Fact: I have made at least 4 Facebook “flyers” for mini sessions in the past year, and just could not get up the gumption to post them. I loved the idea of photographing lots of sweet babies in a day, but thought for sure that something would go massively amiss and I would find myself up a certain well-known creek with no paddle.
So I decided if I was going to do mini sessions, I was going to do them on my own terms. I have no desire to photograph babies in frilly tutus and patent leather shoes. I love their soft bare skin and the earthiness of their plain baby selves. I got some flack from other photographers on the first post, saying that if families want their babes dressed to the nines, that it was my job as a photographer to do it and not put stipulations on the sessions…. My response was: by all means, get on your Christmas smock and have professional photos! I just don’t want to be the one to do it! 🙂
Ultimately, I want clients who share my vision and I think all of these mamas were more than happy to have their babies sporting these lovely items, so soft and luxurious, it would never make sense for a parent to buy a pair of 75$ angora or cashmere shorts… but me… I may or may not have an addiction to collecting these things! (thank you SO much Persnickety’s Knits and Zoe and Oliver ! ) No last minute frantic shopping for outfits, no needing to come up with “ideas” for a shoot. All my props, my hats and headbands are there at their disposal… literally hundreds and hundreds of them. I think it takes the pressure off and makes it fun again! These 20 minute sessions were the perfect length of time, particularly for the littler babies who don’t have the stamina for the usual hour long session- there are several 4 month olds down there and although it’s not typically an age I’d suggest scheduling photos for, I think they turned out so stinking cute!
Long story short, I ADORED these mini sessions. The second the door closed after the last shoot ended, I knew right away this was something I’m going to make a part of my business. It’s a great way to see those sweet newborns I cuddled months ago again. Bonus: if you had your newborn photos taken by me, or were a workshop model, the sessions are discounted ($295 vs $375) For those who want the whole family involved, I do book very limited family sessions in the summer months, but the weather is just too unpredictable here to do them consistently during the rainy season (you know, that 9 month period, LOL).
I will be doing these again probably in February, and again outside once it warms up in the spring and summer! I hope to see some new faces, as well as some repeats. The babes from the session ranged in age from 7 weeks to 16 months. Right around walking age is about the maximum for these types of shoots, because my little sets just aren’t big enough for a baby who can run away…
It was hard to choose only 5 favorites for each kiddo…but here they are in no particular order 🙂
Gorgeous work as usual, these babies are all so adorable!!
Gorgeous, Erin. You should always do what YOU want. First, it’s stunning. Second, when you do what you love, the beauty comes through. Doing the frilly patent leather shoe thing would be a completely different gig. That’s available anywhere and isn’t nearly as beautiful. So glad you did these. Thank you.
That is one beautiful collection of baby names! Amazing work Erin!
That top photograph of Maddax is, I think, my favorite shot of a baby ever. Ever ever ever. Just gorgeous! Do you ever come to California? 🙂