A Lifestyle Newborn Session in Hot Springs, Arkansas

A mother holds her newborn in beautiful light from a window

I had the pleasure of spending this chilly, bluebird-sky morning, photographing a lifestyle newborn session with the sweetest family and most beautiful baby girl. Introducing little Miss Collins Kate.

The Meeks Family are my kind of people. They work hard, love big, and enjoy things like open views. They recently built a beautiful home, with plenty of elbow room for big brother, Parker, to teach his new, baby sis the finer things in life, like running through the woods and riding atvs.

The moment I pulled into the quiet drive of their home, I could tell why they chose this spot. Those views!<insert heart eyes> I was greeted by the family, and the moment adorable Parker called me “Miss Feather” my heart began to melt. Enter- baby Collins. This precious baby girl was absolutely perfect. From her clear, creamy skin and little, wrinkled fingers, to her mellow demeanor, she finished the job her big brother started and my heart became a PUDDLE.

We moved through their session with ease. Like the seasoned parents they now are, Laikin and Landon were relaxed and even seemed rested. (Yay for babies who sleep!) No-one would ever guess that they’d brought home a new baby, just the week before!

I loved their entire home, but Collins’ nursery was especially adorable. On the wall above her crib was her name: “Collins Kate”. When I asked Laikin how they came up with it, a look of fondness washed over her. She told me Collins’ great grandmother, Katherine, was her namesake.

When Laikin spoke about her grandma, her eyes twinkled with love and maybe even a tear, and I felt my heart ache for my own grandmothers. Katherine must have been a pretty special person, because all 3 of her great granddaughters have carried on her name.


A beautiful print made of a note written in her great grandmother’s journal is displayed in Collins’ nursery. A reminder: “to thine own self be true”.

As I finish up the photos from this newborn session, I feel grateful the Meeks family welcomed me into their home to capture such a tender, fleeting time. I wonder if little Collins Kate might share these photos with her own grandkids someday… passing on the legacy of love that her great grandmother, Katherine, left for her.

Do you or your kids have a special namesake? Let us know in the comments below, or even just say hello!

  1. Josh says:

    Oh honey, love your story. Great work painting a story of your subjects. The story brings to life your work. You are a blessing. Being genuine is your strength.

  2. Amanda Mugler says:

    My daughters name is Anabell MaryLee. Mary Lee was my grandma’s name. My grandma was something special. She pretty much was a rock star grandma that was taken from us way to soon. I needed to keep her legacy. I needed to hold on.

    • Heather says:

      That is the sweetest! I love Annabell’s name and I wish I could have met your grandma. 💛 The “Lee” part of Geneva’s middle name is also after her (and her Aunt Nat). LeeAnn. And the Ann is after my grandmother and sister’s middle name.

      Thanks for sharing. I love that her legacy lives on 💛

  3. Heather says:

    That is the sweetest! I love Annabell’s name and I wish I could have met your grandma. 💛 The “Lee” part of Geneva’s middle name is also after her (and her Aunt Nat). LeeAnn. And the Ann is after my grandmother and sister’s middle name.

    Thanks for sharing. I love that her legacy lives on 💛

    • Marcia Thomas says:

      I love this!!! This is the kind of extra’s that I love to have from a person that is making my moments special… This adds SO MUCH MORE SPECIAL to an event. It’s something they can treasure for a lifetime. One of their GREATEST moments & look how much more special you made it!! I can’t wIt to get thru the broken nose & get Bradys senior pics!!😊

      • Heather says:

        Awe… thank you, Marcia! Writing doesn’t come easy to me, but I LOVE hearing that the extra touches are appreciated! I am looking forward to Brady’s session and am glad he’s getting all “straightened out” 😉💛

  4. […] of them could be beautiful backdrops to your session. Some might even be roomy enough for an indoor lifestyle session. Take advantage of the rental possibilities and check out the variety of beautiful homes […]

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Hot springs, Arkansas