Ventura Newborn Photographer – Lifestyle Newborn Session

Lifestyle Newborn Session

Being a Ventura newborn photographer means dealing with overcast skies when summer approaches, but for March, this was an uncharacteristically gloomy and rainy day. I never assume the light will be perfect where I’m going though, so I brought along my flash (as I always do) to create the bright and airy images you see here.

I photographed this couple’s maternity photos on the beach at Mugu a few weeks before their newborn session. I love when I have a chance to do both maternity photos and newborn photos for a family. It feels like the session is brought full circle.

What made this newborn session special

This lifestyle newborn session took place in this family’s home in Ventura. All newborn sessions are special in their own way. There were a couple things I especially loved about this one:

1. I knew this family as a fellow Navy family, and anyone who is a military family will agree that that instantly bonds you to someone.

2. This baby girl is baby number one (aside from their dog baby), and I just love seeing the birth of new parents. Tina Fey said it best when she said, “Being a mom has made me so tired. And so happy.” That sleepy, happy joy is palpable in the homes of new parents, and I can’t get enough of it. (That, and that fresh, newborn baby smell. Creepy? Maybe. But true? Yes.)

I have to say, the art lover in me wanted to jump for joy when I saw the nursery. Hannah and Sean created such a beautiful space for their little girl. I immediately noticed the gorgeous framed artwork above the crib and the combination of soft, dusty colors and thoughtfully curated decor. Topa, the dog sister, loved cozying up on the sweet and soft throw rug in the baby’s room, and I even got to check out baby girl’s amazing new wardrobe. This little lady is living the dream.

How this newborn lifestyle session unfolded

Just like every newborn session has its own energy, they each have their own session flow. For this one, we started with images of just the baby. Hannah finished getting ready while I spent time capturing images of baby girl on her own. We did some solo photos of her wrapped up and some detail shots of the nursery, and then took a break for baby to be changed and fed. After that, we went into family photos, starting with dad and baby, and then Hannah and baby. We got Grandma and Topa the dog sister in on the fun, too.

When I shoot newborn sessions, I don’t just capture images. I also make sure to get video footage. No matter what kind of newborn session you book with me, you will receive a 1-2 minute video compilation from your session set to music. I love putting these videos together because it adds another dimension to preserving those memories of the first couple weeks that over time (and due to loss of sleep) become foggy. So we also got those video clips throughout their session.

It is not lost on me that new parents are tired and figuring out their new routine. It’s a lot to learn and a major life change. Any time I am asked to come into such a vulnerable and important space to capture those memories from the first days it is such an honor, and I will never be tired of how meaningful and fulfilling this job can be.

Baby snuggles, cozy weather, and I was even sent home with a from-scratch bagel made by the new grandma. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Ventura Newborn Photographer

To view more of Erica’s newborn photography portfolio, click here. View her latest work on IG!

To inquire about a newborn session for your family, fill out the form here.

Erica Hurlburt is an award winning Ventura County Photographer specializing in family, newborn and school photography. Her style tends toward cleaner, classic images, both in how they’re composed and edited. Her goal in every session is to keep things relaxed and fun and to create images that are both meaningful and unique.

Erica serves clients in Camarillo, Ventura County, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake,
Malibu, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Ojai and beyond.