The Hartwell Family’s First Outdoor Session With Baby Brother

Some families come into your life through photography and end up becoming friends, and the Hartwell family is absolutely one of those. I first met Lindsey back in 2020 when she took my Lightroom Editing Course, and then again in 2022 when she attended a retreat I co-taught. Since then, we’ve stayed connected and I’ve had the joy of photographing their family several times.

But this session was different — this was their first outdoor session as a completed family, their very first time stepping in front of my camera with their sweet baby boy, Waylon. Surrounded by all his sisters, loved on from every direction, he truly feels like the final little piece that made their family whole.

A Hazy Sunset in Kennesaw, GA

We met at one of my favorite hidden little parks in Kennesaw, GA, just before sunset. The sky was hazy — that soft, muted glow that feels like the world is exhaling — and it gave the whole session a warm, nostalgic feeling.

Even though the sun wasn’t blazing, hazy nights are some of my favorites to photograph. They create a moody softness that wraps around the family and makes every moment feel like a memory you’ve already lived a hundred times.

The Styling That Made the Magic

The Hartwell family used my online styling system, which makes styling sessions a breeze and takes out the guesswork for everyone involved. They chose neutral tones — creamy beiges, soft taupes, earthy browns — and those colors paired beautifully with the hazy evening sky.

Outfits matter so much more than people realize. They change the entire way the photos edit.
Neutrals + haze = warm, moody, soft, nostalgic.
It was literally the perfect combination for this session.

Surrounded by Sisters & So Much Love

Baby Waylon is so loved. Every sister wanted a moment with him — holding him, kissing him, snuggling him close — and those little interactions created the sweetest images of the night. All of the in between those moments with this family was — calm, joyful, complete.

The Images They’ll Treasure Most

While the whole gallery is full of warmth, the images I know they’ll treasure most are the ones where all the sisters circle around baby Waylon, wrapping him up in their arms. You can feel the love coming off the frame.

Ready for Your Own Family Session?

Whether you’re welcoming a new baby or simply capturing the beautiful chaos of everyday life, your family deserves photos that feel like you. As a Marietta photographer, I believe the best images don’t come from perfection — they come from real moments, real connection, and the small exchanges that tell your entire story.

📷 Ready to plan your family session? Contact me here.