There’s something extra special about getting invited back to document a growing family—like being let into the best kind of secret club. I was so excited when Laura and Reid asked me to come photograph baby #2. Watching their family grow has been such a joy, and it felt like such a full-circle moment to be back in their home for this next chapter.
Baby Henry was an absolute dream—the kind of newborn who makes my job ridiculously easy (seriously, this kid was serving peaceful baby model energy). But what really made this session shine was the whole crew: big brother Jack and their sweet pup Petunia, who honestly might’ve stolen the show a few times. One of these days I swear I’m sneaking her into my camera bag… she’s just that cute.
Now, let’s talk about Jack—because honestly, he was such a trooper. He wasn’t totally sold on the whole “hold the baby” idea at first (which, let’s be real, is very fair when you’re suddenly promoted to big brother and the spotlight is being shared). So we didn’t push. We gave him space, let him do his thing, and just followed his lead. Toward the end of the session, with mom and dad close by, he finally agreed to snuggle up for a family photo—and that moment? Pure magic. The first image below might just be one of my all-time favorite family portraits. It’s soft and real and perfectly imperfect in that beautiful way family life tends to be.
Sessions like this are such a good reminder: it doesn’t have to be “picture perfect” to be perfect.
Jen Madigan Photography is a Naperville, IL and Iowa City, IA based photographer available for travel worldwide. She specializes in maternity and lifestyle newborn photography.
I would love to tell your family’s story through photos! Contact me for details and to book your session!
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