Summer newborn photos at home with baby Wilder

September 20, 2023 · 2 min read · Leah O'Connell Photography

newborn photos at home with charlottesville photographer

Every new baby melts my heart, but it was a first time experience to walk into a session and simply start weeping. Baby Wilder is the first baby boy to my very best friend whom I’ve known since I was 7. She and her husband welcomed him into the world after years of infertility, a difficult pregnancy, and 3-day long tumultuous labor. It was a dream at long last to meet and photographer these summer newborn photos at home with baby Wilder and his new mom and dad.

To say that he’s been prayed for and fought for is an understatement.

In the cozy morning hours of a hot July day, we rocked and held and laughed and cried over this sweet boy and the absolute whirlwind that is entering new parenthood.

close up detail photo of mom with newborn

Wilder was 5 weeks old at this newborn session, and because you can never predict what a newborn will need or do for any given hour, this happened to be one where he consistently wanted to eat. Then spit up. And eat some more. Then cry. Then try to eat some more.

Because ya know, babies.

But through all the juggling and snuggling, these two new parents were fully present and wrapped in the love of this sweet miracle boy.

mom and dad with new baby boy in front of a window at home

Here’s what my dear friend had to say after she saw her photos:

“Don’t mind me wiping my tears after watching that slideshow. These are stunning, I’m blown away. It has been such a hard road, but I look at those pictures and I see such beauty and fate. Like this was always meant to be. Even with all the hardship – that’s life and I see it captured. I’m in awe. Also, it’s not an easy season to be photographed, but I feel beautiful in them – thank you!”

Truly, as an artist and as a friend, I couldn’t ask for anything more.