Being a photographer blesses me in so many different ways. I am allowed intimate little glimpses into the lives of others, capturing a brief moment of time to which no one else is privy. For example, I’m privileged enough in many cases to see the bride prior to the wedding day during a bridal session. I also get to document a couple’s first look, or a first prayer if they opt out of seeing each other before the wedding.

In this case, I got to share a few sweet, special hours with a beloved friend and her family. They welcomed a new baby girl back in February just a few weeks after our own Lincoln was born. The family asked if I would document those early moments for them, and of course I was happy to do so. With her fair skin and her dark hair, Baby E is just the sweetest little thing I’ve ever seen!

This family session was a perfect example of why I love a lifestyle photography approach. Rather than having to scout out a location, I was able to photograph this sweet family in the comfort of their own home. This is especially great for little ones who need to be “cocooned” for the first several weeks of life. It also makes feeding and changing easier when you’re in a familiar space.

That being said, my absolute favorite thing about lifestyle family photography is that you’re able to take things at a slow pace and capture the family as they are. I loved spending the day with the James family as they snuggled, played, and just enjoyed each others’ company (despite a few grumpies from Big Brother).

A big “thank you” to the James family for welcoming me into your home and asking me to document these beautiful moments! Love you four!

Emily Chappell is a Dallas Texas Photographer and is available for lifestyle family photography as well as weddings throughout the Dallas Forth Worth Metroplex. She also serves as a Plano, Allen, McKinney, and Frisco Wedding Photographer and loves photographing destination weddings across the United States and internationally.