Golden fall light, a sweet family, and a simple outdoor cake smash made this Commons Ford Ranch session one of my favorites. If you're looking for inspiration for your own Austin family or first birthday photos, you'll love this one.

Every new mom feels exhausted, overwhelmed, and not quite like herself after having a baby. If you're thinking about skipping family newborn photos because you don't feel picture ready, this letter is for you.

If you're ready to move beyond the beanbag, the newborn bed prop is one of the first props I recommend mastering. With just seven core poses, a few angle changes, and thoughtful styling, you can create 20+ unique images while keeping baby comfortable and settled. In this post, I'll walk you through my favorite newborn bed prop poses, safety considerations, styling ideas, and why this prop continues to be one of the hardest-working pieces in my studio.

Starting newborn photography doesn't mean you need to buy every adorable prop you see. In this guide, I'll share the essential posed newborn photography props I truly recommend after 13 years in business, plus budget-friendly alternatives, favorite vendors, and which purchases can wait until your business grows.

Starting a newborn photography business takes much more than buying cute props and learning to pose babies. This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential business foundations, from legal setup and insurance to pricing, SEO, workflow systems, safety education, and portfolio building, so you can launch your business with confidence. Plus, download the free printable Newborn Photography Business Startup Checklist to keep yourself organized every step of the way.

Classic newborn portraits will always have a place, but sometimes the most memorable images are inspired by the things your family loves most. From favorite books and careers to meaningful family traditions and delightfully over-the-top ideas, explore 35 creative newborn photo ideas that celebrate what makes your family unique.

Wondering when to book newborn photos? Learn the difference between booking and scheduling your session, the best age for newborn pictures, and what to know about preemies, older babies, and lifestyle newborn photography.

Wondering what to wear for newborn family photos? From choosing flattering colors to coordinating outfits for parents and siblings, this guide covers everything you need to know for timeless newborn portraits you'll love for years to come.

Choosing a newborn photography mentor is about more than finding beautiful images. Learn what questions to ask, what to look for in a newborn photography workshop, and how to find a mentor whose experience, teaching style, and support align with your goals.

Soft textures, cozy details and delicate pink and cream tones made this newborn session feel both elegant and sweet. From wrapped poses to dreamy prop setups, this Austin studio session featured a beautiful mix of soft styling and timeless newborn photography inspiration.

Glitter sessions are playful, sparkly, and perfect for kids ages 4 and up. Think fancy dresses, confetti, personality-packed photos, and the most fun your child will ever have during a photoshoot.

Do babies need to sleep for newborn photos? Not necessarily. While sleeping babies allow for more traditional posed portraits, awake newborns can still create beautiful and memorable images. Here's what to expect if your baby decides to stay awake during their session and why photographers encourage sleep whenever possible.

Planning your baby’s first birthday? From whimsical floral setups to fun themed cake smashes and custom birthday invitations, these Austin cake smash sessions are the perfect way to celebrate turning one and create memories you’ll treasure forever.

A collection of motherhood moments with newborns and toddlers - from cozy studio newborn portraits to playful outdoor sessions with older babies and kids. These are the photos that matter later.

One of the questions I hear most during newborn sessions is, “How are they sleeping through all of this?” The answer is usually a mix of patience, experience, understanding baby cues, and a few tried-and-true soothing techniques. Whether you’re a new parent or a photographer learning newborn posing, here are some of the methods I use to help babies stay calm, cozy, and sleepy during sessions.

Not every baby wants cake… and not every parent wants frosting everywhere. 😅 Whether you’re avoiding processed sugar, your baby is obsessed with tacos, or you just want something a little more unique, these non-cake smash ideas make for adorable (and hilariously messy) first birthday photos.

A soft, neutral newborn session for a baby boy featuring classic setups, simple styling, and a quick answer to the question everyone secretly wonders… bonnets for boys?

Getting toddlers to cooperate for photos doesn’t have to feel impossible. Here’s how to make sessions fun, stress-free, and actually successful.

If your baby is arriving in the summer, this is your sign to lean all the way in. Think pool floats, beachy setups, and tiny seasonal details that make your newborn session feel playful, personal, and completely unforgettable.

A colorful, joy-filled birthday session with 4-year-old twins at a downtown Austin candy shop—proof that the best photos happen when kids are having fun.