Some babies arrive with a calm, peaceful presence, and sweet little Eiza was one of them. She settled right into her session, snoozing through so much of it while looking absolutely precious in her tiny lavender outfit. That little bunny almost looked like it had found its new best friend.
This session was especially meaningful because it wasn’t my first time photographing this family. I had the honor of capturing Jena and Luis while they were expecting their first daughter, Zoe, and then welcoming Zoe during her newborn session. Then of, course, we had to do maternity portraits while patiently waiting for this little baby girl. ( see here)
Watching families grow is one of the greatest gifts of this job, and seeing them return with another beautiful little girl means more to me than I can put into words.
One thing was obvious from the moment I met Eiza…she is her daddy’s twin! She looks so much like Luis, and I have no doubt she’ll be hearing that for years to come. Watching him hold her so gently was one of my favorite moments of the session. The love and pride on his face said everything.
Not every newborn gives us wide-awake moments, but Eiza decided to surprise us. She locked eyes with her daddy and gave us the sweetest little expression. Those tiny smiles and curious looks disappear so quickly, which is why I love capturing babies both asleep and awake whenever we can.
Watching Zoe come in to check on her baby sister was one of the sweetest parts of the day. Just a short time ago, she was the tiny newborn in front of my camera, and now she’s stepping into the role of big sister. She was curious, gentle, and completely fascinated by little Eiza. These sibling photographs are treasures that only become more valuable as the years go by.
Of course, Oso had to be part of the session too. Pets are family, and I always encourage my families to include them whenever possible. Oso stayed close to Jena while she held Eiza, quietly keeping watch over his newest little family member.
Over the years, what started as photographer and client has grown into something much more. Jena and Luis have become dear friends, and that makes documenting milestones like this even more special. From maternity, to Zoe’s newborn portraits, and now welcoming little Eiza, it’s been such an incredible privilege to tell their family’s story one chapter at a time.
I’m ending with what is, without question, one of my favorite photographs I’ve created in my entire career.
As photographers, we often chase the “perfect” family portrait—everyone looking at the camera, smiling just right. But for me, this is perfection.
This photograph tells the truth about this season of life. Dad is entertaining his giggling toddler by flying her through the air. Baby Eiza is peacefully sleeping in Mom’s arms. Jena has that wonderfully honest expression every new mom knows all too well—“I’m happy…but somebody please send help!” Oso is doing exactly what loyal family dogs do best, quietly standing guard over everyone he loves.
This is why I do what I do.
I don’t just want to create beautiful portraits. I want to preserve what your family felt like at this exact moment in time. Years from now, Zoe won’t remember being tossed into the air by her dad, Eiza won’t remember sleeping through it all, and Jena and Luis may forget the beautiful chaos of having two little girls and a faithful pup under one roof. But this photograph will remind them.
To me, that’s what family photography is all about.
Thank you, my sweet friends, for continuing to trust me with your family’s story. It has truly been one of the greatest joys of my career to watch your family grow.
Here are some of our favorites from this photo session –
About the artist –
Csilla Leonard Fine Art Portraits is a professional Newborn Photography Studio in Grand Junction, CO. We also specialize in maternity and family photography.
We are a full-service portrait studio that takes care of all your photography related needs and desires so you can focus on what’s most important: Your Baby and Family.
Our mission is to provide an exceptional experience while creating Fine Art for your home that you will proudly display and pass down for generations to come.
Csilla has years of experience as a baby photographer and is highly trained in newborn safety.
She is a true believer in capturing the way the babies are on their own. Instead of posing the babies ‘perfectly’ and using an overwhelming amount of props, she uses light to create timeless Fine Art of Your Baby.
Our newborn photography studio’s satisfied clients realize the value of printed wall art and heirloom albums.
We also serve Fruita, Glenwood Springs and Montrose, CO.
Click here to learn more about the Csilla Leonard Experience!
