Welcome to the World Harper! - At Home Newborn Session

A quiet morning, a squishy newborn, and a whole lot of love.

I haven’t picked up my camera for months — unless you count the occasional phone snap of my own kids. But when my sister Laura and her husband Brenton welcomed their baby girl, Harper, there was never a question. This was the one session that would pull me out of maternity leave early. And honestly, I’m so glad it did.

We photographed Harper’s session at home, just five days after she was born. It was the first time I’d seen her with her eyes open — and the first time I’d stepped back into photographer mode in a long while.

And while it all came rushing back (muscle memory is a beautiful thing), I’ll admit: it was emotional. High and low pressure all at once. This is my sister — so she gets it if I stuff up — but she’s also my sister, and I wanted to do better for her than I’ve ever done for anyone else.

The session was warm and slow and exactly what I needed to remember why I love what I do.

There’s something about newborn sessions at home — the way the light falls across the bed, the pauses between cries and cuddles, the feeling of being right where you’re meant to be.

These are the moments I live for.

Of course, we had to include Sasha, their beautiful dog (and first baby!) — she stayed close the whole time, completely smitten with her new little human.

This was such a special shoot for me — not just because Harper is my niece, but because it reminded me why I love what I do.

Being invited into someone’s home, to witness and capture these first fleeting days… it’s honestly such a privilege. And in this case, even more so.

Here are a few of my favourite moments from the day:

Welcome to the world, Harper. You are already so loved.