{newborn} The Tadley Family

A few months ago, I met the Tadley family out near Villanova to take some family photos. Ella, in her pink boots splashing in the puddles the rain left from the day before, was dancing her way through Baby Shark. Steph and Tom were expecting their second child and excited to capture their precious family of three. Fast forward some time to last weekend, when I was given the privilege and honor again to capture the Tadleys as a family of four. Brooks was just shy of one month old when I showed up to their house, eager to meet the new little man, and of course, to see Ella as a big sister.

The sun was shining and as Steph welcomed me in, Ella was quick to show off her pink dress and big pink bow. Twirling in through the living room, she pranced over to the couch where I noticed a little blue bundle amidst all the pink. The rays of light filtered through the shades just enough to illuminate the room perfectly. With his little feet kicking in the air, Ella giggled as she showed me her new baby. Though the sun made its way brightly through a few cloudy days, it was still too cold to venture outside. There is a special comfort and ease that comes with photographing a family at home, and having a newborn is that perfect opportunity. The Tadley house is warm and happy. The movie, Moana, played…a soundtrack I am happily familiar with and a few of Ella’s toys were in the living room. She was proud to show me those as well, and they came in handy when trying to catch her attention when taking the photos.

We decided to take pictures in the living room, where the lighting was great and the family, comfortable. When you have a newborn and a toddler, comfort is essential and I captured that feeling in these photos.

Steph looked absolutely beautiful, as she always does. You’d never know that she just had her second baby a few weeks before. Tom’s smile said it all when he picked up his son on the couch as I was getting my camera ready. The love and pride and excitement that filled their house was so contagious. The photos taken on this day come to life each time I look at them.

Ella took the lead with this photoshoot. Ecstatic and familiar with having her pictures taken, we decided to start with some pictures of the four of them. Whole family photos are the ones I try to begin with while the attention of toddlers is still there. Pictures with newborns and/or toddlers are so fun and are always uncertain: things like naps, feeding times, diaper changes, distractions, moods…etc are impossible to plan for all together. The progression of the pictures was very easy-going and natural. We didn’t use any props…none were necessary. The adorable blue onesie, Ella’s bow, Steph’s gorgeous dress and glow, and Tom’s beaming smile is truly all that is needed. Oftentimes, the props can take over the picture. With a family this happy and beautiful, all that is really needed are those cute moments between Ella and Brooks. Her scrunched up face pressed up against his, the connection and admiration between mother and son, the pride of a father, and the joy of the whole family are the things that were important to capture.

This photoshoot was so much fun and it makes my heart so full to know that my pictures are a part of the memories the Tadleys will keep and cherish forever.

Welcome to the world, Brooks!