Backyard Oakland Newborn Session

Welcome beautiful baby Raffaella!

Little newborn baby Raffaella was just twenty days new to this world when I met her at her parent’s backyard in Oakland. Keeping a careful eye on his new baby sister was Magellan the pug.

Photographing intimate newborn family sessions during these times can be challenging. But some double french doors leading out to the patio gave me a safe outdoor place to photograph this family’s sweet moments together in their living room. Most newborn sessions take place in your home, but in current times, transitioning to your backyard, porch, or deck space is perfectly fine. We don’t need a lot of space for a newborn session, and I will use longer lenses that keep me at a safe distance.

Magellan literally watches over his new baby sister Raffaella! Her pacifier also kept her calm for some of her solo photos. But mostly she preferred to be held, and definitely let us know when she wanted to be picked up!

Raffaella’s mother is a super talented artist and decorated and painted her nursery.

When you mom is an extraordinary decorative artist, your nursery will be extraordinary! Caroline Lizarraga works often with paint and plaster, creating designs and paintings on walls, ceilings, floors, etc. Her textures and artistic range are truly like no other. Raffaella’s nursery had Moroccan and Italian themes, and felt like you had just walked into a fairytale.

And don’t forget to look up to the shiny lacquer ceiling with porcelain bugs custom made by local artist Malia Landis.

Dad and daughter have a sweet moment.

Newborns always always always cry during sessions! This is so normal and therefore taking LOTS of breaks is a good idea so that they can breast feed, have a diaper change, or just get comfortable. This is all a part of a newborn photography session. While it’s their day, they also have no idea they are having a photography session. So it’s ok if they are fussy. This is why it is good to set aside ample time for a session, and then it will be more relaxed. I love to capture the intimate, natural moments that happen, without feeling posed. This is exactly what a lifestyle photo session is, more authentic and genuine. Not too many props…it’s about the people…you, your baby, your family.

Raffaella’s itty bitty feet, cradled by her parents.

Keeping your new baby comfy, warm, and well-fed are probably the best secrets to a successful newborn session. But mostly just relax and enjoy the moments together. They will grow so fast and it really is an honor to capture these fleeting special moments of their newness in the world!

To see more work, here is another Oakland newborn session.

Available for Bay Area outdoor newborn photography sessions. For availability and session fee, please contact Sonya.