Newborn Session in Missoula, Montana

Welcoming a new baby into the world brings with it a blur of emotions, long nights, quiet moments, and a whole new kind of love. And while many people imagine those classic “newborn photos” happening within the first week or two of life, Tatum’s session with his parents, Stephanie and Jordan, was the perfect reminder that you don’t need to rush the process to capture meaningful, beautiful memories.

By the time I arrived for their session, Tatum was already over two months old. And honestly? That timing brought its own kind of magic. He was more alert, more expressive, and already starting to engage with the world around him. His little personality was beginning to show, and his connection with his parents—especially during those quiet in-between moments—was a joy to witness.

This session also looked a little different than others I’ve photographed, in the best way. Stephanie and Jordan have chosen not to share Tatum’s face online, a decision I fully respect and honor. You won’t see any close-ups of his features on my website or social media, but that doesn’t mean their session was any less rich with emotion or story. In fact, it’s a powerful reminder that you can absolutely have family photos taken—even newborn ones—without compromising your values or your child’s privacy.

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You Don’t Need to Be “Early” to Book a Newborn Session

There’s a common idea that newborn sessions must happen within the first 7–14 days after birth—and while there are some benefits to photographing sleepy, fresh-from-the-hospital babies, it’s far from the only option.

In fact, photographing Tatum at just over two months felt just right. He was past the early fog of the newborn stage, and Stephanie and Jordan had settled into a rhythm. The home felt calm, grounded, and full of warmth. Tatum was wide-eyed and alert for a good chunk of our time together, offering glances up at his mom and dad, grasping fingers, and even a few soft baby coos.

There’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to documenting your baby’s early days. If you’re feeling overwhelmed in those first weeks, it’s okay to wait. Your love doesn’t fade after 14 days. Your connection doesn’t become less worthy of remembering. And your baby is still growing, changing, and offering new things to photograph with every passing week.

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Intimate, In-Home Moments That Tell Your Story

The Tripps invited me into their home for their session, which created such a tender, grounded environment. In-home newborn sessions are some of my favorites because they offer so much more than a backdrop—they offer context. The couch where you rock your baby to sleep. The hallway where you take slow morning walks back and forth. The nursery you carefully prepared. The quiet corners where real life unfolds.

Tatum’s session was full of soft light and slow moments. We didn’t rush. There were pauses for adjusting and cuddles, and plenty of time for Stephanie and Jordan to simply be with their son. I’m not after perfection in my sessions—I’m looking for presence. And the Tripps brought that with ease.

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The Power of Privacy & Choosing What You Share

One thing I deeply admire about Stephanie and Jordan is their thoughtful approach to parenting in the digital age. In a world where it can feel like every milestone or moment is meant for sharing, they’ve made the conscious decision to protect their son’s online presence by keeping his face private. As someone who works with families in such personal moments, I respect that immensely.

It’s important to know that you can absolutely book a newborn or family session without needing to share everything publicly. The beauty of photography isn’t in the number of likes or comments it gets—it’s in the way those images make you feel when you revisit them. The way they pull you back to a moment, a feeling, a season you never want to forget.

And even if your child’s face isn’t visible in every image, there are still so many ways to capture connection. A hand wrapped around a finger. The curve of a cheek resting on your chest. The way a parent looks at their baby like the rest of the world has melted away. These are the details that tell your story.

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Slowing Down & Soaking It In

Tatum’s session wasn’t flashy. It was quiet and slow, which made every interaction feel more meaningful. We focused on the small, everyday things: holding him close, swaying near the window, tracing the outline of his head with a fingertip, laughing at the little noises he made. These are the moments that will live on in memory—real, grounding, everyday love.

Newborn sessions don’t have to be heavily styled or overly posed. There doesn’t need to be props or elaborate backdrops. In fact, the most timeless images are usually the simplest. You, your baby, and the space you’re building your life in together. That’s enough. More than enough.

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If You’re Thinking About Booking a Newborn Session (But Aren’t Sure It’s “Too Late”)

If you’re here wondering whether you’ve missed the window for newborn photos, let Tatum’s story be your reassurance: it’s never too late to document your love.

Maybe the first few weeks were a blur. Maybe recovery took longer than you expected. Maybe you just weren’t ready—and that’s okay. Your baby doesn’t need to be tiny and swaddled to be photographed beautifully. Sometimes, waiting a few weeks allows you to catch your breath, settle into this new life, and show up for your session feeling a little more like yourself.

I’m here for every kind of beginning—the quiet, the chaotic, the beautifully imperfect. Whether your baby is 6 days old or 6 months, there’s always a story worth telling.

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Looking to book your own newborn session?
Whether you’re freshly postpartum or a few months into life with your little one, I’d love to help you preserve this fleeting season in a way that feels authentic to you. Privacy-respecting, baby-led, and connection-focused—always.