Jennifer Riley Photography Middletown, Maryland: July 2013

I couldn't imagine being a newborn photographer, without having had the experience of being a new mother, and having had a new baby, myself. Having experienced being a new mother twice, I understand the levity of the first few weeks of mommy-hood. I also understand that there is only one boss... that newborn baby. Mothers and newborn photographers alike, have in mind how they think the photo session will go, but oftentimes the newborn baby may have something else in mind...

I was contacted to photograph newborn baby Braylie and her mother sent me some images of some gorgeous images she wanted to capture. I was excited to a sort of shadowbox-ish image she had sent and got together some great props to use. Well, Braylie had another plan. She decided that we were going to do more of a mommy and me shoot. She had no interest in being laid down, she just wanted her mama!

This is why I explain that a session can take between one and three hours. It totally depends on how the baby reacts. We still managed to get a couple of images of her on her own, but got a ton of great pictures of her and mommy, which I totally love. So often it's the mommies that are behind the camera and its great to capture those moments and that connection.

Braylie also has an adorable older brother so I got some great pictures of him and the whole family together. All in all it was a super fun shoot. I totally love meeting new people and taking pictures of those special moments.