Welcoming a Precious Rainbow Baby

A Newborn Photography Session Filled With Love, Color & Meaning

There is something indescribably special about photographing a rainbow baby—a child welcomed after loss. Their arrival represents healing, hope, and the bright beauty that follows the storm. This sweet little one’s newborn session was bursting with color, symbolism, and the most tender family love.

From the moment her parents walked into my Glen Carbon studio, I could feel the excitement and pride they carried. Their new chapter has begun… and what a beautiful chapter it is.

🌈 A Rainbow Baby Wrapped in Color

To honor her story, we incorporated vibrant, rainbow-colored wraps and accessories. One of my favorite setups was this dreamy scene of bright hand-sorted buttons cascading like a rainbow over the newborn as she peacefully rested.

This image is not only visually stunning—it’s deeply meaningful. Every hue celebrates the emotional journey that brought her here.

The storm was real, but so is the rainbow. ✨

💕 Mommy & Her Miracle

With a soft, flowing dress painted in rainbow tones, Mama held her newborn close, radiating warmth and protection. Her gentle expression says everything—joy, gratitude, and awe.

This moment feels sacred. I always tell parents: you will never regret getting in the photo.

👨‍👩‍👧 A Family Complete

Nothing shines brighter than the love in a new family’s first portrait.
Wrapped in clean, neutral tones, baby girl snuggled sweetly in her parents’ hands—showing how treasured and protected she is.

These images will forever remind them of how tiny she once was and how deeply she was loved from the start.

Why Photographing Rainbow Babies Means So Much

Rainbow babies often hold an emotional weight for families, and it is truly an honor to help them remember this new beginning. Each detail—from the wraps to the colors—was planned with purpose and love.

I’m grateful these parents trusted me to document their daughter’s first days and give them beautiful pieces of art that honor her story.

🍼 Interested in Booking a Newborn Session?

Newborns are best photographed within the first 3–14 days of life, while they are most sleepy and curly.
My Glen Carbon studio offers:
✅ Newborn props & outfits
✅ Cozy and clean space
✅ Parent + sibling posing options
✅ Safety-trained, 12+ years experience

Booking link:
📸 www.connerjamesphotography.com/booknow

Modern Studio Maternity Session – Simple, Timeless, Beautiful

Maternity sessions are such a beautiful way to celebrate the journey into parenthood. This couple’s session was kept modern and minimal, focusing on their genuine connection and the excitement of welcoming their little one soon. Studio maternity portraits allow for timeless, intimate moments that will be cherished forever.

Sweet Connection in Studio

One of my favorite poses highlights both parents’ excitement as they held her growing belly together. The neutral tones and casual outfits kept the focus exactly where it belongs—their love and anticipation for baby.

Playful and Fun Together

Maternity portraits don’t have to be serious—this image captured her leaning on his shoulder with the sweetest smile. It’s a perfect example of how maternity sessions can show both the love and the lighthearted joy of this season.

Intimate Studio Glow

This portrait used natural light in the studio for a soft, glowing effect. The connection between them is tender and real, showcasing both strength and love in this new chapter of life.

Why Book a Maternity Session?

Pregnancy is such a short yet meaningful time, and having professional portraits ensures these memories last a lifetime. Whether styled in-studio with timeless simplicity or outdoors with golden light, maternity sessions capture the love, excitement, and anticipation of your growing family.

📸 Ready to celebrate your motherhood journey?
👉 Book your maternity session here

Sweet Milestone Session – Capturing Baby’s Growing Personality

Milestone sessions are some of my favorites because they highlight how much your little one changes in such a short time. This beautiful baby girl was full of smiles, curiosity, and sweetness. From her dainty white dress to her cozy fall outfit, every image showcased her growing personality and charm.

Cozy in a Basket

This image is such a classic milestone portrait—baby sitting up in a sweet woven basket. Her delicate dress and pretty details made the moment even more timeless.

Beautiful Close-Up

Her big eyes and tiny details deserved their own spotlight. This close-up portrait shows off her sweet features and sparkly little bows—perfect for remembering this stage forever.

Fall-Inspired Outfit

Adding variety to the session, this cozy setup included a rust-colored romper and a soft plaid blanket. It was the perfect touch of seasonal charm while still keeping the focus on her sweet smile.

Why Book a Milestone Session?

Your baby changes so much in their first year, and milestone sessions freeze each stage so you never forget it. From sitting, crawling, to standing, these portraits capture their growth and personality along the way.

📸 Ready to document your little one’s milestones?
👉 Book your milestone session here

A Golden Evening Family Session by the Lake

There’s something magical about family sessions outdoors—when the golden light reflects off the water and laughter fills the air. This sweet family made the session so effortless with their joy and connection. From playful brotherly hugs in the grass to tender family moments, their love truly shines.

Brothers Together

The bond between these three brothers is undeniable. They leaned into each other, laughed together, and gave me the most genuine smiles. Photos like these become lifelong treasures—capturing the sweet bond of childhood before the years fly by.

Family Portrait by the Lake

This portrait of the whole family shows the warmth they share. The backdrop of the water and trees at sunset made the perfect setting. Their outfits coordinated beautifully with neutral tones that allowed their smiles and personalities to be the focus.

Sweet Playfulness

Candid moments are always my favorite—especially when siblings tumble into laughter. These two little brothers couldn’t stop giggling while playing in the grass, and the result was pure magic.

Why Family Sessions Matter

Time passes so quickly, and having professional family portraits ensures you’ll always have these fleeting stages captured. Whether it’s the goofy grins, the warm hugs, or just being together in your favorite season, every detail is worth remembering.

📸 Ready to book your own family session? I’d love to capture your story.
👉 Book your session here

Newborn Session | A Family’s First Memories 💙

Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s greatest joys, and capturing these early days with family portraits is something parents will cherish forever. This sweet baby boy’s session was filled with love, cozy setups, and the most heartwarming family moments.

Family Portraits Full of Love 💕

There’s nothing more meaningful than capturing the bond between parents and their newborn. These portraits radiate pure joy and the beginning of a brand-new chapter together.

Heart Bowl Setup in Blue 💙

For a timeless newborn setup, we placed him in our rustic wooden heart bowl with soft textures and rich blue tones. This simple yet striking setup kept all the attention on his sweet little features. Why Family Portraits Matter in Newborn Sessions

Newborn sessions are not only about your baby—they’re about your family’s story. Including parents in these images creates heirlooms that will be cherished for generations, reminding you of how small they once were and how much love filled these first days.

Sweet Baby Boy Milestone Session in Glen Carbon, IL

This handsome little guy came into the studio with the biggest smiles and bright blue eyes that melted hearts instantly. Milestone sessions are some of my favorites because they capture your baby’s growing personality—those sweet giggles, curious expressions, and tiny details you’ll want to remember forever.

For this milestone session, we kept the setup simple and timeless. Neutral wood tones, a cozy textured rug, and soft accents allowed his joyful expressions and playful personality to shine. His blue outfit was the perfect pop of color, highlighting those sparkling eyes.

Whether your baby is sitting up for the first time, starting to crawl, or celebrating a first birthday, milestone sessions are the perfect way to freeze this fleeting stage.

📸 Ready to capture your little one’s milestones? Book your milestone session today

Newborn Session | Nature’s Touch and A Musical Moment 🎶🌿

Every newborn session is unique, and this gallery was the perfect mix of natural beauty and personal touches. From a greenery-wrapped basket setup to a special moment with dad and his guitar, these photos tell a story that’s both timeless and deeply personal.

A Musical Memory with Dad 🎸

One of the most special parts of this session was incorporating dad’s love for music. Holding his baby boy across his guitar, this image captured the perfect blend of fatherhood and passion—a keepsake that will mean even more as the years go by.

Nature-Inspired Basket Setup 🌿

This little one looked so peaceful nestled inside a wicker basket wrapped in lush greenery. Paired with cozy knits and soft neutrals, the setup created a natural, organic feel—perfect for families who love earthy tones.

Why Personalization Matters

Your newborn session should reflect your family’s story. Whether it’s through nature-inspired setups, heirloom props, or hobbies that matter to you, I love creating images that feel both personal and timeless.

Newborn Session | A Little Football & A Lot of Love 🏈💙

Every newborn session tells a story—and this sweet baby boy’s session was filled with the perfect mix of personality, simplicity, and love. From football-themed details to timeless heart-shaped props, and ending with heartfelt parent shots, this gallery is one to cherish forever.

Football-Inspired Newborn Setup 🏈

This little guy gave us the BEST expressions while wrapped in cozy brown tones. Surrounded by tiny footballs and hearts, it was the perfect nod to a sports-loving family while keeping everything soft and newborn-safe.

Classic Heart Bowl Simplicity 🤎

For a timeless look, we tucked him into our rustic wooden heart bowl. The neutral tones and soft textures kept the focus on his sweet little features—proof that simple setups create the most stunning results.

Family Hands Holding Baby 🤍

We ended the session with a black-and-white shot featuring mom and dad’s hands holding their tiny miracle. These images are always client favorites because they capture just how little their baby is in the early days—and how much love surrounds them.

Why These Details Matter

Newborn photography is about so much more than props—it’s about creating lasting memories for families. Whether you want sports-inspired touches, timeless neutral setups, or intimate family shots, every session is carefully styled to reflect your story.

Sweet Newborn Session in Soft Pinks 🌸

There is nothing sweeter than capturing a brand-new little life surrounded by soft florals and cozy textures. This beautiful newborn session was full of delicate pink tones, timeless props, and the most peaceful baby girl. Every detail—from the floral ring basket to the heart-shaped bowl—made this session extra special.

Cozy in the Floral Ring

Wrapped snugly in a soft pink knit, baby girl rested soundly inside a wicker floral ring covered in cascading hydrangeas. The natural wood texture, paired with the pastel flowers, gave the setup a dreamy, garden-like feel.

Snuggled in the Heart Bowl

We then moved to a heart-shaped bowl, where she cuddled her tiny knit teddy bear. Surrounded by fluffy layers and placed on a soft pink floral backdrop, this scene radiated love and warmth.

Why Choose a Professional Newborn Session?

Newborn photography is more than just pictures—it’s about capturing fleeting details and creating heirloom artwork for families. With over 12 years of experience and triple certification in newborn safety and posing, I ensure every baby is photographed with the utmost care.

Whether you prefer whimsical floral setups or timeless neutral tones, each session is designed to reflect your family’s unique style.

Sweet Strawberry First Birthday Cake Smash

What better way to celebrate turning ONE than with a strawberry-themed cake smash session? 🍓 This sweet girl looked absolutely adorable in her strawberry dress and matching bow, surrounded by fresh fruit and farmhouse décor.

From big smiles to little bites of cake, every moment was filled with joy (and just the right amount of mess!). Cake smash sessions are a fun way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday and capture their growing personality in timeless portraits.

This strawberry-inspired setup brought so much color and charm, making the photos extra sweet. These images are keepsakes her family will treasure forever.

📸 Ready to plan your little one’s cake smash?