Why I Gently “Peer Pressure” Moms to Get in the Photo | “The Magic of Now”

There’s something sacred about those first few days after a baby is born.

The wrinkly toes.
The flaky skin.
The way their entire body fits into the crook of your arm.

This session was originally meant to be a Fresh 48, the kind where I meet you at the hospital and document your baby within the first 48 hours of life.

But instead?

We waited.

And it was absolutely the right decision.

Eliana initially reached out wanting to document her baby girl as soon as she arrived. But as the days unfolded, they decided to give themselves more time.
Sometimes waiting gives you more time settle into a new rhythm, physically recover, and just get more sleep! lol

When I arrived at their home in Queens, NY, baby Emilia was bright-eyed, alert, and still tiny, so perfect.

“I’m Not a Camera Person”

Now let’s talk about mom for a second.

Eliana told me from the beginning:
“I just want photos of the baby. I’m not a camera person.”

She even shared that when she got engaged, her fiancé hired a photographer, and she was quickly over posing.

And I told her, very gently…

“I’m going to peer pressure you in the nicest way possible.”

Because here’s the truth:

The fresh baby smell fades.
The tiny toes turn into little feet that one day smell like cheese.
The newborn scrunch disappears.
The way they fit perfectly on your chest changes almost overnight.

This is their first baby. It only happens once.

And I always tell my moms who don’t want to get in front of the camera:
If you never want to look at the photos again, you don’t have to.
But at least they’ll exist.

She trusted me, and it was worth it.
By the end of the session, Eliana was relaxed. She laughed, she held her baby without worrying about angles. And when she saw the images, she thanked me over and over. She even left the sweetest review, the kind that makes you want to hug your laptop.

I will always encourage moms to get in the frame. Because one day, your baby will look for you in the photos. And they should find you, holding them, loving them, existing in their story.


The best part?
Hearing how she felt after seeing the images.


If you’re in New York or Connecticut and thinking about documenting your growing family, whether it’s a Fresh 48, a two-month-old, or a toddler who won’t sit still, I promise we’ll do it in a way that feels easy, natural, and true to you.

You don’t have to be a “camera person.”

You just have to be present.

And I’ll take care of the rest.

Do You Photograph Newborns? Yes—But Not Like You Might Think

Parents cuddling newborn baby at home, close-up of family bonding during lifestyle newborn photo session in Stratford CT. Tiny newborn feet held gently by mom during candid in-home baby photo session, lifestyle photography Fairfield County.

Newborn baby swaddled in soft blanket lying in crib, captured during natural light, documentary-style newborn session in Connecticut.

I had a friend reach out to me, and get this question all the time: “Do you do newborn sessions?”
And the short answer is: Yes, I do!
But if you’re picturing a baby wrapped like a burrito and nestled in a basket with a headband bigger than their head… that’s not quite my thing.

My style is what I like to call real-life magic. It’s storytelling. It’s emotional. It’s close-ups of teeny toes, sleepy yawns, and the way you instinctively run your hand down your baby’s back. It’s capturing the way your partner looks at you when you’re rocking your little one at 2 weeks old—messy bun, tired eyes, and all.

These aren’t studio-styled portraits with props, flower crowns, or babies propped up on pillows.
Instead, I focus on natural moments, honest emotion, and connection.

So, What Does a Newborn Session With Me Look Like?

We’re usually in your home, where you’re most comfortable. I might catch baby in the crib just waking up. Maybe there’s a moment where you’re nursing or bottle-feeding. Or your partner’s curled up with baby on the couch while you sneak in a hot coffee (finally).

We’ll get those beautiful little details—tiny hands wrapped around your finger, soft baby skin, the way your body holds them like you’ve known them forever.
It’s less “say cheese” and more “you’re doing great, let’s freeze this moment in time.”

What If You Were Hoping for the Wrapped-Up Look?

Totally valid! Those posed newborn sessions with intricate wraps and set-ups are an art of their own—and I know some amazing photographers who specialize in just that. If that’s more your vibe, I’d be happy to send some referrals your way.

But if you’re looking for something more laid-back, heartfelt, and centered around your story as a growing family… I’m your girl.