Tag: San Francisco Baby Photographer

Some sessions stay with me long after the gallery is delivered, and this sweet baby boy’s newborn session is definitely one of them.

A session that almost didn’t happen

This session almost didn’t happen. I don’t usually book sessions when my kids are on winter break. That time is normally reserved for being fully present with them, slowing down, and soaking in the season. But this mama reached out more than once, sharing how much these photos meant to her and how much she hoped we could make it work. Her sincerity and excitement were impossible to ignore, and I’m so glad I said yes.

An easy connection from the start

From the moment she arrived at my Moraga studio, it felt easy. She was one of those people you can instantly talk to, like you’ve known each other longer than an hour. Conversation flowed naturally, there was laughter mixed in with the quiet moments, and the whole session felt relaxed and unrushed. Those connections always matter to me, because when parents feel comfortable, it shows in the photos.

And then there was her baby boy — just as sweet as they come. He had that calm, gentle presence that fills a room without needing much at all. He settled in beautifully, giving us those peaceful newborn expressions that parents hope for, along with a few tiny stretches that reminded me just how new he was to the world. Sessions like this are a reminder of why I love newborn photography so much: the softness, the stillness, and the fleeting details that pass far too quickly.

What made this session especially meaningful was knowing how wanted these images were. When parents truly value documenting this season, it adds an extra layer of intention to the experience. These photos aren’t just for today — they’re for years from now, when this tiny baby boy is running through the house and winter break looks completely different.

I’m grateful I made an exception, grateful for a mama who trusted me with her newborn, and grateful for the quiet magic that happens when the timing works out exactly as it should. This is why I do what I do — to preserve these early days in a way that feels honest, timeless, and full of heart.

If you’re in the East Bay area, are expecting and hoping to document your newborn’s first days, I always recommend reaching out early, especially during busy seasons. Sometimes the calendar surprises us in the best possible way.

Click here to see my pricing!

~ Brandy Lewis (Lamorinda Newborn Baby Photographer)

 

One of the things I love most about being a Moraga newborn photographer is getting to meet entire families who come together to celebrate their newest little one. This beautiful baby girl visited my Moraga studio with her parents, big sister, and grandparents for a session that was filled with love, curiosity, and plenty of adorable wide-awake moments.

We started with the family portion of the session. Grandmother joined us for this part before taking big sister home afterward, and you could see how much she adored this new baby. Like many grandparents, she watched closely and stayed nearby during the family photos. That quiet attentiveness always comes from a place of deep love and wanting to make sure the newest member of the family is safe and cared for.

I completely understand that instinct. For many grandparents, newborn photography is something new, and the studio environment, props, and posing can feel unfamiliar at first. What they may not know is that I have been photographing newborns for 16 years and have extensive training in newborn safety, physiology, and posing techniques. Every part of the session is planned with safety and comfort in mind. I move slowly, support babies at all times, and follow their cues rather than forcing poses. I don’t do some of the more popular poses that are uncomfortable for babies.  Every pose that I do and that you see in my work is one that I feel is safe and is one that is natural and easy for babies.

Once the family portion was finished and the grandparents, dad and big sister headed home, we focused on the baby-only images. This sweet girl had her own plans for the session—she stayed wide awake the entire time. Some babies drift right to sleep, and others are alert and studying everything around them. Both make for beautiful images. Her bright eyes, tiny expressions, and the way she took in her surroundings added so much personality to the gallery. Awake sessions can be incredibly special, because they show a baby’s curiosity and unique little spirit right from the start.

The whole session had a calm and peaceful energy. Her parents were so in love with her, and this little girl seemed content just watching everything happening around her.

Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do. Being invited to document these fleeting early days is such an honor. This sweet baby girl is already surrounded by so much love, and it was a joy to capture the beginning of her story.

Welcome to the world, little one. You are so loved.

~Brandy Lewis (Lamorinda Newborn Baby Photographer)

If you are interested in a studio, in-home lifestyle or 6 month session, please see my pricing here!

Here is a link about newborn photography safety!

Some babies arrive at their newborn session ready to curl up, snooze, and let me do my thing. And then there are the babies who show up with opinions—wide awake, alert, and absolutely determined to run the show. This little girl fell firmly into the second category, and honestly… I’m still not completely sure how I managed to get that one perfect, peaceful shot below! I believe it is the only time that she slept for even a few seconds! I’m so glad I was able to get it with it being fall and mom requesting purples!

From the moment she arrived, she was bright-eyed and taking everything in—completely uninterested in sleep. A lot of her portraits were taken with Mom gently holding her in place. The second Mom let go, she stretched her arms and legs out as far as she could, made her feelings known, and we’d start again. It became a rhythm: Mom holds, I compose, Mom steps back, click—and just like that, we caught the moment before she reminded us she had other plans.

What I love most about sessions like this is that they remind me how unique every baby is. Some melt right into the blankets; others arrive ready to explore the world. As a newborn photographer, it’s my job to adapt, follow their lead, and create something beautiful no matter how the morning unfolds. And somehow, despite her strong opinions, we captured a whole gallery full of soft, sweet, gorgeous images.

One of my favorite parts of this job is staying in touch with families and watching these tiny personalities grow. Sometimes the feisty newborn becomes the calm, thoughtful toddler. Sometimes that same spark stays with them forever. Either way, it’s such a privilege to witness their stories begin.

If you’re expecting and looking for a newborn photographer in Moraga, Lamorinda, or the East Bay, I’d love to photograph your baby—awake, asleep, or anywhere in between!

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer

Contact me here!

To see pricing, click here!

Sixteen years. Sometimes I can’t believe I’ve been photographing babies and families for that long. Over the years, I’ve seen so many styles come and go — bright colors, themed setups, props galore, bold editing trends. It’s been fun to watch how the photography world evolves, but I’ve always found myself drawn back to one thing: simplicity. As an East Bay newborn photographer, I try to stick to my style, to be who I truly am and do what I love.

There’s something about a clean, timeless image that never loses its magic. Soft light, neutral tones, real connections with family — those are the things that make a photo feel just as beautiful twenty years from now as it does today. My goal has always been to create images that parents can look back on and still love, without feeling like they belong to a specific era or trend.

I think that’s part of what I love about newborn photography. Babies don’t need much — just warmth, softness, and love. The same goes for the way I approach styling. Simple wraps, natural textures, classic tones. I want your baby to be the focus, not the setup.

It’s been amazing to look back at sessions from a decade ago and realize they still feel current. That’s how I know I’m doing what I set out to do — creating photographs that stand the test of time. Because while trends shift and styles change, the emotion in a beautiful, honest image never goes out of style.

I love creating sessions that feel calm and classic. You can see more examples of my simple, neutral setups in studio here or in your home here!

~Brandy Lewis (East Bay Newborn Baby Photographer)