This sweet mama spent her whole pregnancy without her husband by her side—he was deployed overseas. From her glowing desert maternity session to newborn photos filled with meaningful details, every moment was about telling their family’s story. And when dad finally came home to hold his son for the first time? Tears all around. That’s the heart of personalized newborn photography in Surprise, AZ.

Are you expecting a baby soon? I totally get it—the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. Between baby showers, last-minute Target runs, and looking for that perfect newborn photographer, there’s a lot on your plate. I’m sharing my top 5 tips for getting your home (and yourself) ready for baby in just two weeks. Plus, there is a free downloadable check list at the end!

As a newborn photographer who has seen just about every toddler mood in existence (sometimes all in one session), I’m here to assure you—beautiful sibling photos are possible. You just need a little preparation, a whole lot of patience, and someone who’s genuinely good with kids. Spoiler: that’s me! Here’s how to make sure your toddler feels happy, included, and maybe even excited about being part of your newborn session.

No rushing out the door. No car seat battles. Just you, your baby, and a milestone session set up right in your living room—complete with pro lighting, a backdrop, and all the cozy vibes. For Aislyn’s first birthday photos, we kept things calm, sweet, and totally stress-free. Sometimes, it’s the quiet, simple moments that tell the best story.

Let’s be real for a second: choosing a location for your family photo session can feel like trying to solve a Rubik’s cube… blindfolded… while also juggling everyone's schedules (looking at you, teen with a job and social life). And don’t even get me started on coordinating outfits without a full-on mutiny. But figuring out where to go? That can feel like the final straw. Don’t worry—I’ve got you. I’ve rounded up five of my absolute favorite spots for Phoenix family photogr