Lessons Learned from a lifestyle newborn session

Amber and Jimmy welcomed me into their home yesterday and let me hang out with sweet baby Lorelai and big sis Remington. It was my very first newborn session, and I already learned about a million things that I want to apply to my second. At the top of my list:

• You know what they say about the best laid plans…I arrived at the session ready to get some of the classic sleeping baby poses first. Well, baby Lorelai had other plans. I tried and tried but they did not work out. Next time I will roll with it and let the baby lead the way!

• Don’t be afraid to move things or people! The spots with the very best light were tight on space, so we moved furniture and people to bring them to the light. I joked that they didn’t know I was going to redecorate, but this flexibility got us some amazing shots!

• Don’t miss a moment! Some of my very favorite shots from this session were just spontaneous moments of love and affection, the real things that parents want to remember.

• Lose the stuff. I came ready to do a combination of lifestyle and a few posed, more traditional newborn shots. And while the posed shots are cute, I don’t love them like I do the ones of baby snuggling mama or daddy’s hand resting on baby with a treasured stuffed animal or heirloom blanket nearby.

I am so eager to continue learning and growing as a photographer and to practice this craft by capturing real, authentic family memories for my clients. Thank you, Amber and Jimmy, from the bottom of my heart, for inviting me into your home and trusting me with your memories.