A Family Story Session at Home with Baby Leo

Every family has a unique story, and some of the most meaningful chapters are written during those early months with a new baby.

When I visited five-month-old Leo and his parents for their Family Story Session, I stepped into a season of life for these first time parents that is equal parts wonder and whirlwind! The days can feel long, but somehow the months disappear in the blink of an eye

We began in Leo's newly decorated nursery, a room lovingly created just for him. From the tiny details on the shelves to the cosy corner where Mum and Dad cuddled him close, it wasn't just a beautiful backdrop, it was part of their story. These are the spaces where first smiles are shared, sleepy feeds happen in the early hours, and babies slowly discover the world around them.

At five months old, Leo was full of personality. Wide-eyed, curious and wonderfully content, he happily played on the nursery floor, soaking up every smile and cuddle from his parents. Rather than directing every moment, I simply followed what unfolded naturally. Documentary family photography is about giving families the space to be themselves, capturing genuine connection instead of perfectly posed smiles.

Before the session, I was told not to expect to meet the family's two cats, Midge and Pearl. Apparently they were both incredibly shy. As it turned out, they had other ideas.

One by one, they wandered in to see what all the fuss was about, cautiously investigating the newest member of their family. Watching Leo's fascination as they came close made for some of my favourite images from the session. They weren't planned or staged they simply happened. Those unexpected little moments are often the ones that become the most treasured because they're completely authentic.

Once we'd spent time indoors, we headed out into the garden. Home doesn't stop at the front door, and gardens are often where families spend so much of their time together. There was space for cuddles, play and simply enjoying being outside together. Nothing was rushed, and there was no pressure to look at the camera or smile on cue. The photographs tell the story of who they are, rather than who they think they should be.

That's what makes a Family Story Session different.

The newborn stage passes in the blink of an eye, and so do the months that follow. Five-month-old babies are discovering their personalities, finding their voices and filling their parents' days with smiles, cuddles and endless curiosity. These milestones deserve to be remembered.

Years from now, Leo won't just see photographs of himself as a baby. He'll see the nursery his parents carefully prepared, the garden where they spent time together, and the cats who became part of his childhood story from the very beginning. He'll see how his parents looked at him, how they held him, and how deeply he was loved.

Because every family has a unique story.

If you're in the middle of these beautifully busy years, don't wait for life to slow down or for everything to feel perfect. A Family Story Session captures the moments that often pass unnoticed while you're living them, creating honest, heartfelt photographs that become more valuable with every passing year.

I'd love to help tell yours.