Brandy Lewis Photography

 

Why I Love Capturing Newborns With Their Eyes Open
by Brandy Lewis | East Bay Newborn Photographer

As a newborn photographer, one of my favorite moments during a session is when a baby briefly opens their eyes. There’s something so captivating and soulful about locking eyes—even for a second—with a brand new little human.

Those wide-eyed newborn shots are incredibly special. They feel raw, real, and full of personality, offering a tiny glimpse into who this baby might become. Parents love when they see those images in their gallery—there’s just something magical about seeing your baby awake and alert in those early days.

But here’s the honest truth: getting a great photo of a newborn with their eyes open isn’t easy!

Newborns can’t focus their eyes well yet, and they often cross or roll them unpredictably. Their vision is still developing, and they can’t track movement like older babies. That means patience (and a little luck!) plays a huge role in capturing those rare open-eyed moments that still look natural and flattering.

As a photographer who’s spent years working with babies, I’ve developed techniques to gently encourage those little peeks, all while keeping your baby safe, warm, and comfortable. I also know when to wait, when to snap the shutter, and how to pose in ways that work even if their eyes are wandering a bit.

If you’re hoping for that sweet, wide-eyed photo of your newborn, I’ll do everything I can to capture it for you—but rest assured, sleepy shots are just as beautiful and meaningful.

Looking for an East Bay newborn photographer who knows how to catch those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments? I’d love to chat.

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Let’s create a gallery full of love, personality, and timeless beauty.

Contact me here:  brandynicole77@gmail.com

 

As a newborn photographer, one of my favorite ways to add magic to a session is by bringing in elements from nature—especially flowers, greenery, and soft, organic textures. There’s something timeless and serene about combining the natural world with the delicate beauty of a newborn, and it brings me so much joy to create scenes that feel both artistic and meaningful.

Including flowers in newborn photos instantly adds a soft, dreamy vibe. Whether it’s a simple sprig of eucalyptus or a full floral wreath surrounding your baby, flowers bring warmth, color, and visual interest without overpowering the moment. I love choosing blooms that complement the season, your baby’s skin tone, or the colors you’ve chosen for the nursery.

Nature isn’t just beautiful—it’s full of texture. I’m always playing with layers like linen wraps, woven baskets, driftwood props, or dried florals to create depth and dimension in your baby’s photos. These natural textures add an organic, earthy feel that’s perfect for timeless newborn portraits.

Every session is unique, and designing a setup with nature-inspired elements allows me to blend artistry with personalization. I think about tones, textures, and details that will catch the eye and feel authentic to your style. Putting all of those pieces together—flowers, textures, and natural light—is like painting with real-life beauty, and it’s honestly one of the most fun parts of my job.

While trends in newborn photography may come and go, nature never goes out of style. Whether you’re drawn to soft neutrals, earthy tones, or pops of floral color, I’ll work with you to design a session that’s both beautiful and meaningful.

If you’re dreaming of a newborn session with natural textures and floral touches, I’d love to create something special for your family.

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Ready to book your newborn session?
Let’s bring your vision to life—flowers, nature, and all. Contact me here:  brandynicole77@gmail.com

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)

As an East Bay newborn photographer, I’ve learned that no two babies are exactly alike. Each session I photograph is unique because your baby guides the experience. Whether we’re in your home or at my cozy studio, I always follow the baby’s lead to ensure we capture those tender, genuine moments—peaceful, content, and full of love.

Some newborns love being swaddled snugly, feeling safe and secure just like they did in the womb. For those little ones, wrapping helps calm their startle reflex and allows them to relax into dreamy poses. Swaddled shots are often timeless and serene—perfect for classic portraits you’ll treasure forever.

But other babies? They prefer the freedom of unwrapped limbs and the chance to stretch, squirm, and show off their personality. I’ve had babies who settle beautifully when left unwrapped,  simply lying comfortably on a soft, warm blanket. When that happens, I go with the flow.

My approach is gentle, baby-focused, and never rushed. If your little one needs to feed, cuddle, or take a break, we pause. The goal isn’t to force a pose—it’s to create a relaxed environment where your baby feels safe and supported.

Serving families throughout the East Bay—from Oakland and Berkeley to Walnut Creek and beyond—I bring patience, experience, and an understanding that baby knows best. Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, I tailor each session to what your child needs in the moment.

Parents often tell me they’re surprised at how calm and easy the session feels. That’s because when your baby is comfortable, the magic happens naturally—adorable yawns, tiny fingers curled just right, and sweet expressions you’ll never want to forget.

Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?

If you’re looking for a relaxed, baby-centered newborn photographer in the East Bay, I’d love to help you preserve these fleeting early days. Let’s create beautiful memories that reflect your baby just as they are—wrapped or unwrapped, wide awake or peacefully snoozing.

📸 Contact me today to schedule your newborn session or learn more about my East Bay photography services.

~Brandy Lewis

Every now and then, a baby comes into the studio who completely steals my heart before I’ve even clicked the shutter. This beautiful baby girl did exactly that — with one look at her full head of dark, gorgeous hair, I was in awe. Thick, shiny, and absolutely perfect, her hair framed her delicate face so sweetly.

I always wished my kids had hair as babies.  They were all well over the age of two before I was ever able to do anything with their hair.  Our youngest even had a really bad comb over!  lol  Now when my girls want to cut their hair short, it pains me because it reminds me of just how long it took for that hair to come in!

During this baby girl’s wrapped mini session, she was the definition of sweetness. Calm, snuggly, and so content to be swaddled in cozy layers, she hardly made a peep. She let me gently guide her into every pose, each one showing off not only her beautiful features but that incredible hair! Whether wrapped in a soft neutral or lying peacefully against textures, she looked like a little angel — and her gentle demeanor made the whole session feel more like a dream than a job.

It’s babies like her that make me love what I do all over again. Each little one is so unique, and every session tells a new story. This sweet girl’s story? A gorgeous head of hair, a gentle soul, and a reminder that beauty truly comes in all kinds of little packages.

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)