Newborn twins: Jalen & Kayla

Today I photographed my third set of twins since I began doing newborn photography just under two years ago. If I’ve done my math correctly, this now makes the 32nd & 33rd little one I’ve photographed since January 2008. Since having Erin McLain’s help with a photoshoot last week just a day after I had gotten out of the hospital, I didn’t hesitate to agree to jump in to help her the moment I learned she had an opportunity to photograph newborn twins.

Jalen and Kayla were just under a month old when we met with them today. Typically, it’s more challenging to capture the ideal “newborn” photos after babies are two weeks old. However, given the fact that these little ones were born five week’s early, they were amazing for us today. They were approximately 5 & 6lbs and as cute as can be. Jalen was sound asleep when we they first arrived so we started out taking a few photos of him looking super adorable.

Now I have to admit that typically it’s tough to photograph one newborn, let alone two. It’s a challenge to keep them sleeping, positioned, and comforted but many times once they’re sleeping well I can position them as you’ve seen in many of my newborn photographs in my portfolio. Add in one more baby and that’s when the real challenge begins. I anticipated that from previous experience with twins and thankfully these two loved to cuddle together.

Kayla wasn’t quite as content on her own, but she was still very adorable. She was such a curious little girl who seemed so interested in knowing more about the nikons pointed at her all afternoon.

Kayla had the most amazing eyes that I found myself admiring several times this afternoon.

Like most babies, Kayla seemed to be most comfortable being held.

Though she really was quite content laying beside her brother Jalen. Mom & Dad told us that they often allowed them to sleep together since they were born.

I really do love baby feet. Kayla did an amazing job at showing off her itty bitty feet.

I love photographing baby feet so much and love knowing that no matter how many times I take a photo of baby feet that they’re just never the same. Today I tried a completely new foot shot that I find to be a little edgier of a foot photo than what you all may be use to, but still an awesome new perspective on baby feet.

As much as I love to take the precious sleeping shots of newborns, I equally enjoy letting them cry and capturing a few photos of them in moments that I know parents will never forget. It sounds so cruel, I know – but I promise they only cried for a moment. One baby crying may make most parents stress at times, can  you imagine two babies crying? Bless their hearts, even crying they were super cute.

I also tried another pose today for the first time. This one was definitely a challenge to keep the little ones calm and also because it was physically challenging for Mom & Dad. It’s a lot tougher than you might think to hold the baby just in the right position, keep them content, and make sure we’re able to capture the right shot. It’s always more challenging to photograph against black too because of exposure issues so I was glad that we managed to capture the twins in this pose.

And I tell you it was far more challenging too because we unexpectedly had to make sure Jalen & Kayla initiated their father, both of them peed on him during this pose. These definitely aren’t “portfolio” quality photos but they’re definitely priceless moments that we all won’t forget. Thankfully he was a great sport and was up for continuing to make sure we captured that pose that you see above.

It’s always more fun to stay fascinated with baby feet when there are more of them. We took a few photos of all 20 toes in their Dad’s hands.

It’s always great to meet new parents for newborn photoshoots. It’s amazing how different they all are. I was so impressed with how quickly this young couple has transitioned into parenthood – with not just one baby, but two.

Jade thanks to you and your husband for letting us capture these special moments with your little ones. I hope you and your family enjoy these moments for years to come.