Welcoming baby Nomthandazo Zikomo Zileni into the studio was such a joy.
At just one month old, she was calm, content, and surrounded by more love than most people experience in a lifetime. ?
Mommy Barbara Debra Zileni and Daddy Chisomo Zileni travelled all the way from Malawi for her birth — and having all the grandmothers join for her newborn photoshoot made this session truly special. Three generations of women in one room, each holding a piece of their family’s future in their hands. It was an honour to capture those tender, once-in-a-lifetime moments. ?
A soft, timeless newborn session
For baby Nomthandazo’s photoshoot, we kept things soft and classic — neutral whites, delicate lace, and cozy wraps that highlighted her sweet features. I love incorporating texture into my setups, and the layers of lace and knitted fabric added depth while keeping everything pure and peaceful.
The shades of white, cream, and soft pink brought out her beautiful skin tone, while tiny floral touches reflected the warmth of her family’s heritage. Every detail — from her little headband to her curled toes — told a story of innocence and new beginnings.
A family filled with love and laughter
It’s always so special to photograph first-time parents, but what made this session even more touching was the energy in the studio. Barbara’s calm confidence and Chisomo’s gentle pride shone through every image. Their connection was effortless — the kind of love that radiates even in silence.
And then there were the grandmothers — joyful, patient, and full of stories. Having all of them there brought such a strong sense of belonging and continuity. You could feel that this little girl was already surrounded by wisdom and faith. Those family portraits are ones they’ll cherish for generations.
From bump to baby
Just a few weeks earlier, I had photographed Barbara and Chisomo’s full maternity photoshoot in Pretoria. Seeing them return as new parents, holding their baby girl, was a beautiful reminder of why I love documenting these milestones. From expecting parents to holding their newborn — it’s a full circle of love, and it never gets old.
A story to treasure
Every newborn photoshoot is unique, but this one reminded me how photography connects generations. It’s not just about the pictures — it’s about preserving the love, joy, and blessings that make each family’s journey so special.
Thank you to the Zileni family for trusting me with your memories. Baby Nomthandazo, you are so deeply loved — may your life be as peaceful and bright as your first photos. ?
Book your newborn photoshoot in Pretoria:
https://jennadphotography.com/newborn-photo-shoot-pretoria/
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