Meet Baby Cruz. He was the frowniest baby I’ve ever seen.

And I loved him!!!!

I was a little nervous (well, actually I was a lot nervous), but I really really enjoyed myself! Since this one, I have done 4 more, enjoying each one more than the last. So much so, that I will be offering these types of sessions as well as my Storytelling newborn sessions for those that want them!! My new studio is warm and inviting and comfortable. I know this because 3 of the 5 mamas fell asleep on the couch!!!!

I’ll share more of these other sessions soon, but for now, here is my very first newborn session in my new studio space. Lincoln was a lovely calm, sleepy boy, and ever so smiley!!! Thanks to his mama for pushing me out of my comfort zone! (and also for bringing some props, as I have none!!)

And of course, some iPhone pics of my special helper. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know that Darcy comes with me on most of my shoots. She especially loves the newborns, and is becoming quite helpful! I’ll admit, having  sessions here at home has been wonderful! She even asked one client: “would ya like a cuppa tea?”

bless ‘er…..

ARE YOU HAVING A BABY SOON!? EMAIL ME FOR A SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY OFFER!!!! 

xoxo

Ruby came 5 weeks early, and the day of this shoot was her actual due date. Both these girls are beautiful little souls.

I’m just loving these shoots. I love getting to spend a good chunk of the day hanging out and (hopefully) documenting a really important time in peoples lives. I hope you enjoy looking at them as well, as I have lots more coming up!

Newborns are my very favourite subjects to photograph. I like to spend the best part of the day with these new families, soaking up the ‘feel’ of a house that has a new human in it. That feeling only lasts a split second in the scheme of things, and I think its so easy to forget it. The mess, the tiredness, the smell, even the sounds. By spending a few hours documenting this ‘feeling’, I hope that I will help families remember it in years to come, because it really is that important.

This is my most beloved way of shooting these beautiful babies, and I adore that even though every family is different, the feeling in the air is very much the same, just….different!

Throughout last year I had a few emails asking weather I do the more posed newborn images, which I had never really considered doing, so this year I thought i would offer it for those that wanted something a little more traditional.

What better models to showcase these 2 different types of shoots than the beautiful Audrey & May, just 10 days old! The first half of this post (its a big one, sorry guys) is my Day in the Life, followed by the more traditional session. New clients will have the choice of one or the other, or both!!

These beautiful little twins are girls 3 & 4 for their family. And including their cousins, I think there are 11! All girls!!! Thank you Maryann and Brett! All 4 of your princesses are amazing! How lucky you are!!!

And here are the more traditional images. Although, I have tried to put my own spin on them……..

I have lots of brand spanking new babies to share, mainly “A day in the Life” sessions, my very favourite of days, as well as a couple of weddings and some beautiful family sessions,  but I’m so very far behind on my blogging that it all feels a bit “where do I start-ish” !! Oh procrastination! Go away and bother someone else!

Lets just for now enjoy Evie Lee…….

Matilda loved the camera, and we happily chatted away like old friends. Ava, on the other hand, did not want her photo taken at all, preferring instead to snuggle with her mum. And Lincoln? Well Lincoln did what most newborn babies do. Happily stared around, then cried a bit, had a feed, did a poo and then promptly went to sleep.

Some of you may be aware of how much I adore newborn babies.Like, I would have a newborn forever. The first 6 weeks are my favourite of any aged babies. I would have another 7 more kids just because that means I would have 7 more newborns.

I am taking a different approach to my newborn shoots from now on. I tried the posing newborn shots and found it so stressful. Now, dont get me wrong. Some of my favourite photographers specialise in this type of work, and are extremely talented at what they create. I just found I left these excited, tired, overwhelmed, incredibly happy brand new parents without ever really getting to know them. I was so focused on keeping the room warm enough, and quiet enough and getting and then keeping them asleep, that I never really chatted or asked *them*, the parents, any questions, or listened to their stories. I felt this went against everything I was trying to achieve, and just didn’t sit right.

So I thought about what I myself would want as memories of the first week of my new babies life. The first thing I remembered was the different feel in the house when a brand new human is bought home. The air feels different. It smells different. There is a special calmness. It is quiet, but at the same time, there’s a sense of electricity in the air. It is the same in every house I’ve been to that has a new baby under its roof. Dad is usually around, when he’s usually at work. Grandparents might be staying. Siblings are very aware a change is in the air and routines are out the window. This is what I want to try and capture, as that feeling doesn’t last forever, but is so special. I try to spend a few hours and just get to know you, and your brand new, sweet smelling, tiny baby.

I have met some lovely families as well, and have included some in this post, but will be posting some full blog posts soon!!

El

xoxo