In-Home Newborn Photography After a High-Risk Pregnancy | Baby Eleanor's Story of Strength and Faith
While working a travel assignment in Colorado, a close friend I made there (Lauren) introduced me to one of her good friends and fellow NICU nurse named, Courtney. We hadn't met yet because she was placed on bed rest during her pregnancy before I started my assignment there. We eventually got in touch, and I was honored when she asked if I would photograph her newborn daughter, Elanor. What I didn't know at the time was an incredible journey she had just walked through to bring Elanor into the world.
Just weeks before her scheduled delivery, Courtney was diagnosed with Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, a rare and serious blood clot- located in her brain. Once just a headache, now turned into hospital stays, intense treatment and daily injections of Lovenox at just 31 weeks pregnant. Her strength through those 98 shots and the fear of uncertainty that came with each one, is something that deeply moved me. To help honor that part of her journey, we captured a photo of baby Elanor surrounded by her mom's Lovenox syringes- a quiet but striking reminder of what her mother endured to keep her safe. That single image says more than words can. It's a symbol of sacrifice, protection, and unwavering love.
Elanor made her arrival via a carefully planned C-section, surrounded by a team of six specialists. But even then, the journey was just beginning. Elanor needed NICU care for her first six hours of life while Courtney was in recovery. In the days that followed, postpartum complications sent her back to the ER multiple times, requiring a second surgery to remove a hematoma and restart recovery all over again, all while taking care of a new baby! Wound vacs, sepsis treatment, staples, cauterizing of leaking blood vessels, and so much more.
And standing beside her though it all was her husband, Austin. From holding Elanor skin-to-skin during her first hours in the NICU while Courtney was in recovery, to showing up with steady love through ER visits, surgery, and long nights- his support was the anchor she needed during the most uncertain moments. Their bond as a team is something I deeply admired while learning their story and photographing them together at their home.
Even now, she's continuing to give herself two shots a day, working through physical healing, sleep deprivation, and the emotional weight of all that's happened. And yet- she radiates hope. Shes showing up for Eleanor in every way she can. When I walked into her home to photograph baby Elanor, I could feel the quiet strength in the room. This wasn't just a celebration of survival, of motherhood, of pain and uncertainty, it was a testament of Gods hand in their life.
As I packed up my camera and said goodbye to this wonderfully sweet family, I couldn't help but feel incredibly honored. Being invited into someone's home- especially during such a raw, sacred season- is never something to take lightly. These are the moments that become part of a family legacy. To be the one who gets to help preserve that, to create images that will be held, revisited, and cherished for generations... it's more than photography. It's making history through love, resilience, and connection. And I'm so grateful to play even the smallest part in that!!!
To Courtney: Thank you for letting me capture this chapter. Your vulnerability and grace are unforgettable. Elanor is lucky to have you- and I know one day she'll grow up hearing the story of how her mom fought with everything she had to bring her safely into this world.
After our session, Courtney shared these kind words that truly touched my heart:
"Candice was nothing short of PHENOMENAL in every aspect to work with! After having some pregnancy-related complications, she was super flexible when it came to the timing of our newborn photo shoot! She came to our house with so much energy and patience for the session, and she came prepared with all the props needed to accomplish our vision! The session was baby-led, we stopped for meal breaks, shot positions in which baby was most comfortable, and were able to get pictures I will cherish forever! I HIGHLY recommend Candice for your newborn photography because it takes someone with patience, knowledge, and flexibility to achieve the best results... And Candice is that person!"
As a photographer and a nurse- it means the world to hear that kind of feedback, especially from someone whose journey has been so intense and sacred. Photography is about so much more than pretty pictures. It's about meeting families where they are, showing up with gentleness, and helping them feel seen. I'm beyond honored to be a small part of preserving these moments for them!
