
Every new baby melts my heart, but it was a first time experience to walk into a session and simply start weeping. Baby Wilder is the first baby boy to my very best friend whom I’ve known since I was 7. She and her husband welcomed him into the world after years of infertility, a difficult pregnancy, and 3-day long tumultuous labor. It was a dream at long last to meet and photographer these summer newborn photos at home with baby Wilder and his new mom and dad.
To say that he’s been prayed for and fought for is an understatement.

Wilder was 5 weeks old at this newborn session, and because you can never predict what a newborn will need or do for any given hour, this happened to be one where he consistently wanted to eat. Then spit up. And eat some more. Then cry. Then try to eat some more.
Because ya know, babies.
But through all the juggling and snuggling, these two new parents were fully present and wrapped in the love of this sweet miracle boy.

“Don’t mind me wiping my tears after watching that slideshow. These are stunning, I’m blown away. It has been such a hard road, but I look at those pictures and I see such beauty and fate. Like this was always meant to be. Even with all the hardship – that’s life and I see it captured. I’m in awe. Also, it’s not an easy season to be photographed, but I feel beautiful in them – thank you!”

Truly, as an artist and as a friend, I couldn’t ask for anything more.















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Summer lifestyle newborn photos at home
I’m obsessed with stories of family, creativity, and simple joys. A nostalgia nerd, writer, wife, and mom of 3, I believe life’s most fun when you’re dreaming big and savoring small.
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Highlighted family and newborn photography sessions
@2026 copyrighted | Leah O'COnnell
Based in Charlottesville, VA
leah@leahoconnell.com