Named one of Carmel’s Best Newborn Baby Photographers 5 Years in a Row
Photography Featured In
Indianapolis Newborn Photographer — Serving Carmel, Westfield & Beyond
Newborns change faster than anyone warns you — the tiny curled toes, the sleepy sighs, the way they fit perfectly in the crook of your arm. I’m Leah Severson, and for nearly 25 years I’ve been helping Indianapolis and Carmel families hold onto these moments forever. My studio is warm, calm, and designed entirely around your baby — so all you have to do is show up and soak in every second.
Newborn Photography Packages & Pricing
Every session is held at my studio in Carmel, Indiana. All wraps, props, hats, outfits, and headbands provided — just bring your baby.
Most Popular
Full Newborn Session
$549
The complete experience
- ✓ Baby and immediate family welcome
- ✓ 24 beautifully edited digital images
- ✓ Full reprint rights
- ✓ Private online gallery
- ✓ All wraps, props and outfits provided
- ✓ Extended family add-on available
Simple & Sweet
Mini Newborn Session
$399
Sweet and simple
- ✓ Wrapped baby only
- ✓ 10 beautifully edited digital images
- ✓ Full reprint rights
- ✓ Private online gallery
- ✓ All wraps and props provided
Why Newborn Photoshoots Run So Smoothly
Warm Studio Temperature
The studio is kept warm throughout your session — the same cozy warmth your baby was used to before they arrived.
Continuous White Noise
White noise plays throughout the entire session, helping babies sleep more deeply and preventing them from startling at every small sound.
Lavender Essential Oil
I wear lavender oil on my wrists during every newborn session. Lavender is clinically recognized for its calming properties — and anxious babies respond beautifully to it.
Softly Dimmed Lighting
I keep the studio gently dimmed rather than brightly lit. It’s easier on sensitive newborn eyes and creates a calm, cozy atmosphere for everyone.
Soft Background Music
Soft music plays throughout the session — for the baby, and honestly, for the parents too. A relaxed room makes for relaxed portraits.
Safety Above Everything
Every pose is safe and baby-led. Nothing is ever forced or rushed. Your baby’s comfort and safety are my highest priority — always.
What Indianapolis & Carmel Families Are Saying
★★★★★ Real reviews from real families
★★★★★
“When researching newborn photographers, I came across Leah and was immediately drawn to her portfolio. Her work felt timeless, natural, and exactly what I envisioned. She exceeded every expectation. She made the entire experience seamless and stress-free, and captured the most beautiful, meaningful images that we will treasure forever.”
— Erin Sweeney Barry
Google Review
★★★★★
“Leah was amazing working with our wide-eyed baby boy. Our pictures were wonderful and so cherished! Highly recommend Leah to anyone looking for a newborn photographer. Can’t wait to use her for our future kids!”
— Hayley Shelton
Google Review
★★★★★
“My husband and I had a great experience with Leah for our maternity and newborn photoshoot. She made us feel really comfortable and handled our newborn with so much care and love. All the pictures turned out so beautiful.”
— Tarunika Kancharla
Google Review
★★★★★
“My husband and I enjoyed working with Leah so much during our maternity and newborn photo shoot. We love every single picture and every shot — it was so difficult to narrow it down. We can’t wait to work with Leah again!”
— Bayley Hall
Google Review
★★★★★
“Leah was wonderful to work with and helped make getting newborn photos a dream. She is extremely knowledgeable on how to photograph babies and has it down to a science. Our session flowed smoother than I could have imagined and our final photos are flawless!”
— Violet Gaddis
Google Review
★★★★★
“We were SO pleased with our newborn photos of our little guy from Leah. She was like a baby whisperer with him in the studio. She had already thought of every aspect of the photoshoot so it was literally idiot-proof for us sleep-deprived parents.”
— PJ Humphrey
Google Review
Meet Leah — Your Indianapolis Newborn Photographer
My love for babies started before it was a career. As a little girl I volunteered in my church nursery every Sunday, lining babies up and photographing them with a Kodak Disc Camera. Then I had my own daughters — and I couldn’t stop. I posed them in Anne Geddes-style wraps, bought film by the roll, and paid to have everything printed. I took over a thousand photos on film in my first daughter’s first year alone.
That obsession became a business. And for nearly 25 years, I’ve been photographing the newborns of Indianapolis and Carmel — watching those babies grow into toddlers, kids, and seniors, and earning the privilege of documenting it all along the way. Many of my clients have become dear personal friends. A day in the studio often feels more like a day with people I love.
I would be honored to photograph your baby.
Newborn Photography FAQs
When should I schedule my newborn session?
Book during your second trimester — we’ll hold a date near your due date and confirm once your baby arrives. If your baby has already arrived, call me right now at 317-867-3723. Don’t wait.
What is the best age for newborn photos?
The best age for newborn photos is within the first 3 weeks of birth. During this window babies are still deeply sleepy, naturally curl into those beautiful tucked poses, and have that unmistakable brand-new look that disappears faster than anyone expects. Don’t panic if you’ve missed the window — call me at 317-867-3723 and we’ll figure it out together.
How much does newborn photography cost in Indianapolis?
A Full Newborn Session is $549 and includes 24 beautifully edited digital images, full reprint rights, and a private online gallery. A Mini Newborn Session is $399 and includes 10 images. A $50 deposit is required to reserve your date.
How do I find a good newborn photographer near me?
Start by looking at full portfolios, not just highlight images. Look for a photographer who specializes in newborns, check Google reviews from real families, and verify they have genuine experience handling newborns safely. I’ve been photographing newborns in the Indianapolis and Carmel area for nearly 25 years — I’d love to show you my work.
How do I prepare my baby for their newborn session?
Keep your baby awake for at least one hour before the session — a bath is a great way to do this. Feed your baby right before you leave so they arrive with a full tummy. A sleepy, fed baby is the secret to a smooth, beautiful session.
What should I bring to a newborn photo session?
Please bring a bottle even if you’re breastfeeding, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and the usual diapering essentials — burp cloth, diapers, and wipes. That’s honestly all you need. I provide everything else — all wraps, props, outfits, hats, and headbands are included.
Can siblings and parents be included?
Absolutely — and I love including them. Parents and siblings are welcome in the Full Session at no additional cost. Extended family members can be added for an additional fee. The Mini Session is baby only.
What should I wear to my newborn photography session?
Keep it simple. Avoid very dark or very light clothing, and stay away from stripes, busy patterns, text, or large logos. Soft neutrals and earth tones photograph beautifully. For siblings, simple solid-colored clothing works best.
How long does a newborn session take?
Most sessions take about 90 minutes, though a full session can occasionally run up to 2-3 hours depending on how cooperative your little one is. There is never any rushing — we go entirely at your baby’s pace.
Is newborn photography safe?
Absolutely. Safety is my highest priority in every session. Every pose is safe and baby-led — nothing is ever forced, rushed, or uncomfortable. With nearly 25 years of experience working with newborns, you can feel completely confident your baby is in careful, capable hands.
Serving Indianapolis, Carmel & Surrounding Communities
My newborn photography studio is located in Carmel, Indiana — just minutes from Indianapolis, Westfield, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Fishers. Families drive from across Central Indiana to bring their babies to my studio — and I am just as honored today as I was on day one. If you’re searching for a newborn photographer near Indianapolis or Carmel, I’d love to meet you and your baby.
Ready to Book Your Newborn Session?
Nearly 25 years. Hundreds of families. Every single newborn photographed with the same care and intention as the very first. If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Indianapolis or the Carmel area who will treat your baby — and this moment — with the tenderness it deserves, I would be honored to be your photographer.
Also offering maternity photography, baby and cake smash sessions, and family portraits throughout Indianapolis and Carmel.