Soft and Serene Newborn Session | Glen Carbon, IL Newborn Photographer

This newborn session was filled with softness, serenity, and love—from the delicate wraps to the gentle lighting, every element came together to create timeless portraits this family will cherish forever.

We began the session with a stunning dreamcatcher-inspired setup, wrapping baby in soft white textures to create a light and airy look. The creamy tones and intricate macrame backdrop gave this image a whimsical, peaceful feel.

Next, we transitioned to a cozy cream setup where baby flashed the tiniest smile while nestled in a soft basket. These in-between expressions are always a favorite and bring so much personality to the session.

We ended with one of the most meaningful parts of every newborn session—photos with mom and dad. Capturing their first days as a family of three, full of tenderness and connection, is what makes these sessions so special.

At Conner James Photography, we prioritize comfort, safety, and style in every setup, ensuring that each family walks away with heirloom-quality images that reflect their story.

✨ Now booking newborn sessions in Glen Carbon, IL and surrounding areas!
📸 Reserve your due date here

Newborn Session with a Future Hockey Star | Glen Carbon, IL Newborn Photographer

This sweet baby boy’s session was filled with love, soft textures, and a little bit of fun—because what’s better than capturing your tiny newborn swaddled in a heart bowl… on the ice?

From the moment this family stepped into the studio, their joy was contagious. We began the session with soft, timeless portraits in neutral tones. Baby was wrapped in shades of slate blue and tucked into cozy textures that highlighted his perfect little features. We also captured a few sweet family images—mom and dad beaming with pride as they held their new bundle close.

But one of the most memorable parts of this session? The hockey setup. This family are huge fans of the sport, so we brought that passion into the session. Baby was wrapped and placed next to a mini felt hockey stick and puck on an icy blue backdrop that mimicked the rink. It was the perfect way to celebrate their love of the game and their new little player.

I love blending meaningful, personal touches into newborn sessions—it creates images that are not just beautiful but truly unique to your family’s story.

🏒 Ready to create your own custom newborn session? Let’s design something timeless, playful, and totally you.
📸 Book your newborn session here

Golden Hour Maternity Session | Glen Carbon, IL Maternity Photographer

There’s something magical about maternity sessions at golden hour—the warm light, soft breeze, and the natural beauty that surrounds a couple as they prepare to welcome new life. This sweet maternity session in Glen Carbon, IL was no exception.

Mom looked effortlessly beautiful in a sage green knit dress, which perfectly complemented the serene lake and lush greenery around us. With the sun setting behind them and the peaceful water reflecting the evening light, every moment felt timeless.

From intimate shots where they embraced and held her growing belly, to joyful images of them walking hand-in-hand through the tall grass, this session was full of love, excitement, and natural beauty. Their connection was undeniable and so easy to capture.

I always tell my clients—maternity sessions don’t need to be extravagant to be powerful. This session is proof that with genuine love and a beautiful setting, magic happens.

🌿 Expecting a little one soon? Let's create something beautiful together.
📅 Book your maternity session here

IVF Miracle Maternity Session | Glen Carbon, IL Photographer

There’s a unique kind of love that radiates from parents expecting a miracle baby—one born of perseverance, prayer, and pure determination. This beautiful couple’s story is just that. After a long and emotional journey through IVF, they’re finally preparing to welcome the baby they’ve hoped and fought for.

We chose a quiet lakeside location in Glen Carbon, IL to reflect the peace and gratitude they now feel. As the sun set over the water, we captured their connection, their joy, and the overwhelming love they already have for their baby.

Mom looked radiant in a soft coral-pink dress, glowing with that unmistakable pregnancy light. From gentle kisses to holding hands over her bump, every moment was filled with emotion. These photos are more than just portraits—they’re a visual celebration of strength, science, and the magic of becoming parents.

💛 If you’ve walked your own road to parenthood—whether through IVF, adoption, or years of waiting—your story matters. Let’s honor it together.
📸 Book your maternity session here

Sunset Maternity Session | Glen Carbon, IL Maternity Photographer

There’s nothing quite like the magic of golden hour—especially when paired with the anticipation and glow of an expecting mama. This sunset maternity session in Glen Carbon, IL was a dream.

This beautiful couple is expecting their first baby and wanted to document this special time with timeless, nature-inspired portraits. With the peaceful lake and glowing light as our backdrop, we captured everything from radiant solo portraits of mom to emotional shots with both parents—hands lovingly resting on her growing belly.

Her floral dress added a soft, romantic touch to the setting, while the surrounding tall grass and golden light framed each photo beautifully. There were quiet, intimate moments between the couple, joyful smiles, and lots of laughter in between.

As a Glen Carbon maternity photographer, I love capturing the connection between parents-to-be. This is the beginning of a brand-new chapter—and it deserves to be remembered in the most beautiful way.

IVF Miracle Baby | Glen Carbon, IL Newborn Photographer

Every newborn session is special, but some stories carry extra layers of love, hope, and miracles. This little girl’s arrival is the result of endless prayers, unwavering strength, and the journey through IVF. Capturing these first moments was nothing short of extraordinary.

Mom and Dad wanted to honor their fertility journey in a powerful way—and we did just that. Surrounded by the very syringes that helped bring her into this world, their baby girl rested peacefully, swaddled in white, safely cradled in a heart-shaped bowl. This image speaks volumes—it’s more than just a photo. It’s a story of resilience and unconditional love.

During their session, we also captured the deep emotional connection between this sweet newborn and her parents. Every image radiates the love and gratitude they hold in their hearts. From quiet snuggles to forehead kisses, their bond is undeniable.

These are the moments that make my heart swell as a photographer. Sessions like this are a reminder that miracles happen every day—and I’m so honored to preserve them.

Are you expecting your own miracle baby?
Whether through IVF, adoption, or a long-awaited rainbow, your story deserves to be told beautifully. Let’s capture every chapter.
📸 Book your newborn session now

Celebrate the Big ONE: 1st Birthday Sessions Full of Fun, Cake, and Personality!

Your baby’s first birthday is such a huge milestone—one filled with laughter, a little bit of mess, and so much personality. At Conner James Photography, our First Birthday Sessions are designed to capture this magical moment in a fun and meaningful way.

From minimal and modern sets to balloon-filled, cake-covered celebrations, every session is custom styled to reflect your little one’s personality. Whether you want to include a cake smash, a simple outfit change, or just timeless images of your baby turning ONE—we’ve got you covered.

What to Expect in Your 1st Birthday Session

🎂 Custom Styling
We collaborate on your session colors, themes, or props while keeping things classic and clean. Don’t have a theme in mind? We’ll help you design something sweet and timeless.

🧁 Cake Smash Optional!
Bring a cake to smash at the end of your session—or opt for a clean, modern milestone gallery. Either way, we’ll capture all the giggles and joy.

👶 Wardrobe Options
You’re welcome to bring your own outfits, or choose from our client wardrobe, which includes adorable birthday-ready pieces.

📸 Studio Perfection
All sessions are done in our Glen Carbon, IL studio with beautiful lighting, modern backdrops, and a calm, baby-friendly environment.

When Should I Book My Session?

Ideally, 1st Birthday Sessions should be scheduled around 11–12 months so you can have the photos ready to celebrate or share during your little one’s big day. Our studio calendar fills quickly, so early booking is encouraged—especially if you want to add a custom cake or theme.

Why Parents Love It

These sessions are not just about cake—they're about capturing everything your baby has become over the past year. Their smile, their sass, their curiosity. That “one” outfit. Those first little teeth. The joy in their eyes when they realize everyone is clapping just for them.

It’s not just a session—it’s a celebration.

📆 Ready to celebrate your little one’s first trip around the sun?
Let’s plan something fun and unforgettable.
👉 Book here now

Welcome Your Little One With Timeless Newborn and Family Photography in Edwardsville, IL

At Conner James Photography, we specialize in creating heartwarming memories that families can cherish forever. These precious moments of your newborn’s first days, combined with the love of their big sibling and proud parents, deserve to be captured in a way that is both timeless and meaningful. Our recent studio newborn session with this sweet family is a perfect example of the magic we can create together.

Why Choose Conner James Photography for Your Newborn Session?

Our studio, located in Glen Carbon near Edwardsville, IL, is designed for comfort, safety, and stunning imagery. We are certified in newborn posing and safety, ensuring your baby is in trusted hands throughout the session. Every detail — from soft wraps and headbands to cozy backdrops — is thoughtfully selected to match your family’s style.

We pride ourselves on creating an easy, stress-free experience that allows you to simply enjoy the moment while we document your family’s joy.

What’s Included in Our Newborn and Family Sessions?

• Full Newborn Session: Includes posed newborn portraits, sibling and family images, and a selection of 15 beautifully edited digital images with print release.

• Mini Newborn Session: A shorter session focused on just the baby, ideal for families wanting a simpler option.

• Grow With Me Package: A popular choice to document your baby’s first year milestones, including newborn, 6-month, 9-month, and 1st birthday sessions — plus a complimentary maternity mini session!

The Perfect Color Palette for Timeless Memories

This session’s soft blue tones and coordinated family outfits beautifully highlight the love and connection in this family. Choosing a cohesive color palette, like the greys and blues seen here, helps create timeless images that look stunning displayed in your home.

Book Your Newborn Session Today

Newborns are only this tiny once! We recommend booking your newborn session during your second trimester to ensure availability, as spots fill up quickly.

👉 Book your session now and let us help you create memories that last a lifetime.

A Growing Family, A Growing Bond: Newborn and Family Photography in Edwardsville, IL

There is nothing more special than watching a family grow, and at Conner James Photography, I feel so honored each time a family trusts me to capture these milestones. I’ve had the absolute joy of photographing this beautiful family since 2020. Over the years, I’ve documented the newborn sessions of their two older daughters, and now I had the pleasure of welcoming their newest addition into my Glen Carbon, IL studio. These moments are truly priceless, and I am so grateful to be part of their story.

Capturing Timeless Family Memories

Our cozy studio, just minutes from Edwardsville, IL, offers a safe, comfortable environment for newborn and family photography. This session beautifully showcased the family’s connection — from the proud parents to the sweet smiles of big brother and sisters. The soft blues and neutrals they chose created a classic, cohesive look that will look beautiful on their walls for years to come.

The Froggy Pose: A Parent Favorite Done Safely

One of the highlights of this session was the froggy pose, which is always a favorite for parents! This pose creates that iconic image of baby resting their chin on their hands, but it’s important to know that achieving this safely takes professional training, skill, and a lot of patience.

➡ How is the froggy pose done safely at Conner James Photography?

• I always take two separate photos — one where my hands support baby’s head, and one where my hands support baby’s wrists. These images are then composited in post-processing to create the final result where baby looks perfectly posed.

• My hands never leave baby during this pose to ensure their safety and comfort at all times.

• Baby is only in this pose for a very short time to minimize any stress or discomfort.

• This pose requires extreme care to avoid blocking baby’s airway or allowing any unintentional movement — one reason it should only be done by a professional trained in newborn safety.

Your baby’s safety is always my top priority, and I take great pride in offering beautiful images created with the utmost care and expertise.

Book Your Newborn Session Today

If you’re expecting, now is the perfect time to reserve your session. Our spots fill quickly, and I would love to help capture these fleeting newborn moments for your family — safely and beautifully.

👉 Click here to book your session

Outdoor Maternity Sessions in Edwardsville, IL: Romantic, Natural and Unforgettable

There’s something so magical about photographing motherhood surrounded by nature—soft sunsets, warm breezes, and quiet moments shared between parents, siblings, and that growing baby bump. At Conner James Photography, our outdoor maternity sessions in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, IL offer a blend of elegance and authenticity that’s perfect for capturing your pregnancy in a beautifully natural setting.

Whether you’re dreaming of a glowing sunset by the lake, open wildflower fields, or golden hour portraits with your little one before baby arrives, outdoor maternity photos provide the perfect mix of emotion, artistry, and scenic beauty.

Why Choose an Outdoor Maternity Session?

• 🌿 Natural Backdrops: From serene lakeside views to lush green fields, nature offers a peaceful and romantic setting that highlights your glow.

• 🕰️ Golden Hour Magic: We time your session during the soft, golden evening light to ensure flattering, radiant images.

• 👨‍👩‍👦 Family-Friendly: Include your partner or older children for sweet, memory-making moments you’ll treasure forever.

• 🎀 Wardrobe Guidance: Clients have access to our curated maternity gown collection, perfect for flowing, feminine portraits outdoors.

A Client Favorite: Sunset by the Lake

This beautiful mama chose a soft mauve gown that complemented the sunset tones and green landscape perfectly. Surrounded by love from her partner and child, we captured the anticipation and tenderness of this incredible season of life.

When to Schedule Your Outdoor Session

The ideal time for outdoor maternity photos is between 28–34 weeks pregnant. You’ll have a perfect bump for portraits while still feeling comfortable enough to walk and pose. We highly recommend booking early, especially for spring and fall dates when our calendar fills quickly.

Bonus Offer 💫

Book a newborn session and receive a FREE maternity mini session (outdoor or studio) OR a free milestone session! This is a great opportunity to capture both your pregnancy and baby’s first weeks without missing a moment.

👉 Book your session here: https://connerjamesphotography.pixieset.com/booking/

Serving Families Across the Metro East

Christine of Conner James Photography is a trusted Edwardsville and Glen Carbon maternity photographer, serving families across the Metro East, including Maryville, Troy, Collinsville, and beyond. With years of experience, a calm and encouraging presence, and a creative eye for detail, Christine makes every expecting mama feel stunning, supported, and celebrated.

Let’s create something beautiful together.