5 Newborn Photographs to capture as they grow

Capturing your little one as they grow.

Guest Blogger:

Lorrie of Lorrie Ann Photography  WEBISTE | FACEBOOK

Well, hello there! I’m Lorrie. I own Lorrie Ann Photography in Goshen, IN. You probably don’t know where that is, but when I say we’re just a bit east of Notre Dame I usually see people’s “ok, got it!” light bulbs turn on. I am a prop junkie that doesn’t know when to stop and a baby-aholic (it’s out of control). I’m also very happily married to my better half and together we have 3 children, ages 12, 6 and 4. They’re pretty awesome, everyone will tell you so. 😉

My studio is located in the historic Old Bag Factory in Goshen. I’ll give you one guess what the factory used to make (and no, it’s not grumpy old ladies). This location suits my style almost better than coffee suits my taste buds. It is rustic, beautiful, unique and welcoming.

I specialize in custom, fine art newborn photography and have devoted countless hours and dollar bills to studying the arts’ best practices. I strive to individualize each session I conduct in order to help my client understand how much the session means to me, personally. I know the feelings and memories photographs will stir. I want my clients to not only smile when they’re looking at their photographs, but to smile while remembering the experience they were having while taking the photographs.

Being a newborn photographer has taught me a great deal about life in general. One thing that stands out and is said at almost every session I have is how fast our babies grow. It’s true! How often do we use the old adage “my how time flies”?

Even before I was a photographer I was a firm believer in documenting my children’s different phases with photographs. I imagine myself older with my children grown, possibly with children of their own, reflecting on these photographs.

Again; I know the feelings and the memories they will stir. I know I’ll feel my heart swell with that unconditional love all over again. I’ll remember how I was their #1, their ouchie healer, their story teller, their chef and house maid, their referee and chauffer, their confidant and comfort, their #1 fan. I’ll remember how it sounded to hear them say “I love you, Mommy” and how it felt when they said “I can do it myself, Mom”. A few tears will probably be shed; most from happiness.

If I didn’t have these memories or the photographs on which to reflect, those moments would be gone forever.   Having a physical, visual reminder of these beautiful times in your life can restore, heal and encourage. So, get out that camera or book that session. Let’s document your child’s tiny little toes and the I’m-really-jealous-of-their-long-eyelashes-butterfly kisses.

Below are some shots you may not typically think to try and capture when photographing your newborn or baby. Taking the time yourself or specifically asking your photographer to get some of these suggestions on a routine basis (newborn, 3, 6, 9, 12 months etc) will help put into perspective how much they change in just a short amount of time. Think of it as their photographic growth chart. J

1. Tootsies

This is one of my all-time favorite shots for a baby of any age, but especially a newborn. Wrap up their ankles in a soft blanket or wrap, focus on the top foot and snap away!

2. Profiles

Make sure you can’t see the other cheek. Just one side and the tip of their nose (and possibly a few rolls or two).

3. Eyes Open!

Capture those baby blues and chocolate drops. They won’t stay that way long!

4. Their personality

Sometimes I like to surprise my clients with an awesome collage of their baby’s different expressions. They absolutely love seeing their personality in this way. A lot of times parents may feel the session didn’t go well because baby was awake or wouldn’t be still, but those times are secretly some of my favorites, because I get shots like the ones below that make mom and dad’s day!

5. Fingers

These little hands will be holding on to yours every time you cross a street, walk in a parking lot or sit on the couch together for the next several years.

I can promise you, having these pictures of your children when they were little (and not just when they’re a newborn, document the changes, too!) will warm your heart when you look back on them in the future. It will help bring back wonderful memories and put into perspective all you have accomplished, together.

You might find these articles helpful:

5 Inexpensive DIY props to Use with Newborns

8 DIY Newborn Pictures To Take at Home