Newborn

Kiara ➳ Newborn by Abigail Smith

Some gifts are more than just presents—they are moments captured in time, memories preserved forever. Baby Kiara’s newborn session was one of those gifts, given with love by a dear friend who wanted to celebrate her arrival in the most meaningful way.

From the moment I met Kiara, I could see she was pure magic—delicate, peaceful, and already deeply cherished. There is something incredibly special about photographing a newborn, knowing that in just a few weeks, they will grow and change so quickly. These first days are fleeting, and I feel honored to preserve them for families to hold onto forever.

The name Kiara has various meanings across cultures, each as lovely as the little girl who carries it. In Italian, Kiara (Chiara) means light or bright, symbolizing radiance and purity. In Irish, it means little dark one, a poetic nod to depth and mystery. Whether seen as a beacon of light or a soul with quiet depth, Kiara already embodies the beauty of her name.

One of my favorite images is of Kiara resting in a tiny bucket, placed delicately on a chair and surrounded by soft pink roses. There is something so timeless about this portrait—the contrast of her tiny, perfect form against the blooms. It feels like a symbol of how she is cradled by love, not just in this moment, but always.

Newborn photography is more than just photos; it’s a way to hold onto these first precious days. Kiara’s session was a reminder of how meaningful these images will be in the years to come—when she is no longer this small, when these moments are distant but never forgotten.

To the friend who gifted this session—you gave more than just photographs. You gave a family the gift of memories, the chance to look back and remember just how tiny and loved their little girl was in her very first days.

Kiara, little light, may you always shine brightly in this world.

Newborn moments are fleeting, but the memories can last a lifetime. If you’re expecting or know someone who is, a newborn session is a beautiful way to capture the love, joy, and tiny details of those first precious days. Get in touch today to book your own session and create timeless memories you’ll cherish forever.

Zemvelo ➳ Swaddle Session by Abigail Smith

Every newborn session is a testament to the miracle of life. Her name, Zemvelo, means the natural one or the way of life, a name that felt deeply fitting for a little one who had arrived into the world with so much promise.

Zemvelo’s presence was a reminder that each life is a story unfolding, a journey that begins with the smallest of steps but carries within it a lifetime of growth, love, and change.

Newborn sessions hold a special place in my heart because they capture a fleeting moment—a moment when everything is still and pure. For the parents, it’s a time to look at their baby, to breathe in the miracle of their new arrival, and to hold those memories close. For the photographer, it’s a chance to create something timeless that will be treasured for years to come.

Zemvelo’s name is one that will carry weight throughout her life. The natural one. It is a name that connects her to the world, to her ancestors, to the earth beneath her feet. She is part of a legacy—one that will see her grow, learn, and flourish. These first photographs will one day be reminders of who she was at the very beginning, capturing the essence of her journey from the moment she entered this world.

Newborn sessions aren’t just about taking beautiful photos—they’re about capturing the heart and soul of those early days. They are about preserving a time that, once passed, cannot be recaptured. As the years go on, these images will be a reminder of how tiny and perfect little Zemvelo once was, of how her family held her close and loved her fiercely from day one.

If you’re expecting or know someone who is, I encourage you to capture these fleeting moments. A newborn session is an investment in memories that will be cherished forever.

📩 Contact me to schedule your newborn session and create timeless memories for your family.

Langelihle ➳ Newborn by Abigail Smith

There’s something so sacred about a newborn session—those tiny fingers, the softest wisps of hair, the way a baby curls up so perfectly, still remembering the warmth of the womb. Little Langelihle’s session was one of those moments where time seemed to stand still.

His name, Langelihle, means beautiful day, and that’s exactly what his session felt like—a quiet, beautiful moment in time, filled with peace and tenderness. As he slept soundly, wrapped in soft fabrics, I couldn’t help but think of the incredible journey ahead of him. One day, he will outgrow his tiny fingers and toes, but these images will always hold the memory of how small, how loved, and how perfect he was in his very first days.

Choosing the Right Newborn Photographer

Newborn photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s about preserving a fleeting moment, creating images that will be cherished for a lifetime. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a newborn photographer:

1. Safety First

Your baby’s comfort and safety should always be the top priority. A professional newborn photographer should know how to handle and pose newborns safely while ensuring a relaxed and gentle experience.

2. Experience & Style

Every photographer has a unique style—some prefer soft, natural light and dreamy pastels, while others lean toward bold and artistic setups. Take a look at their portfolio to see if their style resonates with you.

3. Patience & Flexibility

Newborn sessions can be unpredictable! Babies may need extra time to settle, feed, or simply be comforted. Choosing a photographer who is patient and understands the delicate rhythm of newborns makes all the difference.

4. A Meaningful Experience

These first days go by so quickly, and your newborn session should be a beautiful experience, not just a task to check off. Find someone who creates a calm, loving space—one where you can pause, breathe, and soak in the magic of your baby’s early days.

As baby Langelihle’s session came to an end, I felt so grateful to be able to capture these moments for his family. One day, these photographs will serve as a time capsule, bringing his loved ones back to these tender first days of his life. They will remember how tiny he was, how peacefully he slept, and how his presence made every day feel more beautiful.

If you’re expecting a little one or looking for the perfect gift for an expecting family, a newborn session is one of the most meaningful investments you can make.

📩 Contact me to book your newborn session and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Deandre ➳ Newborn by Abigail Smith

There are some stories that feel like they come full circle, and baby Deandre’s newborn session was one of them. Just a few weeks ago, I had the honor of capturing his mother’s maternity session—her hands resting gently on her belly, her eyes filled with quiet anticipation. And now, here he was, nestled in his parents’ arms, no longer a dream but a reality, a tiny miracle wrapped in warmth and love.

