When Lucy Schultz and her partner decided to adopt a kitten, they wanted to celebrate the occasion in a truly unique way—with a parody newborn photoshoot.
The idea came to life thanks to photographer Elizabeth Woods-Darby, who worked with Schultz to create a series of images mimicking human birth announcements—complete with “sweaty” postpartum hair, an unmade bed, and a swaddled kitten.
A Purr-fectly Planned Shoot
Schultz, a photographer herself, spent over a year searching for the right kitten before finding her match at a Colorado shelter. She immediately reached out to Woods-Darby to bring their long-discussed idea to life.
“We wanted the photos to feel as authentic as possible,” Woods-Darby told PEOPLE. “We drew inspiration from real birth and newborn shoots—messy hair, natural lighting, and that sweet moment of a new ‘baby’ meeting their parents.”
The result? A mix of heartwarming and hilarious shots, including the 5-month-old kitten swaddled like an infant, nestled in Schultz’s arms.
Going Viral by Accident
What started as a fun Facebook post for friends and family quickly gained unexpected traction. Schultz’s “new baby” announcement amassed over 76,000 shares, surprising both women.
“We never expected this kind of reaction,” Woods-Darby admitted. “Most people loved it, though some definitely think we’re crazy cat ladies!”
The unnamed 6-pound, 7-ounce kitten seemed unfazed by the attention. “He adored being wrapped in the blanket—he purred himself to sleep,” Woods-Darby recalled.
A Friendship Built on Creative Ideas
Beyond the viral fame, Woods-Darby cherished the shoot as a chance to collaborate with Schultz, a friend of three years. “We love coming up with quirky projects together,” she said.
As for whether she’ll adopt a kitten and stage a similar shoot? “Maybe one day,” she joked. “But for now, my dog, my boyfriend, and our tiny apartment are plenty!”
Ultimately, Woods-Darby hopes the photos bring joy. “If it made people smile, then mission accomplished.”
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