In-home newborn lifestyle session // Baby Andreas, The Eriksons
When I first started my photography business, I set to carve out my brand to be one of telling emotionally-invoking stories of human connections through photographs that stood the test of time. Connection session (aka engagement sessions) and weddings helped fulfilled this and thus steered my brand towards this portion of the market. But as I watched my clients and friends add members to their families, and as I thought about my own childhood and relationship with my mother, I began to realize something I’ve already known: having and raising children in it’s own is a different type of emotional love story that is usually unconditional. And one, where both parents learn a lot more about themselves and one another. These new parents are literally carrying out the words spoken during their wedding vows of committing to being by each other’s side on “this crazy journey called life”.
All this to say that this is why I don’t advertise family sessions as they’re typically the standard family-posed type of shots that doesn’t really tell an emotionally invoking story that “fits my brand” (but still are important to the family!). These sessions are typically reserved for previous wedding clients, friends or from personal referrals. But then, an email from Helena’s mother led to a session that would alter the way I viewed the interpretation of my brand and my journey of telling love stories.
I’ve worked with Helena & Jasper a number of times, documenting some of their most special life events (even took Jasper’s headshot for his med school application!), so when I was presented the opportunity to document the new addition to their family, I was ecstatic! Not just because Helena & Jasper are sweet and awesome people who deserve nothing but the best, but because becoming new parents is a very transformational pivot point in their lives - teaching you things about life and love that no other life experiences can. I wanted to document the beginning of this unconditional love and bond with their 8-week old human.
Let me tell you, this half hour session was one of the most sweet, tender and magical moments I’ve ever had the privilege to witness. I won’t say why as I hope the images from this in-home newborn lifestyle session will do all the talking. Thank you Helena & Jasper for inviting me into your home and photographing another intimate and pivotal point in your lives. You guys will be the best parents and I already know Andreas will be the best big brother other siblings will be jealous of!
Helena on why capturing her newborn feeding was important to her.
“I’m glad you captured us breastfeeding- that has been a hard journey. Breastfeeding was a challenge from the start because he was premature and didn’t quite get it right away. I, like many new moms, put a lot of pressure on myself to breastfeed because it’s what is considered “best”. I didn’t know that it would take weeks of pain, sleepless nights, frustration, and worrying about whether he was getting enough. We are in a better place now, but I know many moms who struggled for months or more it pushed them to the brink physically and emotionally. Breastfeeding is basically an Olympic sport and anyone who does it, either for 1 day or for a whole year, deserves a fucking medal! “
- Helena
“The family you create is more important than the family you came from.” I said what I said! While this statement is subjective and debatable, there’s an awful lot of truth in it.
If you have enjoyed this Portland newborn lifestyle session, I’d appreciate a comment or a share! If you’re interested in working together on your family session, click the button below to get in touch with me!