WELCOME BABY ELI | NEW JERSEY PHOTOGRAPHER | NEWBORN LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
new jersey newborn photographer | lifestyle newborn photography
To be completely honest newborn photography wasn’t really my thing… I never advertised I did it. I felt uneasy, nervous and frankly scared around newborns and new moms. I felt like I was invited into this sacred space where I didn’t quite belong. In the waiting it was hard to be around something I wanted so desperately. I know my newborn clients had no intention of making me feel uncomfortable and I hope I never gave off the vibe that I was because it was truly a joy to capture their first moments as a new family together. And I did love getting a fix of that sweet newborn smell! But that was the old Melissa….
When a fellow Air Force family contacted me about capturing their first moments as a new family of three I did not have those same feelings! I realized that after experiencing my own newborn there was absolutely NOTHING to be nervous about… they aren’t as unpredictable (or fragile) as I use to think! I jumped on the chance to photograph this very short moment in time for them.
When I got the message that Hannah was in labor I couldn’t wait to hear the news, ask how mom was and schedule the shoot. Now my very first thought isn’t “Awwwww, free baby smells!!!!!”, now it’s “Gotta find out how mom is doing!” Postpartum recovery is NO JOKE people! I feel like I was extremely insensitive to my moms previous because I just didn’t know! So if you are a newborn photographer ask how mom is, move slow during the session and bring them a meal when you show up.
I had a blast during Eli’s newborn session!
It felt amazing to get behind the camera again with clients in front.
Hannah and Joel were game for anything and hosted me in their home for nearly two hours because I just couldn’t stop myself!
I am so grateful to the Woods for asking me to capture this once in a lifetime memory. Enjoy all the newborn snuggles even though you may feel like you’re going to pass out in your coffee…. oh and don’t forget to brush your teeth!!!!
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS NEWBORN SESSION YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
FLIGHT LINE HOMECOMINGS | MILITARY HOMECOMINGS | AIR FORCE |
I seriously have an addiction for these flight line homecoming photos! I absolutely love being able to photograph families reunions right off a plane thats been around the world fueling the fight.
Separated for more than 4 months and little Bjorn would not let his daddy go when he saw him. I 100% cried as he and the other children ran up to their dads, whom they haven't seen in months! Spouses who long to have that first kiss in months or even a year wait longingly at the bottom of the stairs. Anticipating the sight of her man in tan, the widest smile covers her face and she can barely contain her excitement.
I'm sure you have seen military homecoming videos but being there in person to witness the reuniting of families is the best feeling in the world. No matter the relationship this is such a long anticipated reunion and deserves to be celebrated with photos!
WELCOME HOME | SPOKANE MILITARY HOMECOMING | AIR FORCE
I love when families ask me to capture the moments their family is reunited after long months of separation. This time of year everyone wants them because its no longer snowing, icy and cold. I'm so blessed to be in a community that values family and marriages enough to ask me to photograph this amazing moment.
It really is hard not to cry when I'm shooting and welcoming a loved one home. Washed with relief, love, joy, and hope they have their first touch in months. Lips lock and it feels like a first kiss.
I would be lying to you if I could honestly say "absence makes the heart grow fonder." To be honest, I kind of want to punch who ever came up with that quote in the face. The more deployments I go through, and my friends go through as well, my heart does not grow fonder, it grows sad and hard. I know what to expect and I don't like it. You don't have a choice but only to keep on keeping on. But I will tell you that this one moment of relief in reunion just about makes up for the months of lonely nights in bed, single parenting, and watching Netflix without your best friend.
Welcome home.