Some sessions stay with you long after the last shutter click. This was one of them.


The Martin Family—Brandi, Dallas, big brother Elijah, and brand-new baby Jeremiah—came into my downtown Edwardsville studio for a newborn session that was equal parts joyful, emotional, and deeply meaningful.


From the moment Brandi walked in to, I felt an instant bond with her. Like me, she’s a member of the club no one ever wants to join—she’s lost her mom. That kind of grief never really leaves you, especially in the big life moments. So when Brandi shared that she wanted to honor her mom during the session, I knew this would be more than just photos—it would be a tribute.


We captured the most tender shots of Jeremiah snuggled in a onesie that read “Sent by Grandma in Heaven”, and photographed him alongside a picture of his grandma—his angel watching over him. One of my favorite moments was photographing Brandi holding both of her boys, with her mother’s photo gently nestled into the frame. It was raw and beautiful and filled with the kind of love that spans generations.


Elijah was such a sweet and curious big brother—already so protective and proud. Dallas’s quiet strength and love for his family was clear in every in-between moment. And baby Jeremiah? He had so much hair and was the best little poser. He loved being wrapped up like a cozy potato and settled into every pose like a pro.


These are the sessions that remind me why I do this. Why preserving these moments matters. Why honoring the ones who aren’t physically here—but are so present in spirit—is something sacred.


Brandi and Dallas, thank you for trusting me with these memories. Your family, your story, and your love are something special.


With heart,

Tara



Series of black and white photos showing a peaceful sleeping infant in white clothing on neutral background.
Person wearing dark clothes holds a framed photo while cradling a sleeping baby against dark background.
A family poses together against a black backdrop while holding a framed photograph and newborn baby.
Beautiful newborn portrait showing a sleeping baby swaddled in dark gray wrap against black background with parent.
Studio portrait of a young boy in black shirt holding sleeping baby swaddled in dark blue wrap against black background.
Black and white portrait of two siblings, with older child gently cradling swaddled sleeping newborn against dark background.
A joyful child holds a sleeping newborn wrapped in a dark blue knit blanket against a black background.
A loving family in matching black shirts embraces while holding a small baby against a dark background.
A loving family portrait against a dark background shows parents with their young child and newborn baby.
A tender black and white portrait of someone cradling a sleeping newborn swaddled in textured fabric.
A tender moment as a family shares loving snuggles with their newborn baby wrapped in a navy blue knit blanket.
Peaceful sleeping newborn baby wrapped in brown blanket during professional photography session.
Newborn baby peacefully sleeping while swaddled in white wrap and nestled in round wooden bowl on brown backdrop.
Black and white portrait showing a smiling youth in dark clothing against a dark background.
Black and white portrait of two siblings lying on a shaggy rug, with younger one wrapped in white blanket.
Two children sitting together on a brown fur blanket with one wrapped in white swaddling.