Joy-Filled Chapel Hill Newborn Photography Session
“My home doesn’t look like the ones I see on Pinterest. Will my photos still look good?”
Absolutely.
When people picture Chapel Hill newborn photography, they often imagine a big, bright white farmhouse straight out of a magazine. But here’s the truth: you don’t need 3,000 square feet or a perfectly staged home for me to create meaningful, dynamic images that showcase your family’s love.
This Chapel Hill newborn photo session is the perfect example.
A Home With History and Heart for a Chapel Hill Newborn Photography Session
The family’s home was a mid-70s split level they had lovingly renovated over the years. When they bought it, it was full of retro character: green shag carpet, wood paneling, and all. While some of the vintage quirks were updated, the house still kept its charm and personality.
It wasn’t open concept. It didn’t have floor-to-ceiling windows or perfectly staged neutral walls. But it had something far more important—light, warmth, and their story woven into every corner.
That character became part of their session in the best possible way.
Returning Inspired From a Creative Workshop
This was my very first session after coming back from a 3-day lifestyle photography workshop with renowned photographers Ash Kaplan and Iris Hu. I came home buzzing with ideas and eager to push myself creatively.
I’m glad my first session back was in a home with so much personality. It allowed me to play with layers, movement, and framing in ways I might not have considered before. From photographing through doorways to capturing reflections in the glass, I explored different angles and framing to create images that felt rich with layers and full of life.
I make it a personal goal for every session to try something new, to push myself creatively more than I did in the session before. I think you can see that sense of experimentation and joy in the final images from this day.
Why Your Home Doesn’t Have to Be “Magazine Perfect”
One of the most common concerns I hear from families booking Chapel Hill newborn photography is:
“My home doesn’t look like the ones I see on Pinterest. Will my photos still look good?”
Absolutely.
When I arrive, I walk through your home and find the best pockets of light to work with. As long as there are windows, we can make beautiful images together. The focus isn’t on whether your home looks like a showroom, it’s about whether it feels like yours. If it’s perfect to you, it’s perfect for our session.
For another example of how to make your newborn photo session more dynamic, take a look at my blog about including grandparents in newborn photos at home..
The Beauty of Chapel Hill for Newborn Sessions
Chapel Hill has a mix of architectural styles (historic homes, mid-century gems, and new builds) and every single one offers something unique for storytelling. Whether we’re in a cozy living room surrounded by books, a nursery you’ve poured your heart into, or a sunny backyard, I can find ways to make the setting enhance your family’s story.
That’s the magic of in-home sessions: they’re deeply personal. They become a time capsule of the place you brought your baby home.
If you’re wondering why an in-home newborn session might be right for you, I’ve shared more in 5 reasons to choose professional newborn photos.
Creating a Joy-Filled Experience
The best newborn photos aren’t just about pretty light or coordinated outfits, they’re about connection. In this Chapel Hill newborn photo session, we photographed in the nursery, on the couch, and even in the family’s kitchen while they made coffee. We laughed, we took breaks for baby snuggles, and we went at a pace that felt natural for everyone.
It wasn’t about posing for hours. It was about capturing what this season really feels like.
Ready to Document Your Story?
If you’re dreaming of newborn photos that feel like you—whether you’re in Chapel Hill, Raleigh, or anywhere in the Triangle—I’d love to help you preserve this chapter in your family’s story. Reach out to start planning your Chapel Hill newborn photography session or see more examples of my work in my newborn photography portfolio.
