A Newborn Experience

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

I've never done a photo shoot with a newborn baby before, so this was an entirely new experience for me! Our great friends Chris and Erica Irvine asked if I would do some shots with their Nathaniel and I agreed, knowing that they would be patient with me as I stumbled along, trying to figure out this baby photography thing as I went. 

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Yes, I saw all those amazing cute baby-chin-on-hands shots on Pinterest, or those shots of intricately detailed tiny feet held in dad's giant paws…. Yeah, would love to hit that level some day, but this is my first try. The scale is so different, composition and lighting are different than I am used to, and I couldn't exactly tell the little man to look towards the light. There were plenty of times I would move the light to meet his gaze, only to have him look right back to where I had moved the light from. It was great practice trying to keep up with this little guy! 

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

When Nathaniel had enough of the bright lights we would put his sisters on set for some fun shots. The pink boots were awesome. And oh, the props - so much fun to work with. Thanks to Josie Walsh for letting me borrow some of her amazing creations for the shoot. Josie, you're awesome!  

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 400, 1/45

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 400, 1/45

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Through it all I am getting a better sense of my style…. I enjoy slowing down, relaxing, hanging out, building toward a shot a step at a time, spending the afternoon together, and everyone enjoying the process. Maybe I'm just slow at it because I don't do this enough, but I also think it is a style that I want to keep. A rushed one hour session just isn't my thing. 

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/2.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.8, ISO 400, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

So I'll leave with this shot, my good buddy Chris, with his son Nathaniel. The Irvine's are a wonderful family and a blessing to those around them. I'm so glad we can call them friends and that I was able to capture a moment in their lives.  

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125

Fuji X-E1, XF35mm 1.4 @ f/1.4, ISO 200, 1/125