In 2022, I had the honor of photographing Inle and Coco, twins born 13 weeks premature. Their story is one of resilience, love, and the incredible strength of their parents, Emma and Dan. Today, I’m sharing their journey and the beautiful moments we captured during their newborn session.
Inle and Coco were born 13 weeks early, healthy but very small. Inle had a large hole in her heart that wasn’t detected until she was two months old, causing additional damage that her family continues to monitor. Coco faced bacterial meningitis and sepsis at two weeks old, leading to brain damage, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, a visual impairment, and epilepsy. She had her first brain surgery at three months old (1.5 weeks corrected) and had a shunt installed to manage her hydrocephalus.
When Emma and Dan brought the twins to me at four months old (6.5 weeks corrected), they wanted to celebrate how far their girls had come. Emma and Dan’s vibrant, well-travelled lifestyle inspired the session, blending timeless whites with bold jewel tones. We also incorporated digital composites of a butterfly and a peacock, symbolizing the girls’ strength, beauty and transformation.
The Session Details:
Creating a calm, warm environment was essential for Inle and Coco. Coco’s shunt made positioning her a bit challenging, but her comfort was our top priority. We took our time, following her cues and ensuring she was supported and at ease throughout the session. Emma and Dan’s love and patience shone through, making the session feel deeply personal.
The mix of soft neutrals and rich jewel tones reflected their family’s vibrant spirit, while the butterfly composites added a unique, symbolic touch. Capturing Inle and Coco together was especially touching—their bond was undeniable, and it was an honor to preserve it in photographs.
This session was a powerful reminder of why I love what I do. Inle and Coco’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the strength of family. When Emma and Dan saw the final images, they shared how much they meant to them—not just as portraits, but as a celebration of their journey.
Photographing preemie babies is always a delicate process, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips I’ve learned:
- Keep the environment warm and calm.
- Be flexible and follow the baby’s cues.
- Use soft, feathered light for a timeless look.
- Involve the parents—their presence is comforting and meaningful.
- Gather medical information beforehand: Understanding any medical needs, like Coco’s shunt, is essential for planning a safe and comfortable session.
Every baby is unique, and with care and patience, you can create images that families will treasure forever.
Inle and Coco’s session was a celebration of strength, beauty, and the power of love. One of the images from this session even won an award with the Guild of Photographers and helped me secure the title of Runner-Up Newborn Photographer of the Year in 2022. It was a proud moment and a testament to the beauty of their story.
To all the preemie parents out there: your journey is inspiring, and it’s an honor to capture these moments for you. If you’re considering a newborn session, I’d love to hear your story and create something beautiful together.
If you’d like to learn more about my work head over to my newborn page or contact me to schedule a consultation. Let’s create timeless memories for your family.
