Ravenswood Newborn Session with Proud Big Sister

The world is so incredibly heavy right now and I think we could all use some joy in our lives so today I’m sharing one of the most fun sessions of 2025 I had. Big sister V was such a treat to photograph and she exudes such joy every moment of her existence. This family sure knows how to have fun, laugh, live well and most of all - enjoy each other’s company. I saw them again after Mr. W’s newborn session for my client appreciation event this fall and while Mr. W was even more skeptical of me, V was still just a giant ray of sunshine. I hope that never goes away. This world needs more sunshine and joy.

(I would of course like to add a caveat that I know children, or humans in general, are not always happy every moment, nor should they be expected to be. And this isn’t something to strive for, nor is it disappointing when they’re not. We’re all unique and our own individual. While I do enjoy photographing smiley, happy kiddos and wanted to share this joy today, I’m in no way discounting children (or people) who aren’t always happy & positive. This human experience is full of all of the emotions and some of us feel bigger than others, need more alone time, have emotions that we learned to suppress as small humans, etc. Life can truly beat us up. I say feel your emotions - all of them.)

Life Updates and a Logan Square Newborn in Chicago with Big Fur Sister

Hello, it’s been a while! My busy season is slowly winding down, and it’s been the busiest of my career. Normally my fall rush ends at the beginning of November, but this year I’ll been going right up until a few days before Christmas. Great, and also exhausting amongst the holiday chaos! I am beyond grateful for all of the work and support this year.

And… I decided to foster a dog at the end of October, thinking I’d have a relatively chill November ;) Then an influx of work came in while having the world’s most anxious pooch in terms of separation anxiety and the past 6 weeks have been, let’s just say, a wild ride. At least it’s been a distraction from the constant “breaking news” and the dread from knowing I’m losing my health insurance in a few weeks. Hooray.

Now, onto the sunshine in my world- If you can’t tell from my portfolio, I LOVE a newborn session with a big fur sibling! People always ask me which sessions are my favorite to photograph and I jokingly say that’s like asking someone to pick their favorite child! I primarily photograph newborns and dogs separately but when they join together in a session it’s always my favorite. It’s another reason why I love in-home newborn sessions, so that all members of your family can be there; especially the ones with four legs! There are a lot of cute things in this world, but it’s hard to top anything more adorable than a pup sniffing their newborn brother or sister’s toes.

Some dogs are super protective of their new little brother or sister and never leave their side. Some sniff like crazy and some are aloof. Some can’t handle the crying! Some pout because they’re not the baby anymore. I try to remind them that in several months from those first few days, they’ll have a built-in best friend/food-dispenser sitting in a high chair and it’ll all be worth it! It’s so fun to see each dog react to their new little family member and I’m so lucky that I get to document these moments.

Big Fur sister sniffs her newborn baby brother’s toes during their lifestyle newborn session in Logan Square, Chicago with newborn photographer Courtney Laper

Mom and dad sit on the couch holding their newborn, looking at him lovingly, at their newborn photo session with Chicago newborn photographer Courtney Laper

newborn baby toes next to dad’s hands during a chicago newborn photo session with newborn photographer Courtney Laper

Repeat Families are the Best Compliments!

When I get to photograph second and third babies after photographing the first of the fam, my heart is SO happy! Not only is it easier for me because we already have a connection, you already trust me to have me back. And that means the world. Now I’m not saying photographing a family with a big-sibling/toddler is easy by any means… :) These sessions are actually a bit more challenging than the first because older siblings need a little more time and attention, if you can believe it, than the newborn! Depending on the age gap, big brother or big sister is often majorly adjusting to their new little sibling as well, which can make for some challenging times. Sometimes they don’t want anything to do with this new baby who’s taking their attention away from mom and dad. Sometimes they want to squish their new baby with so much love! Sometimes they’re just wanting to help by getting diapers, or sharing their toys. It’s really fun to see how different each session is.

I find that it’s helpful to prepare big brothers and big sisters as much as possible that I’ll be coming and what to expect. Since newborn sessions can be on the longer side, I always recommend starting with your family photos first so that your other kiddos can be done and have play or quiet time once their photos are finished. But if your toddler is shy and needs some time to warm up, I’m happy to adjust. Each session is tailored to what’s best for your family.