Newborn baby photoshoot for Zaccai
This newborn photoshoot in Pretoria was extra special — not only was I meeting precious baby Zaccai, but I was reconnecting with a family I’ve photographed across more than a decade.
Christoff and Niléta first visited my Pretoria newborn photography studio with their firstborn, Runeen, who’s now 12. Since then, I’ve had the joy of photographing Liran at 9 days old, and now, the latest addition to their family — baby Zaccai. Their two middle sons, Malakai (7) and Asher (5), didn’t have newborn sessions, but they joined in on the fun for the family photos this time around!
A Full House of Boys and a Calm, Smiling Mama
When they arrived at the studio — all six of them — the atmosphere was just what you’d expect from a family with four adventurous boys: lively, playful, and full of energy. But in the middle of the chaos was Niléta, radiant and composed, guiding her boys with the calm confidence only a seasoned mama can bring.
After capturing some fun and loving family photos, dad took the older boys to a nearby restaurant, giving mom and baby Zaccai some quiet time in the studio. This peaceful window allowed us to slow down and focus on the newborn session without distractions — and Zaccai did beautifully.
Styled Newborn Poses in My Pretoria Studio
All my newborn sessions take place at my Pretoria-based photography studio, where everything is set up for comfort, safety, and beautiful light. For Zaccai’s newborn photoshoot, we went with classic, posed images and cozy, wrapped setups in warm, earthy tones that matched their previous sessions — creating a visual legacy for the family.
We worked through sleepy, curled-up newborn poses, solo shots of Zaccai wrapped in soft knits, and even managed some sibling portraits — which, as any parent of four knows, is no small feat! Every image reflects not just the beauty of this new baby, but also the deep bond between all the brothers.
Why Timing Matters in Newborn Photography
Zaccai was 9 days old at the time of our shoot — right in the ideal window for newborn photography, which is typically between 5 to 12 days after birth. At this age, babies are still sleepy and naturally curl into those womb-like poses we all love. It’s the best time to capture those soft, dreamy images before the first growth spurts begin.
Why I Love Studio Newborn Sessions
A professional newborn studio allows me to:
- Keep babies warm, safe, and cozy
- Use a variety of props, wraps, and accessories
- Maintain soft, flattering natural light or studio light
- Deliver consistent, high-quality images for every family
And when the studio is quiet — like it was with just mom and baby Zaccai — it becomes more than just a photoshoot. It’s a moment of pause and connection, something I hope every parent remembers long after their little one has grown.
To Christoff and Niléta — thank you for coming back to me time and again to capture your story. Watching your family grow over the years has been an honour. Zaccai’s newborn session was filled with warmth, love, and joy, and I hope the portraits we created will be treasured forever.
