I’m a wife, mama x3, and lifestyle photographer based in Northwest Indiana. Most days you’ll find me with a coffee in hand, chasing toddlers, editing in cozy clothes, or dreaming up my next creative shoot.
I specialize in capturing families, motherhood, love stories, and all the beautiful chaos in between. So, the real-life, giggle-filled, messy, magical moments you’ll want to hold onto forever. I’m all about photos that feel like you: honest, warm, and full of connection.
Whether we're laughing through a family session or documenting a milestone, I promise to show up with patience, heart, and a little bit of silliness (especially if it helps your kids smile). I can’t wait to tell your story.
Family
Seniors
Newborn
engagement
As a South Bend newborn photographer, one of my favorite parts of this job is getting to document some of life’s sweetest moments for the people I love. While I absolutely adore meeting new families, there is something extra special about photographing friends and family as they welcome a new baby into the world.
Recently, one of my best friends from high school, Hannah, welcomed her beautiful baby boy. He was absolutely tiny, weighing just five pounds, and I was so excited to invite their family into my South Bend studio for newborn photos. Of course, we couldn’t let this milestone pass without capturing some updated family photos, too.


One thing I love about newborn photography is that every family has a unique story. Hannah and her family choose not to share their children’s faces online, and I completely respect that decision.
The beautiful thing about photography is that you don’t always need to see someone’s face to feel the emotion behind an image. The tiny baby fingers wrapped around mom’s hand, the way siblings lean in close to their newest family member, and the gentle moments shared between parents and their children all tell a story.
Even without showing faces, these images perfectly capture the love, connection, and excitement that filled the studio that day as this family celebrated becoming a family of five.



When families book a newborn session with me, I always encourage them to include siblings whenever possible.
Welcoming a new baby is a huge transition for older brothers and sisters. Including them in the session helps them feel important and involved during this exciting season of life. Some of my favorite images from newborn sessions are the ones that showcase the relationship between siblings.
There is something so special about seeing your older children lovingly hold, hug, or admire their newest sibling. Somehow, your “big kids” instantly look so much older the moment a newborn arrives.
These photos often become some of the most treasured images in a family’s gallery because they capture the very beginning of a lifelong bond.


Studio newborn sessions offer a relaxed and comfortable environment for growing families. Parents don’t have to worry about cleaning their home or preparing a space for photos. Instead, they can simply arrive, settle in, and focus on enjoying these fleeting moments with their newest little one.
My approach to newborn photography is simple and baby-led. I allow plenty of time for feeding, cuddling, and comforting your baby so that everyone can feel relaxed throughout the session. The result is a collection of timeless images that focus on genuine connection and the love your family shares.




If you’re expecting and considering newborn photos, it’s never too early to start planning. Newborn sessions are best reserved during pregnancy so we can ensure availability around your due date.
If you’re wondering when to schedule your newborn session or what the process looks like, be sure to check out my blog post on When to Book a Newborn Photographer and Why Timing Matters for everything you need to know before your baby’s arrival.
As a South Bend newborn photographer, I would be honored to help document this special season for your family and create images you’ll treasure for years to come.

Inquire here
I’d love to work with your family and create something meaningful together
© 2025 chaeney layne Photography
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northern indiana + southwest michigan photographer
Make your most loving
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