There are moments in a photographer’s career that stand out, that remind us why we do what we do. These are the moments when families trust us with their most precious memories, allowing us the honor of capturing milestones that will last a lifetime. I’m especially moved when clients return to me for multiple sessions, and I’ve been lucky enough to witness the growth of beautiful families over the years.
One family that has touched my heart deeply is Victoria’s. I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with her family three times, and each session has been an emotional and meaningful experience. From maternity photos to newborn sessions, I’ve watched this family grow and change, and I am so grateful they’ve entrusted me with such important moments in their lives.
It all began in 2017 when I photographed Victoria’s maternity session and the newborn photos of her first child, Catherine. At that time, Catherine was a sweet little bundle of joy, and I remember how radiant Victoria looked as a new mom, full of excitement and love. I was honored to be there to capture these moments for them—images that would forever serve as a reminder of the beginning of their family’s journey.
As I look back on those early photos of Catherine, I remember her wide eyes and gentle spirit, and I can still see the glow in Victoria’s eyes as she held her firstborn. It’s moments like these that make me feel so blessed to be a part of a family’s story, to document the tiny details of a baby’s first days that might otherwise be forgotten.
Then came 2020, a year unlike any other, when the world faced challenges we never expected. The pandemic changed so much of how we lived, and for a while, everything seemed uncertain. But despite the fear and the unknown, Victoria reached out to me again, this time to photograph her newborn son, William. It was a surreal experience—we were working in a world where social distancing was a reality, masks were required, and everything felt different.
Yet, through it all, we created something beautiful. When William was born, it was a time of hardship, but also a time of hope. As a photographer, I have always believed in the power of love, and William’s session showed me just how resilient families can be, even in the hardest of times.
One of the sweetest memories from William’s session was photographing Catherine, now a toddler, with her new baby brother. It wasn’t easy. She was a shy little one, unsure of how to pose with her new sibling, and we had to coax her a bit. It was challenging, but with a lot of patience and the help of my assistant, we managed to capture the most beautiful photos of those two siblings. The tenderness between them, even at such a young age, was something I will never forget.
At the time, I remember asking Victoria if they were done having children, and she replied, “Most likely, we’ve closed the store.” We laughed, but deep down, I secretly hoped that one day, I would have the honor of photographing their growing family again.
And in the summer of 2022, the amazing news came: Victoria had just welcomed another baby boy into their family! They reached out to me with joy in their hearts, and I couldn’t wait to see them again. It felt like coming full circle as I watched their family grow over the years.
This time, when they arrived with the baby Alexander, I saw how much their family had evolved. Catherine, now a little older, had blossomed into a loving and caring big sister. It was such a joy to see how much she had grown and how natural it was for her to shower her new brother with love. She couldn’t wait to cuddle him, to kiss his tiny cheeks, and hold him in her arms. The difference between her first photo session and this one was profound—she had become a confident, nurturing big sister, and it was a privilege to capture these moments for them.
Seeing their family again, with all of its growth and love, was truly heartwarming. It’s one of the reasons I do what I do—the way these photos reflect the changes in a family, the growth of siblings, and the bonds that only become stronger over time.
As I worked with each of Victoria’s babies over the years, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle similarities between them. From Catherine’s newborn session in 2017, to William’s in 2020, and finally Alexander’s in 2022, I used similar props and posed all three babies in very similar positions. There’s a certain magic in being able to see these siblings in such parallel moments of their lives, and it was so fun to witness the resemblance between them.
Whether it was the soft, neutral colors of the blankets, the cozy baskets, or the tender poses that emphasize their innocence and warmth, each baby looked so much like the other in their own way. There was something incredibly special about seeing Catherine as a newborn and then again as a loving big sister to William and Alexander. Each baby brought their own unique charm to the photos, but the subtle echoes of their family’s traits were undeniable. These images are a beautiful reminder of how this family’s love, laughter, and bond remain constant, even as the years pass and the children grow.
I am so deeply honored and humbled that Victoria and her family have chosen me three times to capture the most important moments of their lives—maternity and newborn photos of each of their children. It’s not something I take lightly, and it’s a privilege I will always cherish.
Their family is so special to me, and I can’t express enough how grateful I am to have been a part of their journey. From their beautiful maternity session to the newborn photos of Catherine, William, and Alexander, I’ve witnessed the love, the laughter, and the connection that make this family so incredible.
Victoria’s stepdaughter has also been an integral part of these sessions, participating in every single one as a proud big sister. Watching her grow alongside her siblings has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so glad we were able to capture those beautiful moments, too.
To celebrate each of their children, Victoria and her family ordered Signature albums and a set of gorgeous wooden blocks from each session. These beautiful pieces of art will be treasured by their children for years to come. I have no doubt these newborn photos and prints will be passed down through the generations, serving as a lasting reminder of the love and joy that filled their home during those early days.
Looking back on these sessions, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To be trusted three times by this incredible family is a gift, and it reminds me why I love what I do. It’s more than just photography—it’s about capturing moments that will last forever, about creating memories that will live on in the hearts of families for generations to come.
Thank you, Victoria, for allowing me to be a part of your family’s story. It’s been an honor to watch your family grow, to see your children’s personalities blossom, and to capture the love that surrounds you all. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you and your beautiful family, and I will always cherish the memories we’ve created together.
Location: San Diego, CA.
Keywords: best in San Diego (6), family (55), family photos (2), gray (47), heirloom (4), maternity photos (11), newborn (105), newborn with siblings (2), resemblance, returning client, San Elijo, siblings (39), trust. | (858)780-2889 mail@ablphotography.com Working Hours: Mon,Tue,Wed, Thu,Fri,Sat 10 AM–9 PM |