Arden's Newborn Lifestyle | Pensacola Photographer

The McDonalds are back, with their third baby girl...Arden Grace.

Everything about this family is just gorgeous. Gorgeous faces, gorgeous home, gorgeous style, and gorgeous hearts for each other and for the Lord. They are so lively, connected, and put together. I could seriously photograph them all. day. long. 

With two rambunctious girls and a newborn, you would probably expect a family/newborn session to be rather chaotic. Most mamas anticipate toddlers being uncooperative and ask me how we will ever manage to get any good pictures. Honestly though, the lifestyle approach is the solution too all of that, and this family always nails it. Here's why.

1. They plan activities that will engage the kids in something special, important, or fun. Bathing the baby, strumming on Daddy's heirloom guitar, reading favorite books together.

2. They go with the flow. I know it is hard to know that your kids will likely be uncooperative during the short time that you have to get in the pictures you are hoping for. But nothing derails that faster than trying to force a toddler to do something they don't want to do. So give them time to warm up to me. Feed them if they are hungry. Let them make their own choices and jump on the bed. And ignore them when they want to be left alone. 

3. Daddy keeps a pocket full of Jelly Beans. Keeping a small (not-messy or crumbly) treat in a pocket is an excellent distraction that entices little ones to slow down and stick close to the action. 

4. Bonus style tip: Wear simple, comfortable clothing that coordinates with your house and any special items you want to incorporate in your session. Don't try too hard and have back-up shirts for Mom and Dad ready, just in case baby spits up on you. Audrey is a pro at selecting wardrobe. I'm thinking maybe I should hire her as a freelance pre-session style consultant. 

Play the slideshow below to check out the rest of this gorgeous session. Then please take a moment to scroll down and leave a comment. Because once 50 people have commented on the blog post, I will gift Audrey & John with an 8x10 mounted print from their session. Who doesn't love a print?!


Natalie is a lifestyle family photographer serving Pensacola, FL and surrounding areas. With a passion for capturing candid family moments, she specializes in birth and newborn lifestyle photography. Natalie lives in Pensacola with her husband and two (very difficult to photograph) children. Besides photography, she has a passion for modern sewing projects and graphic design. 

Photo credit: Indie Pearl Photography