Some of my favourite sessions are the ones where I already know the family walking through the door. I know how they laugh, I know who loves being in front of the camera (looking at you, Paisley!), and I know exactly how much this moment means to them. When I got the message that this sweet family was expecting a little boy and wanted to capture their growing family at home, I was genuinely excited. This is exactly why I do what I do.

A Family I Already Loved

I had photographed this family before—sweet big sister Isla and their adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Paisley, out at the tree farm. Those sessions were already full of so much warmth and personality. So when I heard a baby boy was on the way, I knew this next chapter was going to be something special.

Baby Matthew arrived, and so did I—camera in hand and very much ready for my baby fix.

My Kitchener-Waterloo lifestyle newborn and family sessions are relaxed. Every at-home newborn session unfolds a little differently… There is no strict timeline, no rushing, and no pressure to perform. We take breaks for feeding, for snuggles, for whatever the baby (or the toddler, or the dog) needs in that moment. Some babies sleep through everything. Matthew was not that baby—and honestly, that made it even better.

What a Lifestyle Newborn Session Actually Looks Like

Being awake and alert meant Matthew had a lot to say. We got yawns, little smirks, wide eyes taking in the world—the whole range of expressions that only a brand-new baby can offer. These are the moments parents will look back on one day and say, “I forgot how tiny he was.”

Here is what made this session feel so natural and full:

The baby leads the way

There is no rushing a newborn. When Matthew needed to eat, we stopped. When he needed to be held, we held him. That flexibility is what allows real moments to unfold instead of forced poses.

Spring babies get a bonus

Because Matthew arrived in the warmer months, we had the option to step outside for a few photos too. Weather permitting, a little natural light and fresh air can do wonders for family portraits. We made the most of it.

Big sister energy is a gift

Isla brought so much joy to this session. The tender moments between a big sister meeting her baby brother—those are the ones that make everyone tear up a little, including me.

Daddy and daughter moments matter just as much

Some of my favourite frames from this session were the quiet interactions between dad and Isla. Parenthood has so many layers, and as families grow, every relationship shifts a little. Capturing that is something I take seriously.

Paisley absolutely had to be included

She was the first baby, after all! Including the family dog is not an afterthought in my sessions—it is a priority. Paisley was front and centre, and rightfully so.

Why This Kind of Session Matters

After I delivered the gallery, I received this message from the family:

“Thank you so much for the photos!! We LOVE them and can’t wait to show Isla the slideshow. We will treasure them forever.”

That message is everything. It is the reason I show up to every session with my whole heart.

Growing your family is one of life’s biggest transitions. The days feel long, but the newborn stage passes faster than anyone warns you. Having photos from this season—the tired eyes, the tiny fingers, the dog insisting on being in every frame—means you get to hold onto it. Not just in your memory, but in something you can revisit for years to come.

These are not just pretty images. They are pieces of a story your kids will one day want to see.

Ready to Capture Your Family’s Next Chapter?

If you’re growing your family and you want photos that are warm, authentic, and relaxed—without fuss, without stiff posing, and without anyone feeling like they have to perform—I would love to connect.

Whether your family includes a curious toddler, a beloved family dog, or a brand-new baby who has a lot of opinions about naptime, I am here for all of it.

Reach out through portraitsbykendra.ca and let’s talk about capturing your family exactly as you are right now—because this season won’t last forever, and it deserves to be remembered.