McIntosh Art Co. | In-Home Newborn Session in Snohomish County, Washington

A friend from long ago reached out for a client gift idea: a newborn session for a couple that was expecting their first child. I was thrilled at the opportunity because, as you probably know by now, I love all things pregnancy, birth, baby and families.

So, on day eleven of this sweet boy’s life, I traveled from Seattle to Snohomish County to capture his new beginnings with his family that includes horses, chickens, two dogs and a cat. I've always had a fascination with farm life and many days feel like we made a mistake raising our kids in the city so don’t think I didn’t consider staying to ride the horses. I fell in love with this baby and his very easy temperament. Here are a few photos from our session.

McIntosh Art Co. | Labor, Delivery, Birth Documentary - The Knische | Seattle, Washington

I have always been intrigued by birth photography but it wasn’t until I finally gathered all of my bravery and offered up a deal to my Facebook and Instagram followers so that I could build my portfolio. Thankfully, I had a number of applicants and was able to choose births that I would be able to attend due to my schedule and location as well as likelihood of a birth I’d actually be able to witness (some hospitals don’t allow photographers during a cesarean section surgery). I was so grateful that an old friend (that I adored then and haven’t seen for 20+ years) from my club soccer team (and carpool!) in high school contacted me about photographing his partner’s birth earlier this year. I was thrilled to reconnect with my old friend, who now identifies as male, and meet his love, “G”. G radiates good vibes and I knew right away that this would be a great fit for my first birth to document.

A few days before the due date, “O” messaged me that labor had begun. I could have waited but I was so excited that I packed up all of my things, grabbed some snacks and drove to their house in South Seattle. I was able to witness G’s strength and O’s incredible support during a very difficult labor that ended up lasting about 48 hours. Of course, I didn’t stay the entire time and took lots of breaks thanks to a very solid communication plan. It was an invigorating experience for me, not only because I am fascinated by all things birth and mama but also because we were in three different locations with many different lighting scenarios and I was able to experiment with my camera. I loved capturing the support (birth partner, pets, doulas, midwifes, nurses, and OBGYN doctor) and strength I witnessed, along with the gorgeous entrance into the world by a beautiful baby girl.

McIntosh Art Co. | October Newborn In-home Session | Renton, Washington

I was contacted by this beautiful mama a few months ago in regards to her new arrival and committed immediately, as her family is lovely and comfortable in front of the camera. I’ve known this mama since she was little, as she is friends with a younger family member and I was fortunate enough to take photos of her first born two years ago. I coerced her into being the model family for a newborn shoot during a class with the incredible Elena S Blair and this mama and her family were incredible. Anyhow, I was flattered and thrilled to get the call about this new arrival.

As with all in-home newborn shoots, I try to schedule them for mid-morning at the client’s home. I am not concerned about any mess or chaos or state of affairs at the home. I am just going to find the room with the best light and move things around to make it work. My clients really don’t even need to lift a finger. Remember, I have had four babies myself and very little surprises me at this point. My goal is to make the clients feel comfortable, capture the love in the family and the tiny details of the new baby, sometime within the first 3 weeks of arrival. In this case, I stayed at the house just about three hours. Some shoots are shorter with newborns and some take longer. The infant is in charge so I am happy to wait for feedings or diaper changes or whatever baby or mama need to be comfortable. And, if the family is adventurous, I always like to capture these moments as well, as growth and these phases of life are fleeting.

I hope you enjoy looking at these gorgeous people and their perfect new baby. I had the best time ever capturing these precious family! I’ve posted a few shots, below, and will be sharing them on my Instagram and Facebook pages, as well, in the coming weeks. Follow along!