I’m still in a major rut with my 365 images and this week’s image prompt brought me a little stress!  I decided to capture a moment between my hubby and our doghter this week.  Hubby has been heading to Michigan once a month to work for his dad while we wait for his job to begin.  He left again today but wanted to spend a little time with the Bug on the floor at lunchtime.  I know he misses me, but I think he misses Kate a lot more when he’s gone!  This image captures their love story perfectly!

Jessica Leigh Photography | Chicago, Illinois - Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Child & Family Photographer

My little miss sunshine always loves to bark at people, even when they’re far, far away.  The rain didn’t stop her from showing the people across the parking lot who’s boss!!

Jessica Leigh Photography | Chicago, Illinois - Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Child & Family Photographer

I have one word for this couple:  breathtaking!

I was so lucky to have the opportunity to be their maternity photographer down in Dallas recently.  Funny story actually…we met in Seattle at a private wine tasting in Woodinville, WA!  Candace has the same birthday as my husband, and we all hit it off over copious amounts of wine, cheese and charcuterie.  That day, and our personal wine connoissiour, Brigitte, will never be forgotten!

Just over a year and a half later and many Facebook interactions in between, Candace and I planned the session when I found out I would be in Dallas!  She didn’t have a maternity session scheduled so it was perfect timing.  Even though they were running late, and I ripped my jeans (no, really…ripped as in, had to go to the mall in Frisco to buy a new pair, ripped), the light was dreamy as can be and Trevor, the fabulous location scout that he is, found us the perfect spot!

It would be a dream to live in Dallas someday, with the gorgeous weather, golden sun, and wonderful people!  Thank you, Trevor & Candace, for allowing me to capture Miss Natalie before her arrival.  I can’t wait to meet her next time we catch up!

If you’re looking for a maternity photographer AND a newborn photographer, check out my standard offer to combine the two in my last announcement!

Jessica Leigh Photography | Chicago, Illinois - Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Child & Family Photographer

If you’ve stumbled across this feature about my Lifestyle Newborn Sessions from my Facebook page, a link received from a friend, or an internet search, welcome!  I am so happy that you made it here and if you are currently expecting a baby, this post is for you!   If you feel we might be a great fit once you read on, please connect with me.

I have thought long and hard about what makes a GREAT photography experience, especially when it comes to newborn babies.  Do you remember when you were planning your wedding and selecting a photographer was at the top of your mind?  You may have checked out portfolios online, received a recommendation from a married friend or someone who attended a wedding, or you may have just made the decision based on the emotions you felt about the images on a photographer’s website.  Maybe it was the engagement session with the wedding package options that sold you?

I like to equate newborn sessions to weddings.  It’s the ‘big dance’, if you will – the next big milestone!  Whether it’s your first baby, or your fifth, those first 10 days of your baby girl or boy’s time in this world are the absolute best (albeit tiring and maybe even a little cranky at 3am…but the BEST!).  Baby planning is so similar to wedding planning, but on a totally different wavelength and color palette!  I’m here to tell you not to forget the photographer, and I’m hoping that’s me…so, read on…

Q. What is a Lifestyle Newborn Session like with Jessica Leigh Photography?

A. My approach is totally relaxed and carefree.  We shoot in your home but, if warm enough outside (80+), we can also shoot in your backyard.  All immediate family participates – your newborn, any siblings, and definitely mom & dad.  I’ll bring blankets, you bring the baby, a few onesies, and a special item or two!  There will be plenty of breaks for feedings, diaper changes and crying-it-outs, so the session will typically last 2-3 hours.  I’ve had a 1.5 hour session and a 5 hour session…it’s typically the baby’s choice how it goes!  I will shoot with a variety of poses in any room of your home that has the best light.  We’ll have a pre-session consultation where you can ask any questions and after the session I will walk you through your gallery in an ordering session.  Past clients have really enjoyed this process as it allows for minimal stress and maximum fun and excitement surrounding their new baby!

Q. I really want to capture my belly at some point, but I don’t think we can commit to two photo sessions so close to each other.

A.  I totally agree, and that’s why, when you choose Jessica Leigh Photography for your newborn session, you don’t have to forgo a maternity session!!  With every newborn session comes a complimentary mini-maternity session.  Not only that, but you get to CHOOSE between four mini-maternity session options:

~Pregnancy Announcement (12-14 weeks)

~Gender Reveal (18-22 weeks)

~Gender Announcement (18-22 weeks)

~Maternity (32-36 weeks)

Your images will be available for review within 1 week of our mini-maternity session via online gallery.  You may purchase any image you wish at a la carte prices with a 25% discount (prints, canvas or individual digital images only).  You may also choose to incorporate maternity images into your newborn album (if an album is desired)!  There is no obligation to purchase your maternity images, but they will also be available for purchase at, and until, your newborn ordering session.

Q. I am going to have a very difficult time choosing from the above options.  What if I want more than one?!

A. The four options for mini-maternity sessions are only available with booked newborn sessions.  That said, you can certainly select multiple mini-maternity sessions!  One will come complimentary with your newborn session with no minimum order, and the other three can be added-on for an additional $300 minimum order per session.  The orders for additional sessions cannot be combined with others.  The session you choose to occur first will be considered your complimentary session.

Q. What if our baby comes early and we don’t have a chance to schedule a maternity session?

A.  This is the main reason for booking early.  I recommend that mama’s book me by 16 weeks, in order to ensure time to schedule your gender reveal (between week 18-22), gender announcement (week 18-22), or maternity session (week 32-36).

If you want a pregnancy announcement session, book me at about 8 weeks once you’ve had your first doctor’s appointment and confirmation of your pregnancy so that we can shoot between 10-12 weeks in time for your formal announcement!

Unfortunately, there is no reduction in costs should the maternity session be foregone for any reason.  The maternity session is complimentary in order for us to connect in person and for everyone to build excitement for your growing bundle of joy!  The newborn session is the main event and you are not obligated to purchase any images from the complimentary mini-maternity session, so it carries no cash value.

Are you as excited as I am to connect and get started capturing your little one?  If so, send me a note and I will call you within 24-48 hours to, first and foremost, wish you congratulations!

Please don’t forget that my schedule does fill up quickly since I only hold a very small number each month to maximize my time with each client.  Reach out soon to get your desired dates.  You may even receive a special gift with your order for booking early!  Details for booking your newborn session can be found here.

Jessica Leigh Photography | Chicago, Illinois - Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Child & Family Photographer

When I woke up to snow on Tuesday morning, I knew I’d found my shot.  I had to get my baby bug in the snow.

I did remove her leash (in Photoshop!) for this image, and it’s actually quite fitting.  The night before, it was icy with barely any snow on the ground.  I took Kate for a walk to grab the mail, which is a couple buildings down from ours.  One minute I’m on my way to the mailbox, the next I’m flat on my back with no leash in my hand.  The leash had come out of my hands in the fall, Kate was terrified and started barking/running away.

As soon as I realized what had happened, I crawled my way up – literally crawled through the ice and snow to brace myself, and ran frantically after her.  She had run around a huge evergreen tree and miraculously her leash caught on to a branch.  She was waiting for me around the tree just sitting there like nothing had happened.

I wish my bug could be off leash and trustworthy to stay near us, but I just don’t think she’ll ever be that kind of doggie.  Only in Photoshop will she be an off leash dog

Jessica Leigh Photography | Chicago, Illinois - Lifestyle Maternity, Newborn, Child & Family Photographer