Raleigh, North Carolina Extended Family Photography - Why these matter!
As a Raleigh, North Carolina extended family photographer, my passion lies in capturing the genuine moments that reflect the heart of your family across generations. I focus on the unscripted interactions—the laughter, the quiet glances, the touches that speak volumes—each one telling a story of connection and shared history. Every photo is a timeless reminder of the bonds that shape your family, highlighting the meaning, value, and personality that make your story unique.
Raleigh, North Carolina Extended Family Photographer
There is something special that happens in a growing family…there is a new energy, contagious joy, renewed bonds, and deep gratitude for every moment you have together.
It is just meaningful.
In my own experience of bringing our son, Shiloh, into this world, family time means so much more than it ever has. Even in the mess, everything fades to black as we team up to love and support one another in our new roles.
Capturing these special family gatherings is a gift that continues to give as years pass.
It’s an archive that takes you back to the special bonds that change and richen as you grow and age with one another.
During our extended family session together, you really get the best “bang for your buck” as I will pull different sets of the family aside to photograph. Not only will you get that big group photo of everyone you love in one photo but you will also get grandma loving on her grandson, a moment for you and your husband, mother and daughter squeezing each other tight, and much more. The best part? There are many hands to keep the kids occupied as we move through these various combinations.
It is a joy filled family activity that gives the gift of freezing time.
As a Raleigh, North Carolina extended family photographer, my passion lies in capturing the genuine moments that reflect the heart of your family across generations. I focus on the unscripted interactions—the laughter, the quiet glances, the touches that speak volumes—each one telling a story of connection and shared history. Every photo is a timeless reminder of the bonds that shape your family, highlighting the meaning, value, and personality that make your story unique.
““You can tell that she is passionate about capturing moments that aren’t just pretty or for show, but ones you’ll look back years down the road and smile remembering the season you were in. Also- the photos are SO BEAUTIFUL!” ”
How to Prepare for your Lifestyle Newborn Session
Underneath all curated newborn photos are two parents meeting their sweet baby’s needs through sleepless nights to create a safe and caring home for a lifetime. This is what we aim to capture during our time together.
First off, I want to say congratulations. Whether this little life is your first or whether they already have siblings, your heart has made room to love more.
Underneath all curated newborn photos are two parents meeting their sweet baby’s needs through sleepless nights to create a safe and caring home for a lifetime. This is what we aim to capture during our time together.
Because a little guidance and expectation never hurts - I have answered a few major FAQ’s for you to prepare for our session…
Does my house need to be deep cleaned?
There are so many mixed feelings about inviting someone into your home postpartum. I’ve been there. You are adjusting to all things nursing, bottle feeding, sleep, and healing. This is not the time for a deep clean. So how should you prepare? That’s what closets are for! ;-) (only sort of kidding)
Don’t stress too much about a perfectly clean home. If your partner can do a little cleaning while throwing some clutter in closets - that’s just fine. Part of my creative work is making beauty out of any space without totally avoiding the fact that your home is lived in.
You can be rest assured that your photos will tastefully and artfully document this beautiful and messy season of life.
What should we wear?
Here are some basic guidelines:
Mom’s, let your outfit guide your families. Pick something you feel comfortable and beautiful in with a more neutral color palette. If you choose to go with a pattern, pull a color from the pattern to guide your partner and children’s outfits. (p.s. I love a pretty pattern!)
Inspiration: This patterned nursing friendly dress | These easy linen pants | This comfortable jumpsuit
Does everyone pass the movement test? Be sure you are able to move in what you are wearing. When you bend down or sit down, do you feel comfortable?
For the baby: I recommend having a swaddle or diaper cover, and one cute outfit. We will transition between these as we meet baby's needs in the hour.
Barefoot is best!
What will I need to do?
During our time together I will direct and prompt in a way that feels natural and authentic. More often than not, this dominos into a fun, laid-back, and engaging experience where your relationships and love shared with one another is put on display.
Your job is to love on that baby and one another!
I am intuitive and interpersonal by nature so I will move us through our session based off how everyone is feeling. This means diaper breaks, snack breaks, and nursing breaks are all allowed. In fact, I will be sure to document these as I am confident you will look back on the mundane moments with joy.
A typical newborn session shot list:
Singles of baby (hands, face, feet, and more) - check
Mom and baby - check
Dad and baby - check
Siblings and baby - check
Mom + dad + baby - check
Family - check
Everything in between - check check and check!
The Beauty Behind an At-Home Session
Sometimes, our homes reflect the state of our hearts. Seasons of mourning and seasons of dancing. In both, we hold space for family, for cuddles, for laughter, for encouraging words, and for tears. And you know what? Crayons on the table and sippy cups from 3 days ago sound to me like a home full of satisfied hearts. Messy, maybe. Joyful, yes.
It’s the most special thing getting invited to take photos of life in the home.
I know our homes are deeply personal.
Sometimes, our homes reflect the state of our hearts. Seasons of mourning and seasons of dancing. In both, we hold space for family, for cuddles, for laughter, for encouraging words, and for tears. And you know what? Crayons on the table and sippy cups from 3 days ago sound to me like a home full of satisfied hearts. Messy, maybe. Joyful, yes.
Home is a place we hope our children will look back on as adults in fondness.
We tell our spouses of the spot on the couch we always chose to sit when reading a book or laying by that old fireplace during cold winter nights with a cup of hot chocolate. These photos matter. I am deeply honored to capture these at-home photos. It’s an invitation into your hearts. It is my greatest joy. The light may not be perfect and you might not have grand mountain backgrounds, but our eyes are drawn to connection.
That is where the beauty lies.
