December might be the end of the year, but there’s something hopeful about the season that makes it seem like a time for new beginnings.
For parents of newborns, the season probably seems even more magical and hopeful (albeit, maybe a little sleepless!) For them, it is a time of new beginnings — first Thanksgiving, first presents, first Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, and the first New Year’s Eve with their newest, tiniest family member.
I recently had the pleasure of doing a newborn session with Ashley, Brian, and baby Chloe (also called “Coco”). This family session reminded me of all the things I love about December newborn photography.
The family kept the seasonal theme fairly minimal in these shots, mainly opting for greens, reds, whites, and a little sparkle. The simplicity of the set and winter colors brought out the warmth between all of them. You can see the love they have for one another and for their newest family member!
It’s clear in these pictures that Chloe has also fallen head over heels for her mom and dad — look at the way she melts into her dad’s arms in this next picture! Her bow and dress aren’t stopping her from snuggling in and getting cozy in the Austin studio.
Brian and Ashley also took solo turns showing off little Chloe and their love for each other. I particularly love these photos of Brian and Ashley — they both highlight each other’s personalities and unique relationships with their daughter.
The headband Chloe is wearing in this shot was Ashley’s from her wedding, as are the earrings Ashley is wearing. Ashley loves a little sparkle in her wardrobe, and baby Chloe wears her mom’s sparkly wardrobe just as beautifully.
As for Brian, he opted for a little less sparkle in his wardrobe! But the white lace of baby Chloe’s little outfit works perfectly with his black turtleneck. They look serene, peaceful, and immersed in one another here!
(Brian would later receive a less-than-serene “christening” from baby Chloe at the end of the shoot. Without embarrassing them too much, they both needed a wardrobe change when all was said and done!)
Of course, we had to get a few photos of Chloe on her own. After all, this is a newborn session!
To keep her snuggly when she wasn’t in Brian or Ashley’s arms, we surrounded her with a soft sheepskin. She wears it well, and you can tell she liked how soft it was!
We even managed this angelic shot of her, highlighting those December greens and reds. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t feel this comfortable when they’re wearing something wooly?
Chloe wasn’t just here for the Christmas shots, though. Like her mom, she wanted some glamour shots to round out this newborn photography session. We couldn’t pass on this little crown to show off just how much of a princess she is!
During Ashley’s pregnancy, she and Brian referred to Chloe as Coco. Ashley loves Chanel and hopes to pass that love on to her little Coco. It looks like it’s working in this photo — Chloe seems super relaxed at her day spa.
The Chanel Spa shoot stuck out to me as just one of the many things about this winter newborn session that seemed truly special.
During the hustle of December, it can be hard to remember all the things that matter to us personally.
This session was unique and fun to shoot, and Ashley, Brian, and Chloe brought a lot of light to the studio. More importantly, it was so full of love. That kind of family love is the core of the winter holidays, and getting to share that with Ashley, Brain, and Chloe was a fantastic way to kickstart the winter season.
Jen Rizy is an Austin newborn photographer with a studio in Cedar Park, Texas. The best time to book your session is when you are entering your second trimester. You can contact me HERE.
