Tessie Pratt Photography

Pittsburgh, Pa

I’m slowly discovering that lifestyle newborn sessions are my absolute favorite! After a baby is born, there is such a feeling of hope, joy, and love in the atmosphere. It is just so contagious … baby fever! I love being a fly on the wall during these precious moments for new or growing families. Bringing a new baby home is also a time of chaos, sleeplessness, and worry. Babies cry, and they don’t stop just because I’m there with a camera… I enjoy taking pictures of these teary-eyed times … just as much as I enjoy the sleepy times … because they are real. I like to think that, down the road, after all the chaos has passed by (whether that takes 2 months or 18 years), my photos will show the families those little moments, when they felt so busy and so tired, that their love was still beaming – that it was still so obvious to see. As parents, we want our kids to know that we loved them and did our best through the hard times. But we often need a reminder ourselves. Pictures do this for us. I also like to catch those little moments when the parents show love to each other… because sometimes we forget those moments happened amidst the chaos, too.

This particular shoot dropped on my lap last minute. Another Pittsburgh photographer became ill and referred me to Amanda. Less than 24 hours later, Codi greeted me outside their home. Normally newborn sessions are booked well before the baby is born. I always tell my clients beforehand that I can’t do “posed” newborn sessions (baby’s head propped up on hands, etc.) because I do not have the proper training. But I’m happy to find them a photographer who can do this for them. With Amanda and Codi’s session, however, there was really no time to chat beforehand, but Amanda was looking for a “lifestyle” session, so I knew I’d be a great fit!

I am in awe of Amanda’s great eye for colors. It was when I took my first few test shots and then looked at the photos to see what settings I needed to adjust, that I thought, “Holy crap! These colors coordinate GREAT.” I may have said that out loud, too. And for someone to look this healthy and beautiful (I mean…who the HECK looks this good just four weeks after having a baby?!) AND have such a beautiful color palette – they must have tons of creativity and self-control – two traits I really admire! Noticeable, too, was her tension and strength when the baby started to cry . . . she was capable and willing to do anything to make her daughter comfortable in that moment. 

Another thing that immediately caught my attention was how attentive Codi was. Every time he called the baby “little mama” or “baby mama,” with his SUPER thick southern accent, I couldn’t help but smile. He was cheering on his daughter and complimenting her every step of the way – it’s pretty obvious he is going to be bursting with pride in the front row of anything and everything this little girl decides to do.

One thing that's for sure- this child is going to have the confidence to take over the world someday, with these two in her corner.