Boston South End Newborn Session | Photography by Kristen Swain

In the early spring of 2024, this stunner of a family invited me to photograph the early days with their second-born son, who had arrived in mid-February. While it was indeed the early days for this newborn baby boy, these were actually my clients’ last days in the place they’d called home for several years. Our session together took place literally days before the movers were scheduled to arrive to help them relocate to their new home — which would also be in the South End (because let’s be honest, how can you leave a neighborhood this perfect?!). Mom Jacqueline owns the extremely popular (and for good reason!) Greystone Cafe in the South End — another reason staying in the neighborhood was critical for this fun city fam.

I stopped by to check out the light in their home a couple of weeks before our session, because light can be extremely unpredictable and so different from one home to the next in the city (this is true even outside the city, but especially so when you’re surrounded by other buildings of varying height, color, and reflectiveness). Fortunately, this family’s soon-to-be former home had beautiful light to work with for photos — with skylights on the top floor (which was home to the kitchen, dining, and living rooms), and a south-facing (and gorgeously-decorated) nursery directly underneath. If we were blessed with a sunny day to work with, I knew this newborn session was going to be epic.

On the day of our photo session, the weather did not disappoint. Bright sunshine streamed in all morning long throughout our session, and the kids’ moods reflected the same vibe. Older bro did great and brought amazing positive (and fun!) energy. It was especially helpful that grandma and grandpa were there to hop in a few photos and help keep the oldest entertained when he wasn’t needed in front of the camera. And baby slept like … well, like a baby … throughout the session (which is not always the case during newborn sessions!).

I can’t end this post without mentioning mom’s outfits. The stunning white full-length cotton eyelet dress Jacqueline started in took my breath away. And for the last 1/2 hour or so she transitioned into a perfectly classic casual look with dark jeans and a white structured blouse. Save these photos for outfit inspiration for your own future newborn session, or send this link to a friend getting ready for theirs. They will thank you, and you can ask them to repay you with coffee and a breakfast sandwich from Greystone the next time you’re in the South End.

Boston South End Newborn Session | Photography by Kristen Swain

Boston South End Newborn Session | Photography by Kristen Swain