West Seattle Newborn Photography
Whole World in His Hands
Infant Lead Photography.
Every newborn photographer dreads this day: the day you are photographing a newborn, and they will not for the life of them sleep or be still. All the adorable sleeping shots fly out the window. Your only option is to follow the baby’s lead, and there is no better example than Mister Logan.
This precious boy wanted nothing more than to be in the arms of his mother and father. For a mere sixty seconds he allowed me to photograph him alone. Like most newborns, he wanted to be where he felt most comfortable- in the arms of those who love him. It’s the place where he can hear his mom’s heartbeat, and feel its percussion in his skin. It’s a place where there’s no effort to stay warm. Newborns belong close to the heart of their parents.
After I left this session, I caught an interview on NPR with an author discussing her new book. She said, “Parenting breaks us down then builds us up.” That powerful statement stuck with me.
Parenting Breaks Us Down
It breaks you like nothing you could ever imagine. No other time in your life will peel away your identity, personal space, time, sleep, independence, sense of understanding and friends one by one. Suddenly, your husband doesn’t get why you are crying. Your childless friends and family don’t understand the way your world now spins. Your body is no longer identifiable as it once was. Your priorities are no longer the same. Your dog is looking at you like, “What about me?” Everything changes. Everything.
As your children get older, they challenge you and hold a mirror up to you like no one in your life has ever been able to. They are able to pull strings you did not know existed because they can mimic the worst side of you. They force you to look deep inside, and for once, you have a reason to really try to fix your shortcomings. They are ridiculously strong in mind, body, and spirit for only weighing eight pounds.
Then Builds You Up
Anyone who has been broken down and came out the other side will tell you it was worth it. This is why having a child is so powerful. They build you up. After shedding your former-self, you are a clean slate. A clean slate with a munchkin. You can re-write your path. Make new friends. Start a new chapter. You see triumphs in the small things again. You experience joy from merely watching someone you love experience it. You learn to see the world differently along with your child. You too have been re-born.
Without these experiences as a mom, as a parent, I would not be an Infant Lead Photography advocate. This way of photography allows for the child to be the most comfortable during the session, and requires the parents and photographer to adapt and overcome. Logan made me work outside of my comfort zone, challenged me to be creative and think on my feet. My clients trusted me, which is a huge honor that allows for creative expression. We overcame, and together, we were able to capture some incredible memories that this family will cherish for the rest of their lives.
In the end, the trouble our munchkins create makes us better people, better partners and better photographers.
