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.

Such a sweet family. There are some people you just meet and know they have so much love in their heart. Luca and Nicole could not wait to meet Colton, and neither could I! He was such a good, sweet baby. We did their session in their home and Colton was a sleepy and content mister. Of course we had to sneak in those PSU props for the future little Nittany Lion. Roar loud, Colton!

Your first baby (other than your puppy babies, of course) is such an exciting time! I absolutely loved photographing this gorgeous couple in their home to capture this special time before their little boy comes. Puppy brother was definitely a bit jealous and oh so photogenic. The weather wasn't quite cooperating to let us head outdoors, but who needs photos outside when you have such beautiful people to photograph? Plus, the nursery was way too cute to pass up getting some photos in there. I can not wait to meet this little one so soon...even if they are Penn State fans. :)
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