Some families come into my life and leave an imprint that never fades. Whitney and Patrick are one of those families. I met them during a time of pure joy—when they were finally expecting their first pregnancy to not end in tragedy. That beautiful baby boy was Warren.
Warren’s story is one of bravery and love. At just 4 months old, he was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. He fought with a strength far beyond his tiny body, but ultimately, cancer took him home. It was heartbreaking. But in the midst of that storm—just a week or two before Warren passed—Whitney and Patrick learned they were expecting again.
That rainbow after the storm was Meadow, who just celebrated her first birthday. And now, their third living child, Hollis, is here.
Meeting Hollis
When I first saw Hollis, my breath caught—he looked exactly like Warren. The same calm eyes, the same serene demeanor. But there was one big difference: he didn’t mind being shirtless for his newborn photos. When we photographed Warren as a newborn, he only settled once he was fully clothed. Hollis was perfectly content wrapped in soft blankets or with bare skin against the warm studio air, soaking in the moment.
For this session, Whitney treated herself to hair and makeup with the ever-talented Amanda in my studio. They chose a gentle palette of neutrals, mirroring the style of Warren and Meadow’s newborn sessions so that all three sets of portraits would flow seamlessly together—a visual thread connecting each child’s story.
Family & Sibling Moments
Of course, a newborn session isn’t complete without family and sibling images. Meadow, true to her age, brought boundless energy to the studio. She was a whirlwind of giggles and wiggles—a stark but joyful contrast to her calm baby brother. That’s exactly how a one-year-old should be.
And in every family portrait, Warren was there too. His ashes were lovingly included in each frame, a quiet reminder that he is forever part of this family’s story.
A Legacy of Love
Photographing Hollis wasn’t just about capturing the sweet details of a newborn—it was about documenting resilience, honoring memory, and celebrating the beauty that can grow in the shadow of loss. This family has walked through more grief than most can imagine, yet they continue to radiate love, hope, and grace.
I’m so honored to have been there for Warren’s first photos, Meadow’s milestones, and now Hollis’s earliest days. And I can’t wait to see this beautiful family continue to grow, laugh, and make new memories together.
If you’re looking to preserve your family’s story—whether it’s filled with smooth chapters or ones marked by resilience—my studio is a place where every chapter matters. Let’s create something timeless together. Contact me today!
Follow us on Instagram.
leave a comment