Austin Family Photography Sessions: From Maternity to Newborn

My goal with Austin family photography is always to create art that feels authentic, vibrant, and nostalgic. These sessions with the Wellcome family were no exception! I’ve had the privilege of working with them for several years. Until last year, they hired me annually for a lifestyle session to celebrate their daughter Zoe’s birthday. When Sami became pregnant with their second kiddo, they chose my Family Subscription to document her pregnancy and the arrival of their newborn.

We captured a mommy-and-me session at McKinney Falls State Park, a studio maternity session, and an in-home newborn session. Throughout each phase of second-time motherhood, it was incredible to witness Sami embrace her changing body while staying true to herself. These sessions document a season of life many women have walked through. Yet they feel unique to Sami and her family—a collection of heirlooms to be cherished for a lifetime.

Celebrating Motherhood with Austin Family Photography

Sami wanted to document her pregnancy with her second baby while also capturing her relationship with Zoe, her firstborn. To do that, she booked two sessions: an outdoor mommy-and-me session at 20 weeks and a studio maternity session at 27 weeks! She chose to schedule her maternity session earlier than most. From her first pregnancy, she knew she’d feel her best before the third trimester—we love a woman who honors herself and knows what’s best for her body.

The mommy-and-me session took place at the start of summer, the perfect time for splashing around at McKinney Falls State Park. The location was Sami’s idea, and I’ve since returned with other clients. It’s such a beautiful spot for family and maternity photos! Her husband joined us for portraits on the rocky beach, then Sami and Zoe cooled off in the water while I captured every sweet smile and splash.

For her maternity session, Sami envisioned minimalist backdrops that would keep the focus on her and her baby. We chose a natural-light studio in downtown Austin! We experimented with different backdrops, played music, and just vibed together—the kind of low-key afternoon I always recommend to pregnant mamas. And can we talk about Sami’s maternity style? She brought her favorite vintage leather jacket and wore clothes that felt true to her, treating her beautiful baby bump like the ultimate accessory. Zoe joined us at the end for some psychedelic film shots, which we kept spontaneous and silly.

Cuddles and Chaos: An In-Home Newborn Session

The Wellcome family’s newborn session took place at home, my number-one recommendation for this stage. Being at home allows you to feed your baby whenever needed, care for yourself, and tend to other kiddos or fur babies. New parenthood is stressful enough without packing a bag and driving somewhere two weeks postpartum. Especially when you’re running on three-hour stretches of sleep! I want our time together to feel organic, comfortable, and relaxed.

This session was full of chaos—as life often is with a toddler and a newborn! Many parents imagine their toddler calmly doting on the baby during newborn photos, but that’s rarely the reality. It’s important to release expectations and allow your toddler to show up exactly as they are. Let them bring their sass, personality, and yes, chaos. After all, they’re navigating a huge transition too.

While it may not have been the most low-key afternoon, we couldn’t have had more fun together! Zoe proudly showed me her favorite books and her camera, and even took hilarious photos of me while I was shooting. I loved every second. Here’s the secret to meaningful family photography: the magic lives in real life, not posed perfection. These moments reflect your lives at this stage, and they’re the moments your kids will laugh about and cherish in 10, 25, or even 50 years.

Book Austin Family Photography

These sessions are Austin family photography at its most meaningful: capturing the Wellcomes’ journey from pregnancy to the newborn stage, and the beautiful connections that make their lives so rich. Are you expecting a new addition this year, or navigating a season of transition at home? I would love to help you capture this chapter exactly as it feels. To learn more about the Family Subscription or to book a session with me, reach out—I can’t wait to meet you and your crew!