April 22, 2025
There’s something so special about photographing newborns at home—where the love is thick in the air, the light falls just right, and the memories being made are the ones that truly last. This session with baby Shepherd Anderson and his sweet parents, Trevor and Laina, was everything I love about Missoula Montana newborn photography: heartfelt, personal, and filled with quiet, meaningful moments.
Trevor and Laina are friends from church, and the opportunity to photograph their first days at home with their son was something I didn’t think twice about. Welcoming a new baby is always a big deal, but when it’s people you already love and admire, it makes the honor of documenting it feel even greater.
We planned a cozy, vintage-inspired session at their home in Missoula—letting the afternoon light do its magic and focusing on capturing the real connection between this brand-new family of three. Their home was the perfect backdrop: warm, inviting, and filled with intentional touches that made the photos feel like pages from a timeless family album.
Newborn photography doesn’t have to happen in a studio with props and perfect poses. In fact, some of the most meaningful sessions take place right at home. When families invite me into their space, I get to see the environment where they’ll raise their baby—the rocking chair where they’ll lull them to sleep, the couch where they’ll share bottles and books, the steps where they’ll take “first day of school” pictures someday.
Trevor and Laina’s home was bathed in soft afternoon light, and it gave everything a warm, nostalgic glow. The way the sun came through their windows was seriously dreamy—highlighting baby Shepherd’s tiny features and giving us that natural, peaceful feel you just can’t fake. It made me fall in love with natural light photography all over again.
Shepherd was a dream. He was calm, snuggly, and oh-so-sweet in his parents’ arms. He fit so naturally into their rhythm, like he’s been there all along. One of my favorite parts of newborn sessions is the slowness of it all. There’s no rush, no pressure. Just quiet moments of holding, feeding, changing, and loving on this tiny new person who’s just beginning their journey.
And after we wrapped up the session, I got to stay for dinner—another reminder of how special it is to work with families who also feel like friends. I held Shepherd for a couple hours afterward (which might’ve been the best part of my day), soaking in that newborn goodness. His snuggles were pure magic, and it was just one of those moments where you pause and realize what a gift this job really is.
For this session, we wanted to lean into a vintage-inspired look—something soft and timeless that would feel just as meaningful in fifty years as it does today. Laina has such a beautiful eye for aesthetic, and the choices she made for their outfits and surroundings pulled everything together effortlessly. The vibe wasn’t overly styled—it was natural, lived-in, and full of warmth. That effortless beauty is exactly what I hope for in all my Missoula lifestyle newborn photography sessions.
These photos aren’t just about how small Shepherd was—they’re about how deeply loved he is. The way Trevor looks at him. The way Laina holds him with both tenderness and confidence. These are the kinds of images that tell a bigger story—one of connection, faith, and the start of something incredible.
One of the sweetest parts of our time together came when we stepped outside to recreate a photo from when Laina and Trevor announced their pregnancy. They took those announcement photos on their front steps, full of hope and anticipation. And now, here we were again, only this time, they were holding their baby boy in their arms. It was such a beautiful full-circle moment, and one I’m so honored to have captured.
If you’re looking for a Missoula Montana newborn photographer who will document your family with heart, intention, and honesty, I’d love to connect. My approach is rooted in storytelling—not posed perfection. Whether it’s your first baby or your fifth, whether you want in-home photos or something outdoors and golden-lit, my goal is to capture the beauty of this fleeting season in a way that feels true to you.
Every newborn session I photograph is a little different—because every family is different. But what stays the same is the focus on connection, emotion, and the little in-between moments that matter most. Your baby will only be this small for such a short time, and these photos will only grow more valuable as the years go on.
Sessions like Shepherd’s remind me why I do what I do. Photography isn’t just about images—it’s about memory, legacy, and love. It’s about pausing time in a world that moves too fast. And it’s about making sure you can look back and remember just how it felt.
If you’re in the Missoula area and want newborn photos that feel natural, emotional, and completely personal to your family, I’d love to be a part of your story. Reach out, and let’s chat about what you’re dreaming up.
Hi there,
I’m a wedding and family photographer based in Missoula, Montana ready to capture every season of your life. My approach is warm, nostalgic, and focuses on what makes you you. I would love nothing more than to document your memories, together.
Your life is a beautiful, unfolding narrative—and I’d love to help you capture it. If you’re planning a wedding, engagement, or family session, let's chat so we can start crafting the visual legacy of your love and connection. Together, we’ll create images that you and your loved ones will treasure for generations.
Authentic storytelling of your life's precious moments
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