Eugene, Oregon newborn photographer: Welcome Braeya!

I can’t believe how time has flown! I had sweet little Braeya in my Eugene, Oregon photography studio for her baby pictures in the beginning of December, and we’re already in a brand new year! This was a particularly special photo session for me because Braeya is my cousin! Okay, technically she’s my second cousin once removed…I had to look up a chart online to figure that out! She’s my maternal grandpa’s sister’s son’s granddaughter. Phew! An easier way to look at it is that her mom is my second cousin, so Braeya is my second cousin once removed. It was interesting to look it up and see how people figure out those relationships, but honestly, let’s not be silly. As far as I’m concerned, she is my cousin—and an adorable one at that!

My cousin Sara, her husband Lionel, and their older daughter Areia brought new baby Braeya all the way down to Eugene from Happy Valley (in the Portland area.) They got to my studio a little early so they could wake her up gently, feed her, and change her diaper. I always suggest this to clients who are coming from longer than about forty-five minutes away or so. As any new parent learns, you can’t rush things with a newborn! I’ve learned this as a newborn photographer too, so I always try to leave plenty of wiggle room when photographing these brand new babies.

I did big sister Areia’s newborn photography session about four and a half years ago (speaking of time flying!) and I’ve done other sessions with her as well. She actually became quite camera shy after her baby years (not all that uncommon with kiddos) so I wasn’t sure what to expect this time. Lucky for me, Braeya was the perfect assistant to help Areia feel comfortable and relaxed.  Areia was more than happy to hold her baby sister and did an amazing job!

Braeya was also fantastic for me. She slept wonderfully and was so chunky and squishy! 

Sara brought her grandmother’s old rocking chair for us to use during Braeya’s newborn photography session. We did the same thing with Areia when she was a baby, so it’s a bit of a tradition now. Sara’s grandma (my great aunt Shirley) was one of my favorite relatives ever! She was the best and we all miss her so much since her passing about five years ago. I loved that Sara brought this tangible representation of Areia and Braeya’s great-grandmother to include in our photos. As a Eugene, Oregon photographer, I always love when families bring special keepsakes like this, and of course it’s even more meaningful when I’m photographing my own family members—the keepsakes they bring often hold a special place in my heart as well.

I absolutely loved seeing Sara, Lionel, and their beautiful family again! I can’t think of a better way to keep in touch than by getting to photograph my adorable little cousins, and can’t wait for our next session together!