About a month ago, as Texas was beginning to re-open for business, these gorgeous newborn eyes were staying closed a little longer. The best newborn portrait time is typically between six and fourteen days, and my neighbor’s baby had just turned two weeks old. As you know, it takes incredible bravery to have kids in the best of times. Now, with all the crazy extra Covid19 stress, it’s downright heroic. In response to the serious pandemic, new hospital precautions include no family in the waiting room during delivery, no grandparents visiting to hold the baby, and everyone smiling at the bundle of joy through masks or phone screens. So, even though I don’t normally offer outdoor newborn shoots, this abnormal time made an exception seem reasonable. I donned my n-95, sanitized my hands, and quickly tucked baby Brooklyn into fresh-from-the-dryer wraps. Then, I handed her off to her parents, Alicia and Kory, across the street. Directing the poses from a distance had its challenges, but we managed to capture several very special images.
After sanitizing again, we did what is called “bowl shots.” This technique allowed me to balance safe distance and repositioning. Even with my mask and clean hands, out of