Expecting...

This weekend I took on a portrait shoot with special significance, not least for the couple. It is their first, and long hoped for child and so they asked me if I might take some pregnancy portraits for their baby album.

As with all the portrait photography I am asked to do I work informally, and where possible, utilising natural light.
No studio and flashing lights here, just the natural light falling through a netted window, where, by over exposing by a couple of stops, a soft light was able to subtly show the beauty of these natural female curves. Conversely, by under exposing, a much stronger image was achieved, which was ideal for the shots including the dad-to-be, with the reflected light just catching his eyes looking lovingly up to the two beings he loves most.

All being well there are plans for another shoot, a few more weeks further into the pregnancy. Meanwhile, I wish all three of them well.

Day 25 - August Challenge

 Challenge - "A photo that stirs emotion (any kind) and explain the reason why"

Suggested by - Ca via Twitter

I will be the first to agree, it isn't for everybody - the image, or the concept of breastfeeding.
However, I am making no apologies here, it is an action which stirs huge emotions in me. Why? Because I am a mother! I successfully fed both of our offspring for 8+ and 7 months respectively and I loved it! I can't say it was easy at the beginning but once accomplished, it was so enjoyable, and I have to admit, probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life. So now, to see mothers also performing what can be a very intimate but totally natural action, fills me with great joy and emotion. It can even still bring on a tingling sensation that only a mother will know.

When this assignment came in, I was pretty certain about what I wanted to do but finding a mother who would be prepared to share this moment of special bonding with their child might prove tricky. After putting out a few feelers, a message dropped into my mailbox.

"Hi, heard you are looking for a breast feeding model? I'm game! Have a 12 week old little boy"

Naturally I was delighted, for as mentioned before, it isn't for everybody, let alone having a camera recording the moment. Jenni advised me that 11am was usual for his feed, so I arrived with plenty of time to spare to ensure we could all settle. There was no time to spare! The little man was hungry and, with not a moment to set up, we went head-long into the shoot.

What a little star! First shot, and he gifts me this. (What did I say only on Wednesday? Why is it often first or last shot that ends up being the one!) Of course, I went on to take more lovely images of little Ollie, for his mum Jenni and not forgetting dad, Richard. I am so grateful to this lovely young family for being so open and willing. It was a delight and little Ollie is a gorgeous delight. Just 12 weeks old (born on the 1st June) he will grow and change quickly and now, hopefully, mum and dad, you will be able to treasure one more special moment.

Thank you.

The grab shot

My thanks to:

Ca for the suggestion
Carol and Corinne for being the go-betweens
Huge, huge thanks to Jenni and Richard
Special thanks to the little star, Ollie

Tomorrow, Day 26

"Sound"

*To enquire or to book a shoot*
Use the contact box on the right hand side of this blog.

 

New Born

This latest visit to West Cork has been rather a short one and although I haven't been able to indulge in my usual regional subject matter, in my opinion I was able to go one better. Having previously photographed his siblings, the lovely parents wanted me to complete the family group with this newest arrival.

This little man, at barely two weeks old, is absolutely gorgeous. The scary thing is, the next time that I will see him, he will have changed so much, which makes these first pictures all the more precious.
Thus, I will let them speak mostly for themselves.

The gentle touch from sister

Father and son