As a Maine Family Photographer, I am passionate about capturing all of life’s most precious moments. One genre that holds a particularly special place in my heart is family portraits with a new baby. A few years ago my son was born early at only 4lbs. After 7 years of infertility, 1 round of IVF and a very complicated pregnancy he was earth side and in my arms. Nothing can quite prepare you for the experience of holding your little guy for the first time.
Those first few months flew by so fast. Honestly I barely remember it. If I am being really honest the baby’s first year was the longest and quickest of my whole life. It was an exciting time, but one full of so many first for him and for us. Truly a year that I will never forget.
I knew how important family photos are but I did not feel up to being in front of the camera. I was tempted to just have posed photos taken and skip the ones of us with him. SO having these beautiful memories of my two week old son is the best decision I have ever made. I am so glad I didn’t skip a in-home session.
We did have photos taken at a gorgeous studio with an amazing professional. She did a great job on the photos. But something about the photos didn’t feel authentic to how I felt at that time. I was wearing clothes that weren’t mine and sitting on a studio bed that wasn’t mine. I remember looking at the online gallery and wishing we had done these from the comfort of your own home. There is something about wearing my own clothes and sitting on my own furniture. I new at that point he wasn’t going to stay a new baby for long and to hire another photog to do a session would be challenging at such short notice. Through my own portrait experiences I realized exactly what I wanted to offer my own clients. A laid back shoot full of genuine emotions.
So I set out to do a photo session of my own personal family. Kind of crazy in this postpartum season of life, but I made it happen. My home is a place that is extremely important to me so I knew I wanted this as the location. After that I just had to pick a day and set everything up. I set up the tripod and take a few photos of us. I chose to use a small window where the light was just gorgeous. At this time I was drawn towards black and white images. I still am. There is something classic to black and white timeless photographs.
The best images from this portrait session were the ones showcasing the size of our son. He was so tiny and innocent. I love seeing his tiny little finger wrapped around ours or his little body in our arms. It was tiny details like this that mattered so much to me. That is why on my questionnaire for baby sessions I always ask what is special about this precious time, what are you unique circumstances, and what do you want to remember the most. At the very beginning of the session I take time to watch the new parents with new baby.
I can say without a doubt nothing can prepare your for how fast they grow. You will blink and they will go from laying on your chest to being to big for you to carry. The early months and days are truly a special time. It is worth it to hire a great professional.
This photos become more than just images; they transform into a visual narrative that links the past, present, and future. I take pride in being part of the process of creating a legacy that families can print, share, and pass on, ensuring that the story of each is eternally preserved.
I believe in more than just taking pictures; I am creating heirloom pieces of you and your child’s history. That is why it is so important for you to be in the photos and be comfortable. So definitely consider a lifestyle in-home session. You won’t regret it.
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