Friday, March 23, 2012

Photo Shoot 18: March 2012









 







            This shoot was about 2 weeks ago and took place from about 10 to noon. Katelyn was well-rested and fed--perfect conditions. I eventually want to put together an album with select photos of her nursery, some of her clothes and shoes, and a few of her other personal things--so that's where I began. I opened drawers, took out clothes, and photoed things that might not be remembered in another few years--the way the closet looked, the drawer of diapers, the changing table. Then we went to the floor by the sliding glass door in the living room again--beautiful outdoor light and the ability to control it by using the curtains.

            I learned during the course of the shoot that the baby's number of outfits can be changed only so many times. I also learned that 2 hours is pretty much the maximum amount of time when photographing a baby. Other than that, I just tried to do what I normally do: to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible. My favorite shots are usually those that are natural and un-posed.

           It's only been 3 months since I last shot her and already I'm amazed at how much she has grown. Again, I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of the documenting of her growing and coming into the world. Our next shoot will be in June at 6 months old, and again in November at her one-year mark. It is the coolest thing to be able to photograph new life in this way. It has reminded me how much I love to photograph people (even small people) and how much I love to photograph their relationships with one another (like Katelyn's joy at seeing her mother's face). Wonderful.

                                                                              (click once to enlarge)

Photo Shoot 17: December 2011















 


         I shot these photos of baby Katelyn in December; I think she is about two weeks old here. My thoughts on shooting a newborn: wow. Not only was I amazed at the beauty and wonder of a new life, but the love, peace, and contentment of new parents. I have been so privileged to be able to shoot this beautiful baby and family, twice now. Thank you Christina and John for this amazing opportunity.

         Like every shoot, I learn so much--about light, about space, about fabrics and backgrounds. This shoot took place over the course of about 4 hours. It was tough because the baby needed to eat, rest, and cry in between shots. I learned to be patient and actually enjoyed having the extra time to be able to plan. I also enjoyed photographing all her little baby parts--feet, hands, ears, nose, mouth. I did look through some photos on the internet before the shoot to get some ideas--hence, the wedding rings on her toes (which I thought turned out pretty neat!). I also played a little bit with different fabric textures, which turned out great in the b&w shots, especially the dress I brought (which I used for the background in shots 2, 3, & 5).