Welcoming a newborn into the family is one of the most sacred seasons of life. As a newborn photographer in Knoxville, TN, sessions (and clients who become friends!) like this remind me why I love lifestyle photography so much.

This newborn session felt especially meaningful because it was my second time photographing the Swift family! (Technically the third time because I photographed Caleb’s brother’s wedding before we both had kids!) The last time I photographed them in home, their oldest daughter Louisa was only eight months old. This time, she was a lively almost two-year-old stepping confidently into her role as big sister. Getting invited back to continue to tell a family’s ever changing story is one of the biggest honors I could have! And for the Swift family, it made it extra sweeter because they are clients turned FRIENDS!

From the moment I arrived at their home, it felt like reconnecting with old friends. They are the kind of people who truly value slower, more traditional rhythms of life—time spent together, meaningful conversations, and finding the beauty in simple, ordinary moments. And we share so many interests, values, and beliefs that really brought us together. Being invited back to document them as a family of four, now in their new home, felt incredibly special. I can’t tell you how honored I was! The space may have changed, but their heart and bond was all still the same.

Before I even picked up my camera, Christina and I were chatting about motherhood, breastfeeding, the transition from one child to two, and all the little things that make this stage of life so full and meaningful. She later described us as kindred spirits, and I couldn’t have agreed more, sharing a love for face tallow, flower growing, beeswax candles and so much more. Once the session began, we started slowly, reading books together and allowing the family to settle into the natural rhythm of their morning. Louisa was full of personality and energy, yet whenever she was around her new baby sister, she became incredibly tender. She read stories to Rosalie, held her hand, and gently brushed her hair, showing an instinctive sweetness that made it all feel even more special.

Rosalie was a dream to photograph, with her big blue eyes and dark hair. Which actually through me off at first, because both Christina and Louisa have stunning dark brown eyes. Christina even commented that none of her friends believe her that she has the most vibrant blue eyes. Rosalie was calm, content, and perfectly happy whenever nestled close to her momma. The session unfolded gently, moving from reading and quiet moments to dancing and playing music at the piano – which if you know the Swifts would not be uncommon by any means. Caleb is truly a music wizard, and the melodies, laughter, and movement was a dream for me to translate into imagery. Eventually, we made our way to the sunroom, where the mid-morning light poured through the windows. It wrapped the family in a warm, soothing glow. Seeing Christina all snuggled up with her newborn gave me some serious baby fever! Thankfully I was then pregnant with our third.

Later, we stepped outside to their backyard, a serene oasis surrounded by woods that created a sense of privacy and calm. Louisa did not hold back her energy haha, chasing chickens, prancing through the yard, and picking flowers they had grown themselves, while Christina and Caleb took full advantage of some serious newborn snuggles. Even with the lively energy of Louisa, the session as a whole peaceful. There is something about a newborn that naturally slows the pace of a session.

As a newborn photographer in Knoxville, TN, my goal is always to document families authentically. To me that looks like capturing the quiet, tender, AND even chaotic moments that define those early days of parenting. In-home newborn naturally set the stage for these types of images to just unravel. The Swift family session is a perfect example of how slowing down, embracing everyday life, and cherishing small details can produce photographs that hold lots of depth and emotion.

Are you an expecting Momma? Congrats!!! Read here about when to book your newborn photographer! If you’re ready to book your newborn session (spoiler alert: it’s never too early!) – inquire here! I would be so honored!