When Jaime called Facebooked me to ask about newborn portraits for Luke, we talked a little bit about how baby sessions tend to work, what Jaime & Jesse were looking for in these portraits of their son, and what to expect overall. Because infants are the most sleepy (and curled up) in the first 7-10 days, it’s important to get these shoots in quickly after they’re born. I was headed out of town for the weekend, so we had to move quick.
“How does tomorrow look for you?”
It looked good. I came to their home (which is in the middle of being remodeled, I should mention, so the places we could shoot were limited) and what follows is just a sampling of my favorites. Luke held up like a champ, and alternated between cute/sleepy and cute/awake.
Luke was named for his uncle, who was killed in Iraq in 2004. What a tribute!
Thanks again, Jaime & Jesse… it’s been great getting to know you and your family!
This little man really enjoys life, it seems. I photographed “C” and his parents in eeeearly January, and it was C.O.L.D. We started the shoot out in their home, but as time went on we really couldn’t resist heading outside to a nearby park.
Through it all, this little guy grinned, smiled, laughed… it’s great to see kids so happy.
A few more favorites…
Yesterday afternoon I took my daughter V to Valley Forge National Park. It was such a gorgeous day, considering it’s still technically winter, and we needed to give her mother a few hours of down time. I slung a camera on my shoulder and we went a-walkin’.
Her favorite part was the cabins, as you can see. It was one of those rare days when you’re so grateful for these moments while you’re still actually in the moment. One of the perks of fatherhood.
All of these were taken with one camera, one lens. Nikon D700 + 35/1.4G.
You might remember E’s West Chester newborn portraits a year ago, though she’s grown so much it’s hard to believe she’s the same girl! I met up with Eric and Christie for E’s 1-year shoot at Longwood Gardens, and as always, the colors at that place didn’t disappoint.
I could keep talking about it, but I’d rather show you…
Kelly and I just got back from a much-needed weekend away with our friends Cliff and Julie. Our destination? Mystic, CT, where Julie grew up. We’ve learned from much trial and error that it’s very, very nice to be with people who know the best places to eat. Good food + people we love being with = one fine way to recharge.
I also shot some images just for fun. It’s something I used to do all the time before photography became my career, and I’m trying to do it more often now just to stay in love with my craft.
The town was almost empty since it was the off-season.
It’s a little embarrassing to admit that I’d never had oysters before. Safe to say that my first time will not be my last.
The hunt for the best bowl of clam chowder. (The winner was the one on the bottom right, despite the poor cracker toss.)
A big Thank You to all of the grandparents (and Aunt Mindy) who watched our kids while we were away!
Jason and Nicky just had a baby. He’s generally very sleepy and has an incredibly full head of hair. He literally didn’t wake up once during this entire shoot…
This sled belonged to Jason’s mom. It’s a shame they don’t make runner sleds anymore, because 1) they’re wicked fast and fun, and 2) they’re gorgeous. I post both of these here because I couldn’t decide which shot I like better. Any thoughts?
Thanks for letting me catch some camera time with your little guy, J+N!
This weekend V decided to draw a picture for Nadieuda, a young Haitian girl we sponsor through Compassion International. We write letters back and forth and it’s fun to watch our girls develop a relationship with a friend in another country like this. Adding brilliant modern art like this to the mix only makes it better.
Before I had kids of my own, I had no idea how much fun babies could be. It’s especially rewarding when I’m able to do several portrait shoots over the course of a child’s first year. (Anyone interested in this, just ask about my baby plans.) Little man “B” was born in October, and his newborn shoot was a trip. Fast-forward 4 months, and it’s clear that time has been good to this guy. Check how how much he’s grown in that short time!
It was a wee bit chilly out, so we had to be creative in finding cool spots inside to shoot.
Come back soon… it won’t be long until his 8-month pictures are up!
Every chance I get to work with Shannon, Kurt, and their child children, I find myself laughing because their son “L” just cracks me up — he’s got a great mischievous smile. I shot Shannon & Kurt’s wedding quite a few years ago, and when “L” was younger we did fun winter family shoot in Old City. Now they’re expecting again, and so we got together in Chestnut Hill to capture some images of this time in their life before the newest family member makes an appearance.
Can’t wait for the newborn shoot!
I suppose I should have put this together right around January 1, but February will have to do instead. Below is a sampling of some of my favorite portrait images from 2011. (Hint: this is in HD, so it would look pretty good at full screen…)
Like what you see? Contact me and set up a session of your own!