I'm Sara

I'm an Oakland lifestyle photographer specializing in capturing authentic family moments. With 15 years in early childhood special education and as a parent, I bring a unique perspective to photography, creating relaxed and meaningful sessions.

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Hi There - 

A newborn baby sleeping on a blanket on his Dad's lap during an in-home photography session

Welcoming a newborn into your family is one of life’s most profound experiences. As a mother and family photographer, I know firsthand how quickly these precious moments can slip by. That’s why I’m passionate about helping families preserve these fleeting early days in a way that feels personal and true to their unique story. With in-home newborn lifestyle photography, we can create lasting memories in the place where your family feels most at home—both literally and emotionally.

Your Home: The Heart of the Session

Every family’s home holds special memories, and during an in-home session, it becomes the perfect setting for preserving the love and connection of your growing family. Whether it’s the cozy nursery you spent months preparing, the living room where you gather, or even your bed where you’ve shared snuggles, these spaces tell a story. Instead of staged backdrops or props, I focus on incorporating the real environment of your home, creating photos that reflect the authenticity of your everyday life.

black and white portrait of a newborn yawning while laying in crib

Following Your Baby’s Lead

As a mother of two and someone who has spent 15 years working in early childhood special education, I’ve learned that babies always set the tone. Newborn sessions are no exception.

That’s why every session is baby-led, meaning we follow their cues and rhythm—whether they’re ready to be held, need a little soothing, or are simply curious about their new world. This approach creates a calm, relaxed session with no rush.

These pauses aren’t interruptions; they’re the heart of the story we’re capturing together. Tiny hands reaching out, a sleepy yawn during a feeding—these are the moments that matter most when you look back.

mom and dad leaning over and smiling at their baby sleeping in bassinet

Dad holding newborn in his arms by window and mom is leaning over kissing baby's head

photo taken in doorway of dad comforting newborn baby in bedroom

Celebrating Connection, Not Perfection

For me, newborn sessions are not about perfection. They’re about connection—the way your family interacts, the tenderness you feel when you hold your baby, and the gentle moments of love shared between parents and siblings. I strive to capture those real, in-between moments that reflect the emotions and bonds unique to your family. These are the photos that you’ll look back on and feel, not just see.

black and white photo of baby in a diaper sleeping on mom's shoulder

birdseye view of mom holding newborn baby while dad gently touches his head

mom leaning over bassinet while sitting on edge of her bed to check on her sleeping and swaddled newborn baby

Highlighting Diversity and Inclusivity

Every family is unique, and I love celebrating that through photography. Living in the Bay Area, I’ve had the honor of working with families from all backgrounds, and I make it my priority to create a space where everyone feels welcome. Whether this is your first baby, your family is large or small, blended or extended, every session is about capturing your story and the connections that make it special.

close up of newborn feet held by dad's hands

profile of a swaddled newborn  looking towards the window with hand popping out of swaddle

mom sitting in living room chair holding baby while dad stands over helping to change clothes and cat walks in the foreground

Comfort and Convenience

Your home isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the heart of your family’s story. During our in-home newborn session, we’ll move through the spaces where you spend your everyday moments, whether it’s the rocking chair in the nursery or the couch where your baby loves to nap. With no need to pack up or travel, you can relax and stay focused on being in the moment. The beauty of sessions at home is that they reflect your family’s life as it is—comfortable, personal, and real.

portrait of newborn laying on a blue blanket with his eyes open and touching dad's fingers

Keeping It Personal and Natural

Your home isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the narrative. We’ll move through your favorite spaces, finding the best light and incorporating personal elements into your photos. Maybe it’s the baby blanket your grandmother made or the chair where you’ve rocked your little one to sleep countless times. These details matter, and they’re what make each session so deeply personal and meaningful.

Dad sitting in chair in bedroom holding newborn baby in his lap and looking down at him

Timing is Key

Newborns have unpredictable schedules, so plan your session during a time when your baby is typically most content, such as after a feeding or nap. Generally, I find mornings work best for most babies.

swaddled baby sleeping in crib with mom and dad's hands resting on him

Slow Down and Enjoy the Pace

There’s no rush during an in-home session. The beauty of lifestyle newborn photography is the relaxed pace that lets everyone settle into the moment. Whether your baby is sleeping or wide awake, we embrace whatever unfolds naturally. I always tell families to simply focus on being present with their baby, while I take care of capturing the magic happening around you.

black and white profile of newborn sleeping in dad's arms

Dress Comfortably

When it comes to preparation, my advice is simple: focus on comfort. Soft, neutral clothing allows the emotions and connections to take center stage. There’s no need to tidy your home to perfection—I’m looking for natural light and intimate moments, not perfection. And don’t worry if your baby has an accident—those little messes are part of the journey, and we can always pause for a quick change.

mom and dad leaning over and smiling down at swaddled newborn resting in small crib

Be Patient and Flexible

Newborns can be unpredictable, and not every moment will go according to plan. Embrace the imperfections and trust that I’ll be sure to capture the magic of this fleeting stage. Remember to take breaks when needed and enjoy the process of creating memories together.

Communication and Involvement

Through the detailed questionnaire and pre-session communication you’ll communicate the things that are most important to you in advance of the session for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. I want to be sure to capture the things that are most meaningful to you.

black and white close up of Dad's hand holding newborn baby's head

Incorporating Your Whole Family (Yes, Even Pets!)

These sessions are about your entire family’s connection, not just your newborn. I love incorporating siblings, grandparents, and even family pets into the session. Watching an older sibling bond with the new baby or the joy your dog shows in sniffing your new baby creates moments that will become family treasures. I work to capture these interactions authentically, so everyone feels included in this special time.

portrait of mom holding newborn baby with grandma on one side of her and dad on the other

mom holding newborn son as grandma looks down smiling next to her and touching baby's head gently

shot below of grandma holding newborn in her hands and bringing baby closer to her face

cat standing on table looking like it's about to jump to chair

Cherishing These Fleeting Days

The newborn phase passes in the blink of an eye, and that’s why it’s so important to preserve these early moments. Once your session is complete, you’ll have a gallery of images that reflect the beauty, love, and connection in your family. Whether you display your photos in your home or create an album to look through with your children years later, these photos will become treasured reminders of a time that passed all too quickly.

birds eye view of baby resting in dad's lap while surrounded by blankets with one eye open

A lifestyle in-home newborn session provides a beautiful and relaxed way to capture the fleeting moments of early parenthood and your baby’s earliest days in a natural and authentic way right. With the focus on comfort, intimacy, and genuine emotion, this style of photography creates timeless images that you’ll treasure for years to come. If you’re ready to document your family’s unique story in the comfort of your home, let’s connect. Together, we’ll create images that celebrate the love, connection, and real moments that make your family so special.

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