Baby D | In Home Newborn Session | Oregon City

The world sure has a way of spinning quickly. It feels like only yesterday that I was introduced to the C family during the uncertain times of COVID. Big sister whom I hadn’t had the pleasure of photographing as a newborn, was already a beacon of resilience and wonder. Their new baby boy, B, was an emblem of hope during those cloudy days. I remember the peace and solitude of our indoor session as the world outside paused.

Fast forward to a bright summer day in 2023, and here I am again with the C's, but this time to welcome a new addition: Baby D. 

B, now two, and big sister were absolute troopers. I couldn’t believe he was running around with his big sister, their laughter echoing, pure joy in welcoming their new baby brother.

The home became our sanctuary once again. B, with his newfound toddler curiosity, watched over his baby brother with a mix of bewilderment and awe. And in true toddler fashion, there was a little bit of jealously and an exertion of independence mixed in there too!

There's an innate joy in watching families grow — watching parents evolve into seasoned pros. The family, with their ever-present smiles and love radiating, exemplified this beautifully. From protective glances to gentle caresses, it was clear that the new baby had been welcomed into a haven of warmth.

Capturing their last session during those challenging COVID times was an honor. But being a part of this sunny sequel, this joyful celebration of life, growth, and family, has been an absolute delight. 

As rays of sunlight filtered through the window over baby’s peaceful face, I couldn't help but think about how life's moments come full circle, each one brighter and more hopeful than the last. They say time flies, but with each click of my camera, I like to believe that I can pause it, even if just for a second. Here's to many more years of capturing this family’s cherished moments!

Throwback to big brothers newborn session!

And for fun here are some throwbacks to baby B’s newborn photoshoot in 2021! So many similarities that I had to double take when I saw new baby D for the first time! It’s always so fun to recreate special moments with families based on our past sessions!

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital/birth place fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

Baby E | At Home Newborn Session | Portland, Oregon

This sweet baby girl arrived in the whirlwind of an unplanned c-section. And while her entrance may have been on the dramatic side, she is probably one of the most chill and calm baby I’ve had the pleasure of photographing over the years. And it’s always so great to be able to incorporate an adorable pup too!

Anyone else ready for Valentine’s Day?? <3

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital/birth place fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

Baby I | In Home Newborn Session | Beaverton Oregon

When this sweet family reached out to me last year, I knew this perfect little girl would be my first newborn session of 2021! And she set the bar high for all of this year’s babies! She gave us the perfect mix of awake baby expressions as well as those dreamy sleepy portraits!

I love making every family’s vision come to life and this session was particularly fun because they were interested in creating newborn composite art (where I photoshop baby into other beautiful settings). Composites are such a wonderful way to add fun and whimsy to an in home newborn session, since there is no limit to what we can dream up and create!

Here are a few of my favorites from our newborn baby session last month!

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital/birth place fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

What should I budget for newborn photography? | Portland, Oregon

This is often one of the first questions I get from expecting families. And while I wish there was a one size fits all answer, there simply isn’t. Every family’s vision, style, needs, wants, and wishes are different.

I’d like to start off by saying I know without a doubt that there is a newborn photographer for every budget in the Portland metro area. Newborn photography can range anywhere between $0 (yes I said free - generally those learning the craft) to well over $10,000. Now that’s a huge range….so what exactly should you consider as your looking for a newborn photographer and setting your budget.

1) Years of experience and consistency of work - newborn photography is a highly specialized field of photography that requires training and practice, lots and lots of practice.

2) Reviews - we all love reviews right? If you read reviews before checking out on amazon, it’s probably a good idea to research your photographer and learn about their past customers’ experiences.

3) Style of Portfolio - photography is an art, and every photographer is a unique artist. Make sure your photographer’s style matches your vision because you want these captured moments to make your heart sing!

4) Products offered - most high end photographers offer luxury products. Why? Because they want their work to look even more beautiful in person (on walls and/or in an album) than they do digitally on a phone. They also want their clients to enjoy their investment daily instead of having a couple memories pop up on facebook each year.

5) Convenience - life is busy with a newborn (or newborns) in the house. Let your photographer take care of all the planning, procurement, details and overall make the session easy and enjoyable for the whole family (I’m looking at you Dads and toddlers, lol)

It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but a full service newborn photographer with experience, a beautiful and consistent style, as well as high end products is going to be more expensive than the person just starting out with a brand new camera. Does that mean it’s out of the budget? Not always. Many photographers, myself included, offer smaller packages and payment plans so families with varying budgets can still have the newborn experience they desire as well as the lifelong memories and images to cherish. Your investment into your newborn session will only continue to appreciate over time as these moments can not be recreated. Life changes, people change and circumstances change, being able to remember and celebrate our life story is priceless.

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital/birth place fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

Baby P | In Home Newborn Session | Boring Oregon

While I always recommend families reserve their Fresh 48 or in home newborn session before baby arrives, sometimes it works out perfectly with my schedule to plan a session after baby is born. I do my best to plan ahead for sessions based on due dates, but as we all know babies arrive on their own “perfect” schedule! This can often lead to back to back newborns, but then a little break, which works out great for those who didn’t get around to reserving their session in advance! I can’t tell you how happy I am that all the pieces fell into place with this sweet family and their 3 week old daughter <3

I knew from our first phone call that this family would be an absolute delight to photograph and of course loved when they mentioned including their fur-baby (now a big sister dog) in the session as well. Although typically posed newborn photography takes place in the first 2 weeks after birth, some of my absolute best (read - sleepiest) babies have been closer to the 3 week mark. One of many reasons why I love capturing older newborns and always do my best squeeze in those after birth inquires.

And a couple quick snaps of this sweet family when I delivered their gorgeous heirloom album that was hand made in Italy. Love those smiles <3

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

Baby S | Hospital NICU Fresh 48 Newborn Session | Portland Oregon

Every birth story is different, even within the same family. And while they all may be different, they are also full of beautiful moments. Sweet baby S arrived 3 weeks early and had to spend 10 days in the NICU at St. Vincents hospital in Portland Oregon. Thankfully, the stay was short and there were not any major complications! Her sweet “big” brother even helped decorate her room with his beautiful artwork <3

Here are a few of my favorite portraits from their Fresh 48 session.

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities.

S Family Newborn Twins | Hospital Fresh 48 | In home Newborn Session | Portland, Oregon

I absolutely love photographing newborn twins! It always takes me back in time to when my twins were born, it’s truly a surreal experience bringing more than one life into the world at a time. This family is just the absolute sweetest and I have no doubt they are still rocking the twin parenting!

We did both an in hospital fresh 48 session and an in home newborn session. Several of the images were submitted and placed in the 2019 international shoot and share contest. Here are just a few of my favorite captures from our sessions together. I really loved how they just kept doing their “twin thing” right out of the womb!

Based in Portland Oregon, Danielle of Four Jays Photography is an in hospital fresh 48 and in home newborn photographer serving the greater Portland area including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, Happy Valley, Oregon City, and other local cities. 

Baby B | In Home Newborn Session | SW Portland Oregon

Capturing the arrival of a new family member is so incredibly special. Each family is different, and each baby is different, but the love that surrounds them is always familiar. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing this family before they were a family, and I’ve watched them grow both in numbers and in heart. They are a family that is always fun to be around and who can be counted on if you ever need anything. Seeing them complete their family with the arrival of their son was truly a blessing.

Baby B was welcomed home not only by his loving parents, but also by 2 adoring big sisters. While I’m sure they’ll have normal sibling scuffles later, no one could get enough of baby B and I can totally see why. Right from the start he was happy and content, and rocked his newborn session. He adores mom snuggles and no doubt has dad’s talent for music. I’m so excited that I’ll get to be a part of this little guys life and watch him as he passes every wonderful milestone <3