When Saira contacted us for information about a newborn session, we called back to follow up as we always do. She let us know that she was still thinking about it. We completely understand that choosing the right newborn photographer is a big deal! We're always here to answer any questions that you might have, and welcome them.
It turned out that Saira knew she wanted to work with us, but was worried about being fair to her children. She hadn't had a newborn session for her first baby, and was concerned that booking one for her daughter was shortchanging her oldest a little. This is such a common concern with parents. I love that so many want to treat their children equally. As a mom of three, I am always thinking about whether I'm giving enough time and attention to each of my three.
Here's what I can tell you: it unfortunately will never be "fair". Your first child had you all to themselves for however long before their sibling came along. Your second child won't get that alone time with you since there's no way to make that happen. What they will get are more experienced and laid back parents who understand how the whole parenting thing goes a lot better than they did the first time around. ;) Your children will also be very different personality wise. What each of them need and want will also look very different. My oldest child wants to spend time actively doing things together. My middle child just wants to snuggle on the couch and would settle for hours every day doing this. My youngest child just wants me to be in the same room as him and watch him playing. He frequently makes sure that I'm looking at him, but if I try to join in? Oh no, my place is to sit in the chair and watch him. It's so funny how different they are!
When Saira came in the morning of her newborn session with her beautiful baby girl, Amira, we chose a dress from the studio wardrobe for her. I asked her what finally made her decide to reserve her session with us, and that is when she told me she was worried about the fairness factor. I told her what I tell all second and third and fourth time moms. If you didn't have a newborn session with your first baby for whatever reason, that's okay. Maybe you didn't know you wanted one. Maybe your baby had a long NICU stay, or maybe you were so overwhelmed with being a new mother that you put it off and before you knew it you had a six month old and the time for one had long passed. Whatever the reason is, that doesn't mean you have to repeat that with your second baby. Your first baby is celebrating a MAJOR milestone...they're a big brother or sister! Think of your newborn session as a celebration of your new family and the new role that your oldest child has assumed. Some of the sweetest images that I've ever taken are of new siblings together, and this session proved to be no exception.
I started with Amira's solo portraits, and then Daddy and Oscar arrived as I was finishing up. We always have older siblings join us later because they're much happier that way! This gives you a break and some time to rest and relax, and your big kid has some fun time with their dad and gets their energy out. As soon as they arrived at the studio, we started with the sibling images. Oscar wasn't quite big enough to safely hold Amira, but I have lots of other ways to photograph siblings. Saira and Addison also stepped in a few of the images as well. I really loved how warm and affectionate this family was with each other, and we just had so much fun!
Here are some of my favorites from this amazing family's session!
If you're expecting a baby or already a parent and looking for a newborn, maternity, or family photographer, I would love to work with you to create images that you will love for a lifetime. Watch this video to hear about my philosophy and see how I work in the studio so you can determine if I'm the right fit for you. I can't wait to meet you!
Lily Sophia Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, and birth photography in Atlanta, Georgia and surrounding areas.