A NICU Mom’s Approach to Calgary Newborn Photography: Clean, Calm, and Always In-Home

Becoming a newborn photographer was always a natural fit for me — but becoming a NICU mom reshaped everything about how I approach my work. When my son was born, his lungs spontaneously collapsed, and we spent those early days surrounded by monitors, specialists, and constant worry. That experience changed me. It also shaped how I care for the families I serve today.

Every newborn session I offer is built on two things: safety and compassion.

Understanding What NICU Families Go Through

If you’re reading this as a NICU parent or as someone who’s had a stressful birth experience, please know this:Your story matters. Your stress is valid. And your baby deserves to be photographed with gentleness and flexibility.

My approach isn’t rushed, isn’t forced, and is always tailored to where your baby is developmentally right now — not by a strict definition of “newborn.”

Modified Packages Are Available

Every baby is different. Some love to be wrapped. Some settle easily into sleep. Some stay wide-eyed and curious the whole time. And all of that is okay.

Because babies vary so much, I offer modified versions of my packages so sessions can be adapted based on:

• How comfortably baby settles

• Whether they enjoy being wrapped

• How they respond to gentle posing

• Their unique temperament and needs

You can explore my standard packages here: https://www.calgaryweddingphoto.com/difference-between-packages

And if you’re not sure which package makes the most sense for your baby, I’m always happy to guide you.

A Note About Posing

While I always work to create beautiful images, certain poses depend entirely on your baby’s comfort, flexibility, and safety. For that reason, your baby leads the session, and we follow their cues.

All Sessions Are In-Home (Your Baby’s Comfort First)

Your home is the safest, coziest place for your baby. No packing up, no rushing, no cold studio environment.

I bring everything needed for the session — props, wraps, blankets, flooring, little outfits — so all you need to do is be home and breathe.

You can view my newborn gallery here:calgaryweddingphoto.com/calgary-newborn…

NICU-Level Cleanliness Standards

Once you’ve seen the inside of a NICU, your definition of “clean” changes forever.

Every single item I bring into a client’s home has been fully cleaned and sanitized since the last session. It’s a lot of work, but absolutely essential — especially for babies with sensitive immune systems or families who’ve experienced medical complications.

Because of this, I ask clients to select their props in advance.Once a prop enters a home, it must be washed before going back into my kit.

You can browse all available props here:calgaryweddingphoto.com/newborn-photo-props

A Session Built on Trust and Respect

Whether your baby spent time in the NICU, had a complicated start, or simply prefers to do things their own way, I show up with patience, gentleness, and flexibility.

Your baby is in charge.Your comfort matters.And your family’s story deserves to be documented with care.

If you’d like to learn more, ask questions, or check availability around your due date, I’d love to chat.