I knew from the moment I drove into this family's neighborhood that I wanted to do the family portrait section of their photography session outside.  It was a gorgeous, warm, fall day and the leaves were at their peak of color.  Not only that, but this family lives in one of Raleigh's more established neighborhoods, with giant oak trees lining the streets.  I stumbled upon a little park in the neighborhood, perfect for family portraits.  We wrapped up baby boy in a muted mustard colored swaddle and headed outside. 

A new mom and dad pose with their newborn baby boy among beautiful fall leaves in Raleigh NC during a newborn photography session.A new mom and dad pose with their newborn baby boy among beautiful fall leaves in Raleigh NC during a newborn photography session.

After capturing some sweet moments of cuddling in the park, we drove the quarter mile back to the family's home where we finished off this baby boy's first photography session.  It was fun to use some bold and softer colors.  This little guy was so easy to work with.  He slept almost the entire time but did open his eyes for a few minutes, long enough to get some really cute wide-eyed shots. 

I love using color in newborn portraits, but I always prefer softer, more subdued colors that you'd find in nature.  I love the teals, yellows, and browns that we used with this little boy.  With every session, I always try to do some of the photos with white or cream.  It gives photos a timeless, pure look and puts all of the focus on the baby.  I love how these turned out. 

A baby boy has his newborn photography session at his home in Raleigh NC with photographer Erica Courtine.A baby boy has his newborn photography session at his home in Raleigh NC with photographer Erica Courtine.

Looking back at this little boy's newborn portraits, it's hard to believe that so quickly afterward, he's completely changed.  They are truly only this fresh and new for a short while.  Soon enough, every baby will grow and change.  Every new milestone makes a baby's newborn portraits even more treasured than the day before.  I love that I can help capture these fleeting moments in a family's journey. 

If you are expecting a baby and are interested in freezing this precious time, I would love to talk with you about your newborn portrait session.  Whether it's in your home or in my studio, whether this is your first or your third baby, we'll collaborate to make it special.  Contact me here and let me know what questions you have.