clearly displayed real life moments. She captured this perfectly! One shot that I adore is of Penelope and I. I’d just swaddled her, and the light and color contrast of the photo were breathtaking. I get emotional every time I look at it.
The three of us were relaxed during the session and it was nice to be in the familiar environment of our own home. Once again, Neyssa sent us a couple preview pictures soon after our photo session, which I very much appreciated, and it truly shows the passion she has for her work.
Q: What did you think when you saw your newborn gallery? Any favorite photos?
A: We were so excited to get our photos back! My husband and I honestly love all the photos; it’s hard to choose our favorites! Our top pictures are one of Penelope when she’s swaddled on our bed and looking directly over at the camera. Another is where she’s looking right at the camera smiling with her tiny bow. I also love the candid shots of our family. The lighting was spot on and Neyssa captured our family’s joy in all the photos.
What I also loved is that we received both black and white and color photos for each session. This was great when we were in the planning phase of displaying the photos in our home. With our newborn photos, we printed photos to hang in our entry way and went with a theme of combo color and black and white. The result is beautiful!
Q: How was the process for having your sessions made into an album?
Creating our album was such a thoughtful process for our family. Once my husband and I were finished choosing our favorite photos, Neyssa created a draft album by carefully placing each photo to fit a beautifully themed layout. I loved the collaborative process as we had input and could move photos to a different spot or page, change a picture from color to black and white, etc… Neyssa was extremely quick and responsive throughout the editing process! She even had the album shipped directly to our home so we could have it in time for our daughter’s one month celebration with family. It arrived in only two days!
Q: What was your favorite part of the entire experience?
I loved capturing such precious moments with my little girl and husband. The best part is having these beautiful memories that will live on forever. Neyssa was a joy and we will work with her again to document the growth of our family!
Wow, thank you, Julie for taking the time to share your experience with others. Your kind words and honest review mean so much to me.
To see more from their newborn session, scroll through this “small” preview of their gallery!
If Julie’s photo session experience sounds like one that you’d like for your maternity and newborn session I would love to chat with you and get your due date on my calendar. Together we will walk through planning your maternity and newborn sessions. Contact me to get started.
Looking for inspiration to help you prepare for a maternity and newborn session? Check out my What to Wear Guides.