The Session
In her first email, mom worried that their 3-week-old baby would have trouble sleeping for his portraits. I assured her that every baby eventually falls asleep for portraits. It just takes a little extra time and patience during the 3-week growth spurt. When we got to talking, mom and dad expressed enthusiasm for film photography which made me so happy! A few year ago, they had their beautiful California wedding captured on film by the Jeremy Chou (whose beautiful work is displayed on a huge wall gallery in their home). Go check out his work – It is absolutely stunning! There is a reason he has so many accolades including Belle Lumiere Magazine’s “Photographer of the Year.” I am a huge fan and had monumental shoes to fill for this session! I was so honored to photograph the story of their little one from the very beginning.
During the session, he was such a perfect, sleepy baby to work with. He had one “awake” spell, but that allowed some epic eye contact, big yawns and other in-between moments – when he was being, perfectly and authentically, himself.
I love how these moments also show how tiny newborns are, juxtaposed with parents’ hands, and how perfectly they fit in the crook of your neck like a puzzle piece. The love in this family is so tangible, you can feel it.
After the session, I interviewed mom about becoming a mother and her in-home newborn session experience. I hope you enjoy. Besides being a beautiful, intelligent and kind, she is a gifted writer!
Her Motherhood Story
What were your first thoughts when you met baby {C}?
There is no way to completely convey in words the feelings you may have when you meet your newborn for the first time. For a moment, time stood still, but at the same time, I had this overwhelming sensation that our lives would change forever. As baby {C} was placed on my chest, I took a moment to thank God for the sweetest blessing as I stared at him and watched each breath, each flinch, each blink, and each glance. Immediately, I noticed his head full of jet black hair and the way he placed his two tiny hands toward his right cheek as he slept on my chest. He was perfect and meant to be ours.
What do you hope he will say years down the road when looking at these images?
I hope that our son will appreciate that these tender and early moments of his life were captured in the most beautiful way. We were able to freeze a this moment where he was a tiny human. Since he may not have a vivid recollection of the first few years of his life, I hope that these photos convey two loving parents completely infatuated with their sweet newborn.
What is your favorite thing about being a mother so far?
Becoming a mother is such a unique experience and has really put a lot of things into perspective for me. Even the worst of days pales in comparison to the amalgamation of motherhood. Being a mother means I am constantly frightened for my child’s safety and well-being, constantly worried if I am doing a great job, but also embracing every single minute of it because the many days of indescribable love and happiness outweighs the many days of hardship and uncertainty. Being responsible for this tiny human to ensure he’s equipped for all the extraordinary, beautiful, magnificent, triumphant, heartbreaking, and melancholy moments – most of which we will have the privilege of witnessing or being a part of – makes it all worth it!
The Experience
Do you have any advice for other families preparing for an in-home newborn session?
I was completely overwhelmed preparing for an in-home session. If you want something captured in the photos, make sure you jot it down or lay it out on a surface that you know you will not forget about. So much went on during the shoot that I forgot about the heirlooms I wanted documented on camera.
My advice is this – Just savor the little things, and be in the moment! These fleeting moments do not last forever, so be “ok” that things may not go as planned or perfectly. Jody will capture those imperfect moments too, and they may just happen to be some of your favorite shots.
What was your favorite part of the experience?
My favorite part of the experience was watching Jody capture baby {C}’s personality in various settings and even as he was asleep. The newborn session is such a momentous event and one that we will look back on and cherish for the rest of our lives.
Photographed with Canon 5D Mark III, Canon 1V and Mamiya 645; Film: Kodak Portra400, Tmax3200, Ilford 3200; Lab: The FIND lab
