Life Update: Johnny Alexander Orahood

We welcomed our second baby boy into the world on Friday, May 16th! Our hearts are overflowing with love, and we’re soaking in this new chapter as a family of four.

Leading up to his birth, I knew how important it was to me to capture those first moments in the hospital and to have a cozy, intimate newborn session at home. I decided to take on both sessions myself—and I’m so grateful I did. The results are everything I hoped for and more.

Caleb was such a big help, jumping in as I guided him on positioning and camera settings. He’s a quiet creative at heart and always manages to surprise me with his eye behind the lens.

If you’re a fellow photographer—whether professionally or as a passionate hobbyist—and you're looking to prioritize your budget in other areas, know that you can document this beautiful season yourself. You might be wondering why I’m encouraging you to take on the task, but for me, it’s not just about the process—it’s about having those memories captured, however they come together.

Take the pictures. Don’t worry about perfection or fancy setups. Just take them, so you’ll always have something to look back on and remember these fleeting, precious moments.

Here are some of my tried and true tips for capturing your own fresh 48 and newborn pictures.

1. Find light - natural light. Normally the light is best in the morning. Open up those curtains or blinds and turn off your overhead lights. Place yourself near the light source and play around with your angles as you shoot.

2. Outfits - Wear something you all feel comfortable in and choose a color palette that coordinates with your home decor.

3. Make a list of combinations - Make a list of combinations of people that you want for your pictures. Ex: Mom, dad and baby or just dad and baby, etc. Check them off as you go so you don't forget any.

4. Make a list of where the different combinations will take place - Where in your house do you want to have these different combinations? I chose to use three spots in our house. Don't choose too many spots or you will be running all over the house and with little ones, you know getting them situated can take a minute.

5. Bribery - No, I am not against it when it comes to things like this. We used big marshmallows because it won't stain my sons clothes or teeth and they are quick to eat.

6. Use a tripod - For the pictures that you want everyone in them, set up a tripod of where you want to take the pictures and either put it on a timer and have the camera do a burst of photos or call a friend to push the shutter for you. My mom was in town so she was the sound affects gal and the button pusher for the photos with all of us in them. Worked like a charm!

Fresh 48

Newborn