Maryland Newborn Photography // Baby Colin // Posed + Lifestyle Session

I’ve mentioned before (several times) how much a newborn photographer loves a sleeping baby. Sleeping babies are peaceful. Sleeping babies don’t cry. Sleeping babies don’t mind being put down on a big blanket, or wrapped up in a gauzy swaddle, or squished into wicker basket.

So when I got all set up at the Saft household and Colin showed absolutely no signs of drifting off, I prepared myself. I knew we might have to work a little holder to keep him wrapped up tight. We may have to take more breaks to keep him comfortable and content. I knew we’d get the shots (it always works out!) but I also knew it might just a little more difficult. I even warned Karen and David of this to keep them from stressing out!

Then little Colin made a big old liar out of me.

He was just so very relaxed! Awake, yes, but calm calm calm. He had absolutely no problem being the star of our shoot and just hung out while I went crazy taking photos. If it hadn’t been for his adorable, bright-eyed face looking back at me, I might have thought he drifted off on me! By the end of the shoot, he actually did drift off on me, so we were able to snag a couple of those classic sleep shots as well.

Colin is an extremely lucky little dude because he has an awesome big brother, Jacob, who easily had the most fun out of all of us. He clearly thought we were all just hanging out! I got lots of great shots of the two of them in between lots of giggles. Jacob also pushed all the buttons - and I mean that literally! According to Mom and Dad, Jacob has always been fascinated with buttons and, of course, what happens when you push them! Between my camera, light stand, and the ceiling fan remote, he had plenty to choose from. When you’re trying to get an almost two year old to take cute pictures for you, it’s good to find your in. Mine was knowing just enough detail about Paw Patrol to win his trust, and then letting him have a little fun with the buttons in between shots. If he wants, Jacob has some serious potential in the field of engineering! He truly did push all of the buttons, but not without giving me some shots for the album!

Even though I was thoroughly impressed with Colin’s chilled out attitude and Jacob’s ability to make the session fun, one of my favorite moments was seeing the handmade cradle that Karen’s stepfather made for her children. When she told me about it, there was no way I could have prepared myself for just how beautiful it is. It is obvious how much time, energy, and love was poured into it. I wish my bed looked that amazing! We made sure to get some shots of Colin gently swaying in it, and sure enough, Jacob had to come over to investigate. It was a pretty adorable moment, even if they didn’t know it!

Newborn shoots, especially with alert and awake little ones, can be tough, but the Saft family handled it like champs! I love that I got to capture so many smiles and happy moments for them!