Jude Conning Photography

Like most newborn photographers I started out with all the props - beanbag, baskets, bowls, sheepskins, bonnets and so forth - you get the picture. Well in actual fact I started out going to the family's home and doing the sessions there. But then I set up my studio, got the props and worked hard to produce those beautiful and artistic images of perfectly posed sleeping babies in the studio.

I have a confession - I am not the baby whisperer! Parents would bring their beautiful newborn in for a session and they were apologising because their little one cried or fought their way out of the wrap or worse made a "mess" when they were naked. They were even more aghast when their 2 year-old tried to dismantle the studio. Dad's would get restless because the session went on and on and Mum's were feeding endlessly to try to settle the baby. We did manage to achieve beautiful images but it wasn't the experience I had hoped for the families. And I wasn't capturing the emotions, the connection and the joy at this new arrival.

Don't get me wrong, I have great respect for the amazing traditional newborn photographers and I know many families love that style.

I began to take a more relaxed approach, letting the baby lead the session and involving others present in the whole process. Early this year I was asked to do an in-home session and I realised this is what I wanted to offer. The siblings were happy as they were in their own environment and the parents did not have to pack up and go out in those early and somewhat chaotic days after a baby's arrival.

I am still going to offer sessions at the studio as well as in-home sessions but they will be along the lines of a lifestyle session, the baby will be boss and hopefully, everyone one present will get in on the act.

Babies are perfect, just the way they are. The more simple and natural the setting the more the baby's personality will shine through and I will create timeless and classic images which you can treasure forever. And let's see those beautiful newborn eyes gazing at everything wonderous in their new lives.

Imagine the opportunities to create natural and more meaningful interactions between the siblings and their new brother or sister.

And make sure that parents are in the picture with their precious baby and not standing on the sidelines...

If you want to find out more about these sessions then please contact me via this link or phone me 0418828338