I get asked often to photograph newborn portraits and 7 out of 10 times I decline. Why? Well, 7-10 clients love what's popular in newborn photography right now and that is cute positions, baby wraps, extravagant props and the like but the older I get the more I appreciate and cherish the relationship I have with my children and I am not saying these parents do not I am just saying my feelings have changed. Instead of looking back on all of these images I have of my children in an awesome studio with top of the line accessories I wish I had more of those real time moments. I wish I had a photographer peeking in to capture me rocking Lydia, her daddy snuggling her to his chest. I wish I had images of Reed lying on our living room rug which was his favorite place to be while my golden retriever watched him through the window. Those are the moments I want to capture so I attract clients with those similar needs and others I send to the baby whisperers like Andrea Martin and Nikki Painter in Beckley, WV. If I wanted all those awesome poses you see all over Pinterest then these ladies would be my go to photographers here in WV and I refer to them often. If I am being 100% serious, I don't have that kind of patience. I really don't. I know what I am good at and what I am not. With that said, I think I am good at newborn lifestyle photography and while I do not accept a ton of newborn lifestyle commissions I am always happy when one shows up on my schedule as it did this morning.
I met Carter and his parents at their home in Lewisburg today. I love photographing in home. I see all of those things that you love. I see what you choose to display and how. I notice the picture of your ultrasound placed beside two Bibles on your shelf. I feel the pride from the reel of ultrasound photos hung on the fridge with magnet. I get to watch your pets find their new role in your larger family. The nursery you worked so hard on, the special personalized touches and the things you created in your home to feel more at ease, take for example the screen door CJ made for Carter so Shadow wouldn't disrupt your sleep but could still watch you from the doorway. When dad says, I need to cut my nails but we all agree he shouldn't because the hard working hands of a father are also the same hands that comfort us. All of these little things help me to complete the story of why I am here and that is what I love.
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