Matt, Haley, baby Elliott, and Sammy

Family portraits in their first home

Capturing a lifestyle family photo session is always special, but when the subjects are your own family, the experience becomes truly unforgettable. Recently, I had the honor of photographing my brother, sister-in-law, and their newborn, Elliott, in their first home together. They wanted a cozy, laid-back, documentary-style session that truly reflected the intimacy and warmth of their new life as a family of three.

From the moment I stepped into their home, I could feel the love and excitement they shared. Their home was filled with the little details that told the story of this new chapter in their lives—tiny baby clothes hanging to dry, a soft blanket draped over the couch, and a beautifully designed nursery with a Ralph Lauren theme. The classic, elegant design of the nursery, with its timeless patterns and rich colors, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing these early moments of Elliott’s life. My goal was to document these moments as they unfolded naturally, without the need for stiff poses or forced smiles.

The session was a beautiful mix of candid shots: Elliott peacefully napping in his crib, my brother gently cradling him while my sister-in-law looked on with pure adoration, and even those sweet moments of chaos as they navigated life with a newborn. The house was filled with natural light, which added a warm, comforting glow to each image, making the photos feel as cozy as the moments they captured.

Being able to document my brother’s family in such an intimate setting was a reminder of why I love what I do. These images are not just pictures; they’re memories frozen in time, a way for Elliott to look back one day and see the love that surrounded him from the very beginning.