There’s nothing quite like the magic of a baby-only newborn session. It’s especially awesome when I get to see families grow. Baby Julian’s studio session was extra special because I had the joy of photographing his mom, Elva, during her maternity session just a few weeks before. Seeing her again, now holding her sweet baby boy in her arms, was such a heartwarming experience. I love a full-circle Austin baby moment!
From the moment Julian arrived at the studio, his big, expressive dark eyes stole the show. He had the most perfect, full head of black baby hair, making him look even more precious in every setup. His session was filled with soft textures, earthy tones, and a hint of holiday cheer. It was the perfect mix of cozy and classic elements to create timeless images his family will cherish forever.
A Soft and Snuggly Start
Julian, Julian, Julian! He is such a cutie! I began his session with a calming, neutral, gray palette. Lots of texture emphasized his gorgeous black hair (I can’t even get over it!). First, Julian snuggled in on a soft gray knit background.
Though summer is well on its way right now, this session happened in winter, so we made his time in my studio as cozy as possible. Cue the warm drinks and bookish afternoons!
No books for Julian in this photoshoot, though! I incorporated a small, felt football prop into at least one shot for this little guy. Not all days can be spent snuggled next to the winter fireplace, after all! Whether he grows up to love the sport or not, it’s always fun to add those dream-inspired details. It brings personality into a newborn session. Julian’s tiny hands rested near the football in the most natural way, as if he already knew it was his to hold.
Julian’s parents only had a few requests for his photoshoot. This really allowed me to work with some fanciful ideas (you’ll see those later). But as well as baby Julian’s whimsical pieces, I also did some plain photos on this lovely jersey background.
Babies aren’t always fussy about fabric –often, if it’s cozy enough, they’ll sleep on it! And there’s nothing cozier than a nice, soft tee-shirt.
Christmas Cheer for An Austin Baby’s First Holiday Season
Since Julian’s session also had a Christmas theme, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring in a bit of festive charm.
I styled a few setups with seasonal props to get that Christmas cheer going. A simple green wrap, a tiny sled, a magical tree, and some subtle holiday accents helped create a collection of images that will make for lovely memories of his first Christmas. I personally love the little felt candy cane!
There’s something extra special about capturing a newborn’s first holiday season. It’s the first holiday where you get to experience new traditions with your little one. I love giving families these little keepsakes to look back on year after year.
Earthy Tones and Cozy Textures
After the holiday setups, we shifted to a nature-inspired theme, focusing on shades of green and brown. Earth tones always photograph so beautifully, making for a collection of images that feel both organic and timeless.
One of my favorite parts of any Austin baby session is capturing the little details that parents never want to forget—those delicate fingers, tiny toes, and soft, squishy baby cheeks. I made sure to focus on these things during this session, getting those sweet close-up shots that highlight just how tiny and new he is.
Getting to capture both Elva’s maternity journey and Julian’s newborn session was such an honor. There’s something so special about documenting these milestones and seeing the joy and love that grows with each session. I can only imagine how much Julian will change in the coming months, but for now, these images hold onto all the sweetness of his first days in the world.
If you’re expecting and dreaming of an austin baby session that’s unique and meaningful, I’d love to create something beautiful for you too. Reach out to book your session—I can’t wait to capture these fleeting moments for you!
