Creative Newborn Photographer | Philadelphia

Anyone who is in a creative field or has a creative hobby will tell you that they like to push themselves to grow and to remain fresh and excited about their work. I find that to be true of my own work as a newborn photographer. I've taken many courses, both online and in person, to learn new things and push my skill set. I also like it when my brain has to get involved. This session was just that type of session. As I was on the phone planning the session out with this mama, she had a request that I have never had put to me before: she wanted to incorporate her African heritage. Wow, that was one that had me stretching my "muscles" a little. I wanted to do this right, and do this respectfully, and do this well. Like, knock it out of the park well. I asked the mom to clarify for me a little bit because what my lived-in-Philadelphia-my-whole-life experience thinks that representing someone's heritage is might, well, be wrong. So, we talked, and I got it. Then, I headed to a store that we have in my town called Ten Thousand Villages, because I know that they offer fair trade options and pay indigenous people a fair wage to create items that are more genuine than anything else to which I might have access. I got a plan together. A "set list" as I call the individualized plan I make for every baby who is coming to my studio. I pull matching wraps, sets, hats, outfits, headbands, etc., and everything is customized for each baby.So, I got my items from the shop and set about writing my set list and pulling my props.Then mama, her sisters, and baby arrived. This little peanut girl was only 5 pounds, with a full set of hair and the most magnificent and tiny little features. I'm sure I "squeeeee"-ed a little but I'm pretty sure you will too when you see her photos.Those cheeks and her long fingers were just perfect in this darling little pose. Then I brought out my find. Mom asked for a giraffe. I found a giraffe, y'all. Oh, my my. Made from banana leaves. I think that this is my favorite image that I have ever taken in my life. Her name means "crown" in Eritrean, also. So, all around, perfect. I felt joyous that mama did feel that I knocked it out of the park. Phew. <3 You have maybe read this blog enough to know that one of my most favorite subjects is a tattooed parent with their baby. CHECK. This little Rosie the Riveter inspired set always gives me such joy. This girl did it proud! Pure. Simple. Perfect. and with flair I'm fairly sure I could go on posting favorites from this session all day long.  Instead, I will leave you with mama and two of Baby's aunts and Baby. Takes my breath away how beautiful these ladies are. These three were as fun as they were gorgeous. Thank you so much for the pleasure of photographing this new life that you have brought to the world. It was my honor and pleasure!To schedule your own new life's first moments, click here.