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)