Patience and Pivoting When Baby Needs a Break | Mars Newborn Photographer

When I arrived at this sweet family’s home in Mars, PA, their two-month-old baby girl was having a hard morning. She had been fed, changed, walked, bounced, rocked, and snuggled, but she was still upset and could not settle down. Her mom tried again to feed her and comfort her for a bit, and after some time, we both realized that what she probably needed most was a little undisturbed nap.

Normally, during a session when a baby needs to nap, I keep taking pictures while they sleep. Those quiet moments often lead to some of the most peaceful and tender images. However, sometimes a baby just really needs an undisturbed nap in their own space, especially if they are a light sleeper, prefer a very dark room, and cannot be disturbed at all. In those cases, it is always better to let them rest a bit and come back to them once they wake up. It keeps the session calm and helps everyone stay relaxed.

So while the baby slept peacefully upstairs in a quiet and dark room in her bassinet, I spent the next forty-five minutes photographing her older brother and sister downstairs in their playroom. I had the honor of photographing both of the older siblings when they were newborns, and I’ve had the pleasure of photographing them a few times since then.

Their playroom was bright and colorful, filled with the best toys for a kid’s imagination! They built a fort, created a “car”, and showed off their balancing skills. These moments are such a joy to capture because they show real childhood, the kind that unfolds naturally when kids feel free to just be themselves.

I always tell parents that things do not need to go perfectly for their photos to turn out beautifully. Babies cry, older kids get restless, and real life continues to happen all around us. That is part of what makes in home sessions so special. You do not have to force anything or rush through it. I have a lot of patience for these moments and I am always ready to pivot when needed. If that means focusing on older siblings for a bit or taking a break while the baby rests, that is completely fine. My goal is to make sure everyone feels comfortable and that we capture the natural flow of your family’s day.

I think these adorable older siblings, despite being absolutely in love with their new baby sister, enjoyed our time together playing and the opportunity to get a few photos with Mom and Dad before baby sister joined us. And I loved hanging out with them and telling them how I have been photographing them since they were babies!

Once the baby woke up from her nap, she was calm, content, and ready for snuggles with her family. Those quiet moments when her mom held her close and her big brother gently kissed her sweet little head were so sweet and peaceful. You could see how much love surrounded her and how proud her siblings were to have a new baby sister.

Sessions like this one remind me that the best photos often come from simply slowing down and letting the day unfold. Every baby and every family is different, and that is what makes this work so meaningful.

If you live in or around Mars, Pennsylvania and want a newborn session that feels calm, flexible, and centered on your family, I would love to photograph you in your home. You can reach out to learn more about how these sessions work and how we can create photos that reflect this special time in your life.

If you’re looking for a newborn or baby photographer in Pittsburgh,  please get in touch to inquire about a session! I’d love to plan a photo session for your new baby!

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All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography 

Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in family and newborn photography in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fourteen years of experience photographing families, newborns and babies in Pittsburgh including the South Side, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Oakland, the North Shore and Northside.   Her style is very relaxed and natural and your family session will feel like a stress-free Sunday afternoon with your family!