If you’re wondering what exactly is ‘documentary lifestyle’ photography, take a look, and enjoy reading this!

For years, I’ve had the pleasure of photographing families in the Carolinas as they’ve welcomed their newest bundles of joy. My approach to newborn photography is very natural and as relaxed as possible. I love capturing the real, sweet, non posed moments between you and your family.

Newborn documentary style photography is a natural, storytelling approach to capturing the beginning of a baby’s life. Unlike posed newborn photography — featuring babies swaddled in wraps with props and backdrops — documentary newborn photography focuses on real moments, genuine emotions, and the everyday environment of your baby and family.

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What Is Documentary Style Photography?

Documentary photography is all about candid moments:

• Real interactions between parents, siblings, and the baby
• Feeding (breastfeeding or bottle feeding)
• Cuddles, yawns, and stretches
• The baby’s surroundings like the sweet nursery you’ve decorated and around your home
• Emotional reactions: joy & tenderness

During these sessions, I’m more of a ‘quiet observer‘. I capture the beauty in ordinary moments without directing too much or over posing.

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📸 Key Characteristics

Feature	Description
Natural light	I use the available, natural light, often from your windows for a soft, intimate feel
Home-based sessions	We do these at your home to keep you all comfortable. We can utilize the outdoors from your backyard or front porch as well!
Candid moments	We focus on authenticity over perfection
Minimal editing	Edits are usually light, preserving the natural mood
Storytelling focus	The goal is to create a narrative of a moment and or a day in the life

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Why Do I Shoot in This Style?

• Comfort: No need to take the baby to a studio or keep them asleep the whole time.
• Authenticity: It captures your family as you are—raw, beautiful, and real.
• Timelessness: These images often age better than heavily posed ones as they reflect real life.
• Connection: We emphasize the relationship, not just the baby alone.

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📅 When Should We Do a Session?

The best time is within the first 2–4 weeks of the baby’s life. When your family is still in that fresh bubble of welcoming the newest member is a great time. Unlike posed newborn photography, this style is more flexible with timing, even up to a couple months after birth.

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What to Expect During a Session

• As your photographer, I arrive, observe, and direct quietly
• I give light direction: for example “hold the baby and talk to them like normal.” “place your faces together and smile over your little one”, etc.
• Within the hour session, we’ll allow breaks for feeding, changing, and soothing.
• You’re not expected to look perfect—this style embraces the beauty in the mess and chaos.

Check out these sweet little double miracles above: God knew the desires of this couple’s hearts, and when it seemed uncertain or impossible, they were blessed beyond measure with twins. There’s something to be said about God’s mysterious timing. I was honored to capture some of Claire + Chloe’s first photos in the upstairs of our personal home as a tiny cozy ‘studio’ We used a few little frilly props while the girls snuggled.

We can also use the beautiful outdoors or a local spot nearby that is meaningful to your family. As long as the place is comfortable to you and your baby, we make it work

I’ve had the privilege to photograph this awesome family since 2017. When we first met, we did Christmas pictures with just the two of them and their fur baby. Now, they have 2 precious daughters. They’re also fellow Disney fans, so I thought the baby’s nursery was absolutely darling, featuring Disney inspired themes and art.

Contact me today to schedule your lifestyle newborn session in advance! =)