Newborn sessions are always special, but there is something even more meaningful about including parents in these moments. The way Deandre’s mother gazed at him, the way his father held him —it was a reminder that love expands in the most beautiful ways. In those early days, life moves in a blur of sleepless nights and endless cuddles, but photographs have a way of holding time still, of preserving the emotions that words cannot fully express.

Deandre, so small in their arms, already carried so much meaning. His name, often associated with bravery and strength, seemed to fit him perfectly. Though just beginning his journey, he was already the heartbeat of his family, the newest piece of a love story that would continue to unfold for years to come.

At the end of our session, we decided to have a little fun, capturing the most adorable baby mug shots of Deandre. His tiny expressions, ranging from sleepy curiosity to an almost serious little pout, had us all smiling. These were the moments of personality shining through—the glimpses of the boy he will become, the little spark that makes him uniquely him.

One day, when Deandre is no longer this tiny, when his parents can no longer cradle him in their arms quite as easily, they will look back at these images. They will remember the weight of him against their chest, the softness of his skin, the quiet wonder in his newborn eyes. And they will know, as they do now, that he was always deeply loved.

Deandre, may you grow strong and kind, always knowing that from your very first days, you were the center of a love that will never fade.

Mufunwa ➳ Newborn by Abigail Smith

Welcoming Mufunwa into the world was an absolute joy to capture. This tiny, sweet baby boy melted hearts the moment he was wrapped snugly in his swaddle, looking so peaceful and content. There’s something so special about photographing newborns—their delicate features, tiny fingers and toes, and the sense of wonder they bring to the world.

Mufunwa gave us such a treat during his session: a few rare and precious open-eyed moments. It was as if he was taking it all in, curious about the new world around him. His gaze was steady and filled with a quiet wisdom beyond his days—a moment I know his family will cherish forever.

Swaddled in soft fabrics, Mufunwa looked so cozy and serene, and the simplicity of the session highlighted just how perfect he is. There’s beauty in the details: the tiny wrinkles on his hands, the soft curve of his cheeks, and the way he fit so perfectly into this brand-new role in his family.

To Mufunwa’s family, thank you for trusting me to capture these first, fleeting moments of your little one’s life. I hope these images remind you of just how tiny and precious he was in these early days, a treasure to hold close as he grows and discovers the world around him

Zanobuhle ➳ Newborn by Abigail Smith

There’s something truly magical about welcoming a new life during a season of blooming flowers—a reminder of growth, beauty, and new beginnings. Baby Zanobuhle’s newborn session was inspired by the delicate jasmine flowers that were in bloom when she was born. The sweet scent of jasmine symbolized the pure and gentle love her family has for her, creating a poetic backdrop for her first portraits.

Zanobuhle, whose name means “beautiful place,” already lives up to the grace and meaning of her name. She was a serene little star throughout the session, her calm presence radiating warmth. Her big sister couldn’t hide her excitement, tenderly cuddling and watching over her baby sister with a love that was both fierce and gentle. These moments captured the unbreakable bond they already share—a bond that will only grow deeper over the years.

The family portraits were filled with connection and adoration, each frame telling the story of a family united by love. Their smiles, their laughter, and the way they held each other reflected the joy Zanobuhle has brought into their lives.

As I captured Zanobuhle against the soft backdrop of jasmine, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the beauty of this fleeting moment. Like the blooming jasmine, newborn days are precious and pass all too quickly.

To Zanobuhle: You’ve arrived in a season of flowers and love, and your family’s joy is as bright and abundant as the blooms around you. May your life always be as beautiful as the meaning of your name.

Noah ➳ Newborn Swaddle Session by Abigail Smith

Welcoming a new life into the world is always a special moment, and baby Noah’s newborn session was nothing short of extraordinary. His name, rooted in meaning and history, evokes a sense of calm and strength—a perfect match for this sweet, peaceful little boy.

Noah was such an easy baby to photograph. He slept soundly through most of the session, his tiny fingers curling delicately, his soft features glowing with innocence. Watching him in the arms of his loving parents was heartwarming. Their adoration for their son filled the room with an overwhelming sense of tenderness and connection.

Noah’s name carries a promise of hope and a future filled with adventure. It’s a privilege to freeze these fleeting moments—the kind of memories his parents will treasure forever.

Welcome to the world, Noah. You are already so deeply loved, and I can’t wait to see the incredible life you will lead.

Lunzulu ➳ Newborn Session by Abigail Smith

Welcome to the World, Sweet Lunzulu

Some moments are so tender and precious that they take your breath away—and baby Lunzulu’s newborn session was exactly that.

Isn’t she so tiny and perfect, nestled peacefully in her mother’s arms? Her delicate features, her sleepy sighs, and the way she curled her tiny fingers—each detail was a reminder of the beauty of new life.

As I captured these moments, I couldn’t help but imagine how these photos will be treasured in the years to come. They are not just images—they are windows into this fleeting, sacred time. A time when Lunzulu is so small, her cries so soft, and her presence so deeply cherished.

To Lunzulu’s beautiful family: thank you for letting me document this chapter of your story. The love you have for each other radiates in every frame, and it was an honor to witness and preserve it.

Sweet Lunzulu, may your life be as calm and beautiful as the lavender that surrounded you. May your mother’s arms always feel like home, your siblings always be your greatest allies, and your world always be filled with love.