Welcoming Stella: A Newborn Photography Session in Santa Clarita, CA

Capturing life’s most precious moments is always a privilege, and this session was no exception. I had the honor of photographing both the maternity and newborn sessions for this lovely family, and it’s been a joy to document their journey into parenthood.

What made this session particularly special is that Stella’s dad is a photographer himself. As someone who deeply understands the art of storytelling through images, being chosen to document these memories was a true honor. He also shares my belief that when it comes to family photos, less really is more. 
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When it comes to family photos, less really is more. Minimal props, natural tones, and simple outfits let the focus stay where it should—on the baby and the connection between the family. It’s easy to get caught up in fancy props or bold colors, but when you keep it simple, the emotions come through so much more clearly.
Take Stella’s session, for example. Instead of having a bunch of busy decorations, we used soft, neutral-colored blankets and cushions. Nothing too crazy, just cozy, simple pieces that made the baby’s sweet little face and the way her parents were looking at her the most important part of the photo.
The natural tones—think soft whites, light grays, and beige—added a timeless feel to the pictures. Nothing took away from the moment. One of my favorite shots from Stella’s session was when the family was laughing together, and all you noticed was their connection, not the outfit or the background. Simple white clothes and a few soft colors made it feel intimate and real.
I always recommend simple outfits for parents too. When they wear comfy, neutral clothes, it just works. It keeps the focus on the real moments, like how the parents are holding their baby or sharing a laugh. In Stella’s session, the parents kept it simple, and the result was so beautiful—genuine, raw moments without anything distracting you.
In the end, it’s all about keeping it simple. When we strip away the extra stuff, the true connection between the family is what stands out, and that’s what makes the photos special.