Newborn Studio Session in Seattle / The Gerstenberger Family
- Chanel Marlene
- Jul 1
- 2 min read
Morgan and Carlin have been dear friends of mine and over the last several years I have watched them climb mountains (literally), start businesses, get married, and pursue their dreams together.
I have grown close with Morgan and have learned about her dreams, her wishes, and her passions. And when the time came that she said to be a mother was one of them, it was so exciting and also so unique to try and imagine what that would actually look like.
When Sage was born and joined their family, I saw my friends slip into a mode that just unfolded naturally in a way that I didn't expect.
Immediately they were so overflowed with love and with attunement to their new baby, and to capture it during this session was nearly effortless.
Everything from Morgan soothing Sage and attuning to his cries, to Carlin consistently in awe of the tininess of Sage...they were totally enamored, and it was a beautiful thing to watch.
One special part about this session that I love was a specific request from Morgan - to capture her postpartum body just as it was.
She wanted to have some images to reflect back on and to validate the journey that she had been on to get through pregnancy and birthing her child. She wanted to highlight the uniqueness of the way her body changed and wanted to capture her postpartum body with confidence, security, and strength.
How beautiful.
I also loved the quiet dance of two people learning how to swaddle together, trading off in holding and soothing, each bringing their own unique energy while moving in unison. Their love for Sage felt like a natural extension of their love for each other—and capturing that through my lens was so meaningful.
I’m so deeply grateful to have documented this sweet season as Sage made his way into the world—and into the hearts of my incredible friends. Watching him shape Morgan and Carlin as parents, partners, and individuals has already been a gift. I can’t wait to see all the ways he continues to grow and grow them in return.
Thank you, Morgan and Carlin, for letting me be part of this journey.
Photographed in Seattle by Chanel Marlene
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