Evan & Reese

Just over two weeks since I was in the hospital I’ve returned to a full schedule of work, school, and photography. In the last two weeks I’ve done three newborn photoshoots as a part of my final portfolio project for my masters photography course. I’ve selected to continue with a concentration of newborn photography and this week I will complete an additional three newborn photoshoots before this week’s project deadline – with the first being today with two week old Reese. A few months ago I learned that our friend Jeff’s family was expecting their second son in October and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to photograph him and his family.

Reese was certain to let me know from the start that he wasn’t too thrilled with me taking his picture.

Reese was most comforted when he was cozzy in this little sac.

I always encourage parents to try to schedule photo sessions in the first week or two. Usually after two weeks babies get startled a lot easier, are less curly, and often sleep far less too. I was thankful I managed to capture Reese resting peacefully in several photos.

However, Reese was determined to challenge me today. Just a second after taking the shot on the left above he opened his eyes and made sure I knew he knew I was there.

I’m so thankful Jeff & Rachel were super patient. I’ve personally come accustomed to the many demands a newborn poses in the first few weeks but sometimes it does make the photo session more stressful, especially when I can sense that most parents just want the session to go perfectly. We took several breaks to feed, diaper, and comfort Reese. Though he awoke easily, we managed to sneak in many priceless moments like this one – one of my favorite shots of the session.

He seemed to enjoy laying in the wrap and in my antique trencher bowl. We joked that Jeff & Rachel may need to try laying him in a bowl at home because he really was content for the longest in this bowl.

Of course Reese was happiest when he was being comforted by his mother. Seeing these two together was certainly special.

It’s amazing how much adding one child can change a family.

Now, they’re a family of four. I imagine now that Reese has arrived that it’s tough to imagine moments without him. Big brother Evan certainly loves his little brother.

I only got to spend a couple minutes with Evan, but I tell you what – those few minutes were definitely amongst some of the most memorable of the session. I had to coax him into coming back to see me to take a few photos of just him by himself. Thankfully Evan thought a purple popsicle was a great trade off for allowing me to take a few pictures of him. His charisma shined through in the first couple of photos.

I asked him to show me his serious face, and I must admit – it’s quite moving. Who says kids have to smile and say cheese to capture their amazing little souls?

The last few shots we had some fun and let Evan act silly. He’s such an energetic little boy that has quite an amazing personality – it’s definitely evident in these photos.

While Reese was being fed we also took a couple minutes to take photos with Evan & Jeff. It certainly shows where Evan gets his silliness from.

Jeff is undoubtedly a very proud father.

When I commit to photo sessions I admit that I always try to do a few new shots that I’ve never done before to continue to add uniqueness to my portfolio. Today the “new” pose I had hoped for would require Jeff to take his shirt off. It took 34 newborns before I finally asked a parent to undress for a photo. Thankfully Jeff was willing and I think he and Rachel will enjoy the photos of him with little Reese.

Initially I had hoped to try to pose Reese on Jeff’s shoulder or arm. I’ve come to expect that when posing newborns you must always improvise to meet the demands of the baby. Reese was definitely not comfy – he even made sure to tell his Daddy all about how he hated this pose and then proceeded to let me know too.

One of the most heartwarming moments I get to experience photographing newborns is seeing the comfort parents give their child, this is even more special seeing a father so involved in trying to help keep the baby calm.

Many times today Reese let us know when he wasn’t happy.

Of course we had to improvise several times during the photo session, even for the shots with Jeff. After being fed he was quite content in Jeff’s arms as he talked to him. Of course I’m such a perfectionist that I decided to see how much more Reese would allow us to play. We attempted one last shot of the day of Jeff comforting Reese.

Jeff & Rachel congrats again. I hope your family and friends enjoy the photos of your amazing family.