A Tiny Fighter: Documenting the Strength of a 24-Week Preemie in the NICU

Photographing a newborn is always special, but documenting the journey of a NICU baby is something entirely different. It’s raw, emotional, and deeply personal. In April of last year, I had the privilege of capturing the story of a tiny but fierce preemie born at just 24 weeks. At the time of our session, she weighed 1.199kg—already up 43 grams from her previous weight. Every gram gained was a victory, a testament to her strength and resilience.

Her mom described her as strong, sassy, spunky, spicy, and sweet—a personality that was evident even in those first fragile weeks of life. As the youngest of three preemies in her family, she was already proving she had a determined spirit. And while this session had its share of challenges, particularly with the dim lighting, the result was a set of images that told a powerful story of love, perseverance, and hope.

The Reality of NICU Photography: A Lesson in Adaptability

NICU sessions are unlike any other newborn sessions. There’s no cozy studio with soft, natural light. Instead, you’re working with beeping monitors, tubes, and medical equipment that serve as a constant reminder of just how delicate these little ones are. The environment is controlled, the space is often tight, and lighting is at the mercy of the hospital’s setup.

In this particular session, the room was exceptionally dark. Many NICU rooms have large windows that allow some natural light to spill in, but that wasn’t the case here. Initially, the baby’s mom turned the overhead lights on to help brighten the space, but then the nurse entered and immediately dimmed them back down.

I’ve worked with plenty of nurses who are more than happy to adjust the lighting for a photo session, understanding that capturing these moments is incredibly meaningful to families. However, not everyone sees photography as a priority in the NICU. This particular nurse insisted that the lights remain low. And while I completely respect the medical staff and their priorities, I also know that photography doesn’t work in complete darkness.

I mentioned that I couldn't take photos without any light, and the nurse turned them up slightly, asking if that would be enough. I responded that if that was what she preferred, I would make it work. After mom clarified that she had turned the lights on initially, the nurse adjusted them even more, allowing me to capture the tiny details that made these moments so meaningful.

A Mom’s Reluctance Turns into a Treasured Moment

One of the most common things I hear from NICU parents—especially moms—is, “I don’t want to be in the photos.”

I get it. The NICU is not an easy place to exist as a parent. There’s exhaustion, stress, and an overwhelming feeling of helplessness at times. Most moms don’t feel their best when they’ve been spending days or weeks living in a hospital room, tending to a tiny baby fighting for their life. But here’s what I always tell them: One day, these images will matter more than you can imagine. Not just to you, but to your child.

Thankfully, after a little gentle encouragement, this mom agreed to step into a few frames. What unfolded next was something truly special.

She held her baby’s tiny hand, placed a gentle kiss on her head, and rested her fingers on her chest. These simple, quiet moments captured the deep connection between them.

The Power of a NICU Photo Session

Capturing a NICU journey isn’t about creating picture-perfect images. It’s about documenting reality—the tubes, the wires, the uncertainty, but also the love, the milestones, and the immense strength of both baby and parents.

This baby’s journey is one of resilience. She’s loved beyond measure by her older siblings, and despite being so small, she already has the biggest personality. Seeing her mom hold her, despite all the wires and beeping monitors, was a reminder that love is what truly matters in these moments.

These images aren’t just for today. They are for years down the road when this little one is running around, strong and full of life, and her parents want to show her just how far she’s come. They’re for her siblings, to remind them of the strength their baby sister had from the very beginning. And they’re for other NICU parents, who may be in the thick of it right now, wondering if they should document their own journey.

Why NICU Photos Matter

(Even When It Feels Hard to Schedule One)

I know that booking a NICU session can feel overwhelming. There are so many unknowns, and it’s easy to think, “Maybe later.” But these moments—no matter how difficult—deserve to be remembered. Even in a dark hospital room with beeping machines and tired parents, there is beauty. There is love. And there is a story worth telling.

If you’re a NICU parent considering a session, know this: You don’t have to worry about looking perfect. You don’t have to worry about the environment. My job is to work around the challenges and give you images that reflect the immense love you have for your baby. If you’re on the fence, I encourage you to reach out. Let’s document this chapter of your journey, because one day, you’ll be so grateful you did.

Learn more about Hand to Hold, a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources for NICU families