An In-Home Newborn Session in the Hills District: Tayla, Matt, Malakai & Luna

There is nothing more beautiful, or more special, than an in-home newborn photoshoot. Celebrating the feel of a home in the morning — sun soaking through the shutters, the smell of fresh coffee in the air, time slowing right down while you take in every moment of a growing family.

I spent one such morning with Tayla, Matt, baby Malakai and their dog Luna, in their home in the Hills District.

We moved between the sunlit rooms of their house, led by the light through the windows and by Malakai's cues — when he wanted to be still, rocked, or fed.

We started the session the way any slow morning should start: with coffee, and conversation. We talked about Malakai's birth, and I held space for Tayla to share as much or as little as she wanted. From there we moved to the nursery to capture Tayla and Matt together with their son, just as they always are — side by side, cosy and warm. Luna joined in on the fun too, never leaving Malakai's side, so loving and curious about the new baby brother who'd joined her family.

I photographed Tayla feeding Malakai, at her request. She wanted to remember exactly how it felt to see these photos again one day — feeding takes up so much of the first year, and she knew that one day the breast or bottle feeds would stop, so she wanted these early days documented while they were here.

For the rest of the session, I chased the tiny details: how small his toes were, the lines across his feet, his hand curled inside his mother's and father's, the way he searched for Tayla's face the moment he heard her voice.

In-home newborn sessions like this one are always so special to capture — just the three of them (plus one very devoted dog), settling into their new rhythm, together, where they belong.

Things People Ask Me

When should I book my newborn shoot? Get in touch while you're still pregnant. We'll pencil in a tentative date around your due date and adjust it once your baby arrives. Booking sooner rather than later is the best way to secure your spot, as availability fills quickly.

How old should my baby be for their shoot? There's no "golden" age for a newborn session. Younger babies tend to sleep more soundly, but honestly, any age is the right age. My own daughter's "newborn" shoot happened when she was 9 weeks old.

I don't have an aesthetic house — should I still photograph at home? Always, yes. Your baby doesn't care what your house looks like, and these photos aren't for anyone but you and your family. In 30 years, your child won't notice the stain on the couch or the bottles left out on the bench — they won't even look at those things. All they'll see is how happy their parents look, and the love and warmth they grew up in. There's something beautiful about being able to tell your kids, years from now: "This is the house we brought you home to. This is where our family began."