Why I Love Including Partners and Siblings in Maternity Sessions
Celebrating the Whole Family at Lovely Day Pittsburgh Photography
At Lovely Day Pittsburgh Photography, maternity sessions are about more than just the bump. Yes, we’ll capture stunning, radiant images of you as the glowing mama you are — but I also LOVE when your partner and your kids come along for the ride. After all, this journey isn’t happening in a bubble. It’s a beautiful, evolving story, and your growing family deserves to be part of it.
Including your loved ones in your maternity session brings so much warmth, connection, and joy into the studio. Whether it's a sweet sibling moment, a proud partner kiss, or a shared laugh, these images tell a deeper story — the story of your family, right now, on the edge of something brand new.

💑 Partners: Because You’re in This TogetherYour partner is part of this journey too — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. That’s why I love creating space in my sessions for you two to connect and be seen together. Whether you're wrapped in an intimate embrace, laughing through the nerves, or just soaking in a quiet moment, these images capture your bond and support system during a time of huge transition.
Worried about a camera-shy or reluctant partner? You’re not alone — and I’ve got plenty of tricks (and patience!) to ease them in. My approach is relaxed and fun, with lots of gentle guidance to help everyone feel comfortable. I’ll pose you in ways that feel natural and flattering, without anything too stiff or forced. Most partners leave the session saying, “That wasn’t so bad after all” — and even smiling while they say it.

🧒 Siblings: Making Big Brothers + Sisters Feel Like SuperstarsIncluding your other children in a maternity session is not just adorable — it’s incredibly meaningful. Becoming a big brother or sister is a huge deal, and I love giving siblings a chance to feel seen, included, and important in this process.
One of my favorite parts of the job is watching the way a child lights up when they’re told, “You have a very important job today.” Whether they’re gently kissing your belly, hugging you from behind, or even being a little goofy (which always makes for the best candid shots), kids thrive when they’re made to feel like part of the moment — not just an accessory to it.
My studio is designed to be kid-friendly, and I’ve got a whole toolkit of tricks to win over even the most stubborn little ones. From silly songs and games to secret “missions” and posing games, I’ll keep the energy fun and upbeat so your child feels safe, relaxed, and excited to participate.

🤹‍♀️ Real Talk: Not Everyone Shows Up Camera-Ready (And That’s Okay!)Let’s be honest — kids get cranky. Husbands drag their feet. Someone’s hair is out of place, someone else forgot to smile. And you know what? That’s totally normal.
I’m not just a photographer — I’m a mom, a cheerleader, and a professional people-wrangler. I know how to pivot, how to read the room, and how to create space for real, joyful connection — even in the chaos. Whether we need to pause for a snack break, change up the energy, or sneak in a few tricks to keep everyone engaged, I’ve got it covered.

🏡 Your Family, Your StoryAt the end of the day, these photos are more than just portraits. They’re the beginning of your baby’s story — and the continuation of your family’s legacy. Including your partner and children turns a maternity session into something truly special: a shared memory that everyone gets to look back on with pride.
And let’s be real — when your kids see these photos one day, they’re not just going to see your beautiful bump. They’ll see how loved they were before they even arrived. That’s the kind of magic we make together.

Ready to Bring the Whole Crew?If you’re looking for a maternity experience that honors you and the people you love most, I’d be thrilled to welcome you to my Pittsburgh studio. Together, we’ll capture all the beauty, strength, and joy of this chapter — from the bump to the bond you share with your growing family.
📸 Let’s make this moment unforgettable. Contact me today to book your session!
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Newborn photography sessions are always sweet, but when your clients are also your good friends, things get extra cozy. Enter: Travis, Ana, and their brand-new bundle of sleepy adorableness, Baby Ari.
This in-studio session at Lovely Day Pittsburgh Photography had everything I love about newborn shoots—snuggles, soft lighting, and one seriously photogenic tiny human who already has more hair than most of us on a bad Monday. Ari made his modeling debut just days after arriving earthside, and let’s just say... he nailed it.
A Tiny Bed, a Custom Sweater, and Maximum CutenessWe started with the classics—Ari posed like a sleepy little prince in a tiny white bed, surrounded by cream-toned blankets soft enough to make you want to curl up and nap right next to him (don’t worry, I resisted). There's something timeless about neutral tones in newborn photos. They let baby take center stage without any distractions—just that sweet, wrinkly, newborn goodness.
And then came the custom Ari sweater. Cue collective "awwws." It was cream-colored, hand-knit, and had his name right across the chest in soft gray letters. When I say this kid was styled better than most of us at brunch, I’m not kidding. The sweater was the perfect personal touch, and I honestly considered asking Ana where she got it in an adult size. (For a "friend," obviously.)
Snuggle Fest: Family Portraits Done RightWhat I loved most about this session—besides all the baby yawns and milk-drunk smiles—was how much love was radiating from Travis and Ana. You could feel it in every frame. We captured lots of family snuggle shots—Mom and Dad cozied up on the studio bed, Ari tucked between them like the little miracle he is.
There was laughing, there was whispering, and yes, there were a few tears (mostly mine, let’s be real—those postpartum hormone memories run deep). But above all, there was connection. That beautiful, unmistakable new-family energy that practically glows off the walls. These are the kinds of images that aren’t just for now—they’re for 20 years from now, when Ari rolls his eyes at how tiny he used to be and Ana starts planning her next photo wall update.
Why Choose an In-Studio Newborn Session?If you're a first-time parent in the Pittsburgh area and you’re trying to decide between an in-home or in-studio newborn session, let me give you a little insider tip: studio sessions are where it’s at. Why? Because you don’t have to clean your house, find the one patch of good natural light, or apologize for the mountain of laundry on the couch. My studio is already set up for optimal lighting, temperature control (babies like it warm), and allll the cozy props you could dream of.
Plus, you just show up, relax, and let me do the rest. I’ve got coffee, white noise, and a gentle posing workflow that keeps baby happy and safe throughout the session. It’s basically the spa day you didn’t know you needed.
Ready for Your Own Lovely Day?Whether you’re about to welcome your little one, or you just found out you're expecting (congrats!!), I’d love to help you plan your own newborn session here at Lovely Day Pittsburgh Photography. My style is simple, timeless, and full of heart—just like the moments you’ll want to remember forever.
And hey, if you bring your own custom sweater, I might cry. Again.


Want to chat about your newborn session? Contact me here or head over to my portfolio to see more sleepy babies doing adorable things.

It is always such an honor to be able to photograph the incredible journey of pregnancy, whether it's their first or fifth. In this case, Lauren was expecting her first baby and was so open to trying all kinds of different looks in my Pittsburgh studio. It is so fun to incorporate sexy, fun, cute, and glamorous looks into our sessions. It's a little bit of everything. So don't worry, we can capture those sweet, classic, timeless shots for Grandma, and then some sassy, body bearing images that you can hang in your room to look at and say, "DANG! I LOOK AMAZING". That is what it is all about. Give your body the credit it deserves and document this (although it doesn't feel it at the time) tiny blip of your life journey. It might happen five times, but it might only happen once. So let's revel in it.