Mason | Ruston LA Baby Photographer

When Mason’s mom reached out to me about a newborn session, she explained that her sweet boy was already two months old. Mason had experienced a rough start in the NICU after being born with a form of Spina Bifida. Typically, the best time to schedule a posed newborn session is between 7–13 days after birth, when babies are still very sleepy and easy to pose. However, I know all too well that life doesn’t always follow the perfect timeline. NICU stays, health concerns, and other circumstances often mean we photograph babies outside that “ideal” window—and we make it work the best we can.

When Mason arrived at my studio, he was full of smiles, a chunky little guy who had clearly been soaking up lots of love at home. While we got ready for the session, his mom and I chatted about his NICU journey. She shared how his diagnosis came as a total shock. While many parents have time to prepare for possible complications, Mason’s mom and dad delivered their baby and, within moments, watched him be airlifted for emergency care. I could see the strength in her voice as she recounted those early days, and as a mom myself, my heart ached for the fear and uncertainty she faced.

Despite the challenges he’s already overcome, Mason amazed me with his range of motion and joyful personality. Other than his scarring and medical tubing, he acted just like any other baby who comes into my studio—kicking, stretching, and cooing. It’s a beautiful reminder that a diagnosis doesn’t define a child’s spirit. Seeing him so happy and thriving made this session even more special.

We started the session with some sweet family portraits of Mason with his mom and dad. When it came time for posed photos, we managed a few before Mason decided he was ready to wiggle and groove. This is very typical for older babies—at this age, they’re more alert and curious about the world, which makes traditional newborn posing a bit more challenging. Still, I knew it was important to capture a few keepsake images of Mason while he’s still little. I hope these portraits will be treasured reminders of this chapter in his life.

If you’re expecting and would like to book your own newborn mini session, I’d love to photograph your baby—whether they arrive right on schedule or life takes a few unexpected turns. You can contact me HERE and reference this link for more info and pricing on my newborn mini sessions. Every baby’s story is unique, and I would be honored to capture yours.