LITTLE MISS M NEWBORN SHOOT
A photographer is for life, not just for Christmas, one of my clients joked with me a few years ago. I call myself a wedding photographer but actually, it's not a wedding that I like to photograph, don't get me wrong. Whilst I love a bit of bling, some beautiful flowers and a goregous venue, and some delicious food, those aren't the things that actually light up my soul. Human connection is, and that expression of love.
It's that moment a groom sees his bride for the first time and it takes his breath away. It's the look of pride in a father's eyes when we do the bridal reveal. The bridesmaids tear up when they see their best friend looking so beautiful, the way a couple give thanks to their venue in their speeches, and the look on the maître d's face when a florist hands over the bridal bouquet and the bride sees her vision finally come to life. It's those tender moments between the older generation and the younger generation of weddings. If you've been following me for a long time, you know I'm a sucker for an old person at a wedding. It goes without saying that actually, it's not just weddings that I want to photograph.
It's every moment of human connection. At the beginning of this year I got a lovely little email from Danielle, letting me know that her and Dean had had their first child. Those close to me will know how much these messages mean to me. The fact that someone not only invites me to capture one incredible moment in their life, but two, still blows my mind. The baby, at the weeks that follow is an incredibly vulnerable and emotional time.
With newborn photography really needing to happen in the first week or two of life, you're really seeing people at their most vulnerable. Like many new parents, Dean and Danielle had only really twigged that they needed and wanted images of M after she was born. This normally isn't ideal but little Miss M certainly rocked her shoot. It's easier for new parents. All of my newborn shoots take place in the comfort of their home and I bring everything that I need with me. I wonder if they think I'm moving in when I arrive on the doorstep; blankets, cloth nappies, baby posers, props, backdrops. Not to mention photography equipment all get schlepped into the house. I've made a note also to bring a flask of tea so that I don't have any strain when there's already a busy time for them.
Danielle was uber-organized for our shoot and had literally bought a whole wardrobe full of clothes for Mirabelle's first outing in front of the camera. The cutest dungarees, gorgeous little baby grows and the most delightful headbands all the way ready and waiting, along with a mood board of the shots that she was hoping to achieve.
She was like a dream client to me! Little M totally rocked her modeling debut. She was full of smiles, a million in one beautiful expressions and of course is one of the cutest little girls that I've seen.
Thank you so much, for not only entrusting me with your wedding images but allowing me to come and document the next stage in your journey. It really was an honour and a privilege to share such a special moment with you. Dean and Danielle have opted for The Baby's 1st Year Collection, so you'll be seeing a lot more of this little cutie in the next 12 months.
Venetia xx
