Little did I think this is where we would be at the beginning of May at the onset of 2020. Nearing the end of stay-at-home orders as a deadly little virus with foreign RNA decimates the world as we knew it a few short months ago. My life as a photographer has been very different being a non-essential business, and I am grateful that I had my full time job as an educator during this economic crisis. However, my creative outlet was essentially shut down, and I also struggled with a need to create. And I had a handful of clients that I desperately wanted to create something for. I had a cake smash and a newborn session scheduled right as things hit the fan at the end of March. These were milestones that couldn’t really be recreated in the same way. Mamas approach that first birthday with so many bittersweet feelings and it was heartbreaking to send the message that we couldn’t celebrate that milestone on the day. And the newborn session… those first weeks are so fleeting and they change so fast. I knew we had to try to do something to capture those or they would be lost. I know that when orders lift and we can shoot again, both of these clients are going to get the full SHP experience and love the images and memories we captured, but I also know it’s not going to be quite the same.
I first talked with Trianna and Erin when they reached out last year inquiring about a maternity session for their first pregnancy with baby Dexter. It was not to be, and their sweet boy went on with his angel wings. I was so happy to hear that they were pregnant again and wanted to capture this moment and honor their angel baby as well. We met for two amazing maternity sessions and it was such a pleasure getting to know them. When they selected their maternity images they excitedly showed me their nursery of hand-painted butterflies and we planned their newborn session.
I went back and forth for days when I saw that the stay-at-home order was coming and that pregnant women and newborns were on the list as highly vulnerable to the virus. With a heavy heart, we all decided it was for the best to wait. Little miss AdaJane came into the world her own way and into a time that we didn’t have to consider when planning for her arrival just weeks before. Trianna and Erin handled the changes with grace and strength, I am always in awe of motherhood. They even tolerated their photographer butting in and offering ideas and ways to capture those first days. Trianna was a trooper and captured some super cute memories in their first few days home. We became a team and this collaboration brought a smile to my face. She would send me images and I would do some editing.
I had provided some ideas and suggestions to try… take pictures through the rails of her crib and wrap tight.
The three of them did a great job, but my photographer heart really wanted them to have that one, showstopper piece of artwork. We agreed to meet for a quick hand-off of outfits, headbands, and other props. All were clean, disinfected, and no touching occurred. I was dying for baby snuggles, because hey, they are a perk of newborn sessions. Trianna sent me another round of images and there was one that was perfect for a vision I had.
I knew a couple of things about my client at this point… butterfly nursery, rainbow baby, and loved pretty florals and colors. I went searching for digital backgrounds and fell in love with several from Luisa Dunn Photography. And when I found the rainbow butterfly I was ecstatic. I was able to create a digital portrait using the image from Trianna, taken safely at their home, and the backdrop I had found.
I was able to use my editing and photoshop knowledge to create a couple of options for them. I did a fine art style, a watercolor style, and then some black and white options. Usually my newborn clients have about 25-30 images to select from but this was a different session all together. I was pleased could create one and was so happy that Trianna and Erin loved it as well.
Which style do you prefer? Fine Art on the left and Watercolor on the right.
While this was not the newborn session we had all planned for and envisioned, I was content that we were all able to find a way to safely capture these first few weeks of little Miss AdaJane being earth-side. I cannot wait to see their final canvas hanging in their house the next time I see them. I know that the album we put together that includes their maternity sessions, some of their newborn images, this composite, and their first family session once we can safely shoot together again, will be beautiful. The album, and these memories, will be something treasured and shared with friends and family for years to come.
As a global community, we are in an uncertain time and I know that photography sessions and keepsakes might be something that will be considered a luxury. I hope that memories and keepsakes are something that as humans, we consider essential, however those get captured. Stay tuned for an update on Evan’s Cake Smash and 1st Birthday Celebration!