Documentary Newborn Session at Merryspring Nature Center in Camden

Olivia reached out to me in the early baby days this spring. She wanted these fleeting newborn moments documented during a family session at one of their favorite spots in Midcoast Maine. We met up on a quiet afternoon to picnic and walk the trails - focusing on photographing the little moments that encapsulated their new family of four. It was slow-paced and gentle and full of sweet moments. As a photographer herself, Olivia valued photographs that feel a bit like an heirloom. Photographs that are true and honest and reflective of life. These more reflective, (serious, perhaps?) photographs ended up being some of the favorites.

Outdoor newborn photography in Maine

While I love an at-home session, that’s not always feasible for every family. With newborns, outdoor sessions can be a bit tricky. We need to find a place that is comfortable and close to parking, that allows everyone to sit, stand, rest. Olivia and her family visit the Merryspring Nature Center often - coming here for little walks and picnics together. So while not home, it was a comfortable space that we could create a bit of intimacy in.

We started out on a picnic blanket surrounded by the flower beds. Jo roamed the grass, picking dandelions and running back and forth across the grass, while her parents and baby sister relaxed on the blanket.

Why hire a documentary family photographer?

Worried about trying to get your kids to stand still and smile at a camera for an hour? Maybe a beach or wildflower field at sunset is not your style? Maybe your partner hates getting their photo taken with stiff posing? There are soo many approaches to family photography, you can really choose which one resonates with you and your family.

My approach to family photography is grounded in empathy and kindness. I focus on photographing your connection to each other & your real life. I want you to say at the end, ‘wow, I actually enjoyed that!’ I want our sessions to be a time carved out for screen-free connection and play. A documentary photography approach enables you to just be yourself. I may provide a few prompts just to make you feel comfortable and confident, but really, I’m just here to show you how beautiful your life already is.

Taking time to photograph milestone moments

So much of family life and motherhood goes unseen and undocumented. The small moments of everyday mothering - packing lunches, lacing up shoes, snuggling on the couch, reading books in bed. You’re constantly in your kids lives, behind the scenes, making it all happen. But do you have photographs of these moments of mothering? Photographs that your kids will cherish - of you in the scene with them.

If this approach resonates with you, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email here with all your ideas!