Maegan Dougherty Photography » NJ Birth and Family Photographer

Photographing parents with their first baby is a sweet flashback to what life was like going from being a couple to being a family of three. Remembering the uncertainty, the worry and the excitement, learning what the baby needs, and how to meet our own needs as parents, too.

I don’t give a lot of direction at my photo shoots. I want to capture real life. And I think that made this mama a little nervous at first, understandably. This is normal, especially for first-timers. So I was really happy to get her e-mail when I sent the slideshow, to know they “LOVE it” and that the slideshow “totally captures him and us.” That’s one of my favorite comments. I want my clients to really see themselves and the beauty of this time in their lives, to help them always remember these special moments and feelings.

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Erika Kao - March 23, 2016 - 12:55 pm

Beautiful captures, Maegan!

maegan - March 23, 2016 - 1:09 pm

Thanks Erika!

One thing I love about when families have babies is that I often get to photograph them more then once a year. This family has been awesome about documenting each stage of their little guy’s life. And I can’t wait to see him as a big bother in a couple months!

These pictures are from our fall session, which I wrote about on Facebook. Today I finished the slideshow from last weekend’s session in NYC. I always have a great time with them and it’s so much fun to watch their family grow!

When you reach the end of this post, I hope you’ll look through some of my other recent blog posts, sign up to receive e-mails about upcoming special offers, and follow me on Instagram if you haven’t already!

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In December I went to my friend Emily’s house to capture some family fun. I love that it was Christmastime and that Grammy was able to be there! With three active big kids and a baby, there were so many cute moments and sweet interactions to capture.

Did you see the day this family’s littlest came home from the hospital? Click here!

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This family photo shoot was about a year ago, and the family has since moved to a new home. I love that we were able to take these pictures in what was their home at the time, a place I’m sure will always be special in their memories.

Sometimes I look at pictures from a year or two or five ago, and I love them even more than I remember loving them back then. And I think, “Gosh, these are good. Was my work better back then?” What I’ve realized is that my work quality hasn’t declined (thank goodness)! What happens is that the older pictures feel even more special because things have changed for the people in them. Their home is different or their kids have grown. Maybe there’s been an addition to the family. So those captured moments in the photos mean more and more as time passes. It seems so obvious, but it become really clear to me last night.

What moments are you grateful to look back on in photos? What special times are happening in your family life now that you think you’ll want to remember years from now? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

I already blogged this family’s fall 2015 shoot here! And here is the day that the little brother was born at home!

Emily - March 17, 2016 - 11:44 am

I love how your pictures say “this is us” –love that <3

maegan - March 19, 2016 - 2:51 pm

That is one of my favorite comments I get from people when they see their pictures. 🙂 Also, do you know who this family is and your connection to them? 🙂 (Fundraiser auction – birth) 🙂

It was so nice to see Alicia, and I loved my time with her family! I shared a few of my favorite pictures from her session and some of my thoughts on Instagram. ♥ Then Alicia posted on Facebook and even though she’d already told me she loved the pictures, I was so nervous as I read what she wrote!

Being on the other side of the camera is so hard! Maegan has been capturing my family for almost 9 years. It’s been 5 years since our last family session so we scheduled another. ♥ It started with excitement, a successful trip to the mall for ‘matching’ outfits, but then the nerves took over. We have such different styles, I don’t have time to clean the house, everyone is moaning and groaning about having their pictures taken and I am so so so tired.

When I woke up after just a few hours of sleep, there was a bad storm so we cancelled and honestly, I was relieved. So as I thought about our rescheduled session and Maegan’s style I decided to just let my family be. I mentioned to her that my kids love to spend the weekend in their pajamas so I wasn’t going to get them dressed right away and she said “perfect.” When I stressed about having my Christmas tree up still she said “keep the tree up if you love having a tree and it is still bringing you joy.” I didn’t make anyone get fancy or do their hair. She assured me my messy house was okay.

I probably only got 4 hours of sleep that night. Ethan was up at 6am with Leighton so I could get a few hours. I accomplished my goal of taking a shower and Maegan arrived, everyone else still in their pajamas. Ethan went up and showered while the kids played Minecraft and Maegan and I caught up. The rest of the day was easy and fun. We got dressed and hung out in Leighton’s room, the kids rough housed and had feet fight. She captured us having snacks, lunch, nursing and playing games around the dining room table. I had no idea what kind of final images that would all turn out to be, but she has captured my heart. My goofy family as they are. Wild hair, goldfish catching and so much silliness. Thank you for once again bringing tears to my eyes, friend!

Phew! She is happy. 🙂  I know a family photo shoot can be scary, and I love these honest words from Alicia. She felt some stress and uncertainty at first, but she understood my style and  trusted me, allowed herself to be comfortable and go with the flow, and what we captured is real life. Sweet moments. Her family. Their home. A weekend morning.

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I’d love to hear from you! Is there anything that makes you nervous about a family photo shoot? Leave a comment or send me a message! I’d love to talk. 🙂

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