Many of you know that I had a baby in April.  Our fourth son to be exact.  Since his arrival, my work has changed.  My life has changed.  Everything has changed as it does when you have a newborn.  What I haven't shared with my "work" world is that when he was born, I hired a photographer to capture him.  I shouldn't say A photographer, because really it was the BEST newborn photographer on the planet.  Her and Carrie (the other half of their business) are my greatest source of inspiration in the world of newborn photography.  I knew that this likely could be our last baby (the jury is still out on that one) and I also knew that I wanted photos with ME in them.  And after having a c-section, I knew I couldn't capture him the way I wanted, so I was SOOO happy that I hired someone to do the job right.  Britt Woodall from Baby As Art flew all the way from California, stayed in my humble little home, captured my sweet baby, and hung out with my boys.  It is something I will never forget.  I met Britt via internet YEARS ago and have always been awe-struck at her work.  I was lucky enough to attend her workshop a few years back and dreamed of having her capture my babies.  And now, I have had that dream come true.  Wanna a peek at our photos…

 

   I got some funny looks when I told people we had flew her here.  Because "aren't you a photographer?"  Why would you pay for someone to photograph your baby?  Well, I can tell you that the experience taught me so much and blessed me with amazing memories captured forever.  I got to experience what my clients experience.  I got to be on the other side of the entire thing.  Feeling crappy after birth and still putting on a smile.  Feeling yucky and still getting in front of the camera.  Trusting this new little life to the hands of someone else.  And of course the anxious excitement of what our photos would look like, the pressure of deciding what in the world to order, etc.  I got to see things in a new light.  My business is forever changed…

 

And what did I learn from it?

It is hard stepping in front of the camera.  I take for granted how vulnerable you feel when it is pointed at you.  Especially when you aren't sleeping, went through a majorly traumatic event, and are likely loaded up on meds.  My clients have made this look so easy over the years…

 

 

I also learned that while the cute props are FUN to use at a session, the little details are just as important, if not more important.  I always aim to give some detail close-ups to my clients, but lately, I have been obsessed with it.  (Little Ames had so many sweet little parts that have changed in just a few months and I am blessed that Britt captured EVERY one.)

 

 

Along with that, those parent portraits are special.  The newness of this little life is a beautiful thing, but that pure connection between parents and a babe is precious.  Dad's tend to have this nervous excitement when posing with a baby.  Mom's seem to have this peace about them.  I love capturing this.

 

Newborn photos are priceless.

 I realize that money is hard earned, but I also realize that these photographs are an investment.  They are worth way more than I ever paid for them.  Years from now when my children are all grown, I will cling to these photos of them ever so little and remember for a moment what it was like.  I already do and he is just 4 months old!  :)  

 

I share this with you because I want you to know I get it.  I really do.  I know how you feel entirely and I promise to do my best to capture your little one for you!  I will be back to regularly scheduled blogging tomorrow!  :)