Brandy Lewis Photography

As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to certain moods and tones. Each image I capture tells a story, and with newborn photography, there’s an intimate, emotional layer that requires delicate handling. One of my favorite styles to shoot is dark and moody newborn photography. It’s a style that speaks to the quiet beauty and vulnerability of new life in a way that feels more profound than your typical bright, airy shots.

But there’s another thing that enhances my love for this style: the deep, rich shade of dark turquoise. It’s a color that resonates with me as both an artist and an individual, and it has a unique place in my photography work. I adore this moody style and how dark turquoise plays a key role in my process.

There’s something timeless about the darkness in a photograph. It’s not about shadows or harsh contrasts; it’s about evoking a sense of calm, intimacy, and sophistication. Dark and moody newborn photos often make use of muted tones and soft lighting, allowing the natural beauty of the baby and their environment to take center stage.

I find that this style reflects the stillness and serenity that surrounds a newborn’s first moments. Unlike overly bright, high-energy images that scream for attention, dark and moody photos tend to feel more reflective. It’s like capturing a whispered moment of quiet connection between the newborn and the world they’ve just entered. These photos allow the viewer to focus on the subtle details — the soft curve of a tiny hand, the vulnerability in their closed eyes. It’s about depth, emotion, and the beauty that often lies beneath the surface.

I’ve always been a fan of tones that speak to depth and richness, and the darker hues create such a powerful atmosphere. The muted tones allow for an emotional connection with the viewer, drawing them into the photograph rather than bombarding them with excessive light. It’s more about feeling and connection than simple aesthetics.

One of the reasons I love dark and moody photography is that it allows for a deeper exploration of color. And when it comes to color, dark turquoise is my absolute favorite.

Why dark turquoise? To me, it’s a color that feels both timeless and contemporary. It has a rich, calming quality that evokes a sense of peace. It’s a perfect balance between cool blues and rich greens, with just enough depth to avoid feeling too bold or too light.

For me, dark turquoise fits perfectly with the intimate, soft mood I aim for in newborn photos. The color wraps the baby in a beautiful, serene embrace, which feels so fitting for a newborn session. It has a subtle elegance to it, without being too stark or jarring.

The richness of dark turquoise also adds a level of sophistication that I feel enhances the overall look and feel of my photography. It’s a color that feels deeply personal to me, as it often represents calm and introspection, and it allows me to work in the shadows without losing the softness and warmth that newborns deserve.

When it comes to photography, style is everything. It’s about creating images that reflect who you are as an artist. The dark and moody approach to newborn photography resonates with me because it feels like a way to encapsulate emotions in a very genuine, understated manner.

As a photographer, I don’t just want to capture an image — I want to capture a feeling. Dark and moody photography with touches of dark turquoise allows me to do that in a way that feels authentic and true to my artistic vision. Every image is an opportunity to convey something deeper, to create a connection between the viewer and the baby, and to reflect the beauty that can be found in the quiet, subtle moments.

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)

Capturing the essence of a newborn is always a special experience, but sometimes, there are moments that truly tug at the heartstrings. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing a beautiful baby girl for her newborn session, and I was reminded of the deep, undeniable bond between a mother and her child—one that becomes so apparent from the very first moments of life.

When this little girl arrived for her session, she was wide awake. Unlike many newborns who drift off into a peaceful slumber, she was alert, curious, and fully aware of her surroundings. It’s often said that babies are sensitive to their environment, and this little one was no exception. She seemed to take in everything around her—her new world—her little eyes wide and bright, absorbing all the new faces, the soft lighting, and the unfamiliar surroundings of the studio.

As photographers, we always hope to capture that perfect moment—the serene, sleeping newborn, curled up in an adorable pose. But what was so special about this session was that this baby girl wasn’t going to follow the script. She wasn’t ready to relax into sleep or melt into the cozy props we had set up for her. She was only content when she was with her mom.

And as I watched them, I understood why.

For a newborn, there truly is no place more comforting, more familiar, or more reassuring than in the arms of their mother. That feeling of safety and warmth is instinctive. It’s the first place they ever knew—the space that nurtured them for months before they arrived in this world. To them, their mother’s embrace is home.

It was as though this baby girl knew that being held by her mom was the only place where she could truly let go and find peace. The moment she was cradled in her mother’s arms, the fussy cries ceased, her little body relaxed, and her face softened. In those moments, it was clear that this was the spot where she felt most secure—this was her home.

Watching this unfold, I realized something truly beautiful about newborns: it’s not always about their surroundings or the setting—it’s about the deep, natural comfort they find in their mother’s arms. For this baby girl, her mom was the anchor, the constant source of peace and security. The moment she was with her mom, everything else faded away. It wasn’t just physical comfort; it was emotional, too.

For any parent, the connection you share with your baby is so much more than just a bond—it’s a sense of home. That deep-rooted connection is felt from the very first moments of life. Newborns might not yet have the words to express it, but they know where they feel safe and loved, and for this little girl, home was always with her mom.

The warmth of her mother’s embrace was all she needed to feel at peace, to be content, and to settle into the world around her. And it was a beautiful reminder that the most important place for a newborn isn’t a perfect setup or a prop—it’s simply where they feel the most loved and cared for.

We eventually got her to relax once I swaddled her and at the end of the session, I was able to get some sleepy, posed shots.  Every baby is different and you just have to go with the flow to match their personalities.  Being out in the world after being so cozy in mom’s womb for 9 months is not easy for some babies.  Sometimes it just takes some time to warm up!

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)

Tea rose pink is such a sweet and delicate color for newborn baby girls’ photos because it captures the softness and innocence that we associate with newborns. The soft, muted pink hue is gentle and calming, evoking a sense of warmth and tenderness. It’s not too bold or overwhelming, but rather a subtle, nurturing tone that complements the natural softness of a baby’s skin.

This shade of pink has a timeless quality, adding an element of classic beauty to the photos while still feeling fresh and modern. It highlights the baby’s features without competing for attention, making it an ideal choice for newborn photography. Tea rose pink is also associated with love, purity, and sweetness, which are all emotions that parents feel when they first meet their baby.

In addition, it works beautifully in a variety of settings, whether used in props like blankets, headbands, or little dresses, creating an aesthetic that’s both serene and heartwarming. It’s a color that feels serene, making it perfect for capturing those first precious moments of a baby’s life.

I love other colors for baby girls but pink is always a beautiful choice when it comes to baby girls!

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)

Growing up in a family often means navigating a variety of sibling dynamics—brothers, sisters, younger, older, and everything in between. But when it comes to the bond between big brothers and little sisters, there’s something uniquely special about it. The connection between a big brother and his little sister can be incredibly strong, filled with love and protection.

Big brothers and little sisters share a relationship that is filled with layers of care, playfulness, and emotional support. From the protective instinct to the lessons they learn from each other, big brothers are often some of the most important people in their little sisters’ lives. Whether it’s through the bond of shared memories or simply being there for one another, the connection between a big brother and his little sister is undeniably special. It’s a bond that lasts a lifetime, one that is marked by love, loyalty, and plenty of laughter along the way.

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)