As a lifestyle newborn photographer Cleveland families keep calling on for real, documentary first days – this session had EVERYTHING. A beautiful brand new baby girl, a lake right in the neighborhood, an absolutely hilarious blow out moment, a very enthusiastic dog, double exposures, and more joy than I could possibly fit into one blog post. March decided to show up unseasonably warm and sunny. We took full advantage of every single second of it. I am SO excited to share this one!

by Alison Nicole Photography | Cleveland Lifestyle Photographer

Why This Session Was Extra Special

This was this couple’s very first baby and you could feel that energy throughout the entire session. Everything was new and exciting and emotional and beautiful. First babies bring a particular kind of magic to a session – every tiny detail matters and every expression gets noticed. The love in the room felt completely overwhelming in the best way. Also their dog was fully convinced he was the star of the show… and honestly he was not wrong!

Starting at the Lake

Because the weather was so unusually warm for March we started at a lake right in their neighborhood. So getting beautiful outdoor shots at the very beginning of a newborn session was a wonderful surprise! The light on the water was just gorgeous. Starting outside also let their dog burn off some energy before we headed inside – which he absolutely needed!

Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Cleveland – The Dog Stole the Show

Ok I have to talk about this dog because he was AMAZING. In the backyard I captured some seriously rad shots of him jumping and playing – full of energy and personality. However the sweetest moments came inside when he settled right in on the bed with the family. The cuddling shots of him snuggled up next to Mom and the baby are some of my absolute favorites. Additionally I love the shot of him in his spot on the couch with Mom holding baby in the foreground. Pets are such an important part of the family! If you have a dog, a cat, or any pet – bring them in for at least part of your session. You will not regret it!

Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Cleveland – The Blow Out Heard Around the Neighborhood

So this happened… the baby had a MAJOR blow out. We are talking out of the diaper, onto the onesie, the whole situation. We were absolutely dying laughing – and of course I photographed it because how could I not?!

This is exactly why in-home lifestyle newborn sessions are so wonderful. Because everything you need is right there! Mom handled an immediate clothing change without any stress at all. After the change I captured some of my favorite shots of the session. A few of just baby in her diaper showing off all those sweet little details, and some really beautiful tasteful shots of Mom nursing her daughter. Mom had also seen a shot on my website of another mom holding her newborn with the most adorable naked baby bum and wanted something similar. So we did that too and it turned out absolutely precious!

Lifestyle Newborn Photographer Cleveland – Nursery Details and Indoor Moments

The nursery details in this home were so sweet and thoughtful – it was clear they put so much love into creating their nursery. For instance their framed sonogram photo next to flowers on the bedside table was one of those details I just had to capture. Also the books in the nursery made for such a beautiful detail shot.

After the nursery details we moved into the primary bedroom for some wonderful family shots – dog included in several of them. Both on the bed and next to the window for that gorgeous natural light. Then I spent time with just Dad and baby in the nursery, then just Mom and baby, and finally baby alone in her crib. Those crib shots included some of my favorite details – those perfect tiny baby feet!

Double Exposures and a Gallery with Every Layer!

I also created some double exposure photography in post with images from this session. Furthermore the outdoor lake shots from the beginning gave me such beautiful source material for those overlays. As a result this family ended up with a gallery full of different looks and layers – from documentary candid moments to gorgeous outdoor light to creative double exposures! Also be sure to check out the companion film post for this session to see the hammock and dock shots. Those are some of the most beautiful images from the whole day!

Book Your Own Lifestyle Newborn Session!

Are you expecting or do you know someone who is? I would absolutely love to document those first precious days! Because babies change so fast it is so important to capture these fleeting moments right away. I serve families in Cleveland and surrounding areas including Westlake, Bay Village, Rocky River, Lakewood, Avon, Avon Lake, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Olmsted Falls, and more. If you would like to learn more about lifestyle newborn sessions please click here: Newborn Sessions. To see more newborn lifestyle photography sessions on the blog click here: Newborn Lifestyle Photography Sessions. To get the booking process started fill out my contact form here: Contact Form.

Thank You!

Thank you so much for reading through this session – it was truly one of my favorites! If you are looking for something else please know that I also offer family, branding, couples, and senior sessions. Check out these links: Cleveland Family Photographer, Cleveland Branding and Headshot Photographer, Cleveland Couples Photographer, Cleveland Senior Photographer. I would love to work with you!