Why Parents Should Be in Newborn Photos (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

I know how it feels in those early newborn days—you’re exhausted, running on little sleep, and probably not feeling quite like yourself. The last thing you might want is to be in front of a camera. But let me tell you something straight from my heart: being in those photos with your baby matters more than you can imagine.

When I photograph newborn sessions, one of my absolute favorite moments is capturing parents holding their tiny little one. I’ll admit—I often tear up behind the camera. I don’t have a photo of my dad holding me as a newborn, and it’s something I wish I did. That’s why I make it a priority for every family I work with. Because these images? They’ll mean everything later.

Think about this—someday, your baby will grow up. They’ll head off to college, or get married, or start a family of their own. Can you imagine the comfort of them looking at a photo of you cradling them as a newborn? That photo becomes a reminder of where it all began: your love, your arms, your presence.

Even if you feel tired, messy-haired, or not “photo-ready,” please know this—the beauty isn’t in looking perfect. The beauty is in the connection. The way your baby fits in your arms. The tenderness in the way you look at them. The love that only you can give.

So, yes, siblings are always welcome, and I adore capturing their sweet interactions. But parent portraits? They are truly priceless. Not just for you now, but for your baby later. These images are a gift you’re giving your child—proof of how loved and held they were from the very start.

At the end of the day, newborn photography isn’t about creating flawless portraits. It’s about creating memories that will matter more and more as time goes on.