Mom and dad pose for newborn photos outside at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. — These newborn photos outside weren’t about perfection.

They were about connection: siblings running through the grass, parents soaking in the newborn snuggles, and everyone fully present in this fleeting chapter of life.

When you think of newborn photos, your mind probably goes to a cozy nursery or a softly lit studio. But for some families, the best backdrop is wide open and full of natural light. That’s exactly what happened when I photographed Sam and her family of five at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh. This session blended joyful newborn photos outside with the energy of three kids and the love of two parents who wanted to celebrate their growing family.

Why We Chose the North Carolina Museum of Art for Newborn Photos Outside

The North Carolina Museum of Art (NCMA) is one of my favorite locations for family and newborn sessions. Its wide-open fields, tree-lined paths, and artful backdrops give kids the freedom to run while parents settle into those quieter newborn snuggles. Unlike a traditional studio, the NCMA park allows for movement, flexibility, and a relaxed vibe, which is perfect for families with multiple kids.

I’ve photographed here many times, and I love that it always feels fresh. Morning light filters beautifully across the fields, and the variety of backdrops means families can get everything from playful sibling shots to intimate newborn portraits in one session.

If you’re curious about why families are choosing outdoor sessions more often, I wrote another post that dives into the benefits of outdoor newborn photos in Raleigh, NC.

Parents hold newborn for photos outside in Raleigh, NC while two siblings run around.

5-year-old boy smiles and snuggles his mom's arm during an outdoors newborn photo session in Raleigh, NC.

Parents lean against each other during outside newborn photos with 3 kids at the NCMA Park in Raleigh, NC.

Detail shot of kids' shoes during an outdoors newborn photo session in Raleigh.

Brother and sister show off their personalities during a professional newborn session in Raleigh, NC.

How One Family Brought Their Whole Selves to the Session

If I had to describe my ideal client, it would be Sam (the mom from this session). She came to me through a referral from a good friend who had booked a spring mini with me in 2024. From the very first conversation, Sam was open, excited, and intentional about what she wanted to capture. She shared details about her kids’ personalities, collaborated on outfit ideas, and trusted my artistic direction.

I had just returned from the Finding Heart Workshop led by Ashley Kaplan Photography and Iris Hu of Light by Iris, so my creative energy was overflowing. Sam welcomed that energy, which made it so easy to dive into storytelling that felt authentic to their family.

She also did something I always encourage my clients to do: she brought her whole self. From communication to preparation to being fully present during the session, she poured her heart into it. That willingness to share made their photos feel personal, emotional, and true to them.

Big sister loves on newborn baby during outside photo session at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

A family of 5 sits and snuggles on the grass during outside newborn photography session in Raleigh, NC.

Big brother kisses newborn baby on head during a newborn session outside in Raleigh.

Kids act silly during a newborn photography session with a family of 5 in Raleigh, NC.

Mom snuggles with newborn baby during professional outdoor photo session at NCMA in Raleigh.

Photographing Three Kids During a Newborn Session

This family also reminded me of myself because, like me, they have three young kids. Photographing newborn photos outside with three children isn’t always predictable, but that’s exactly what makes it beautiful.

As a mom of three, I know firsthand how much movement, chaos, and love comes with that season of life. I felt right at home chasing the older kids between backdrops, helping guide their connections, and making space for those big sibling feelings alongside the tenderness of welcoming a new baby.

Some of my favorite moments happened after I set up an “anchor shot,” like parents sitting in the grass snuggling baby Cami while the older kids bounced around with their own energy. It’s often in those in-between moments, when the family relaxes into being themselves, that the most meaningful images appear.

Toddler girl laughs by herself during professional newborn photo session with her family in Raleigh, NC.

Older siblings run under parents arms while playing during an outdoor newborn session at NCMA in Raleigh.

5-year-old boy smiles for the camera during professional photography session outside in Raleigh, NC

Mom and dad sit and snuggle baby during newborn photo session outside in Raleigh, NC.

Mom dances with toddler daughter while taking a break during outdoor newborn photos at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Why Trust and Collaboration Matter in Newborn Photography

As photographers, we can bring ideas, light, and direction but the magic happens when families lean into that process. This family trusted me fully, from outfit choices to location suggestions to letting the kids just be kids. That trust is what allowed us to move past stiff poses and capture something real.

For families considering newborn sessions, my best advice is this: trust your photographer’s guidance and bring your whole self. The more you share, the more I can translate who you are into your family’s visual story.

If you’re still wondering whether home or outdoor sessions might be a better fit for your family, you can read more about the beauty of storytelling at home sessions. Both settings have so much value, it’s just about what feels true to your family’s story.

Mom snuggles oldest child during an outdoor photo session in Raleigh, NC.

Little girl kisses dad on cheek during professional newborn photo session at NCMA in Raleigh.

Parents laugh while holding baby during an outdoor newborn photo session at NCMA in Raleigh, NC.

Mom smiles at baby during photo session at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Dad holds oldest son on his shoulders at the end of a professional photo session outside in Raleigh, NC.

Wrapping Up This Session at the NCMA

Looking back, this newborn session at the North Carolina Museum of Art stands out not just for the images, but for the collaboration. From the moment Sam reached out to downloading every single photo from the gallery, this experience felt like a true partnership in storytelling.

These newborn photos outside weren’t about perfection. They were about connection: siblings running through the grass, parents soaking in the newborn snuggles, and everyone fully present in this fleeting chapter of life.

If you’d like to see more of my newborn work, you can explore my Raleigh newborn portfolio for inspiration.

✨ Soft Call to Action: Interested in capturing your own family’s story? Whether you’re welcoming a newborn, celebrating a new season, or just want photos that reflect your real life, I’d love to help document it with honesty and joy. Start by browsing my newborn portfolio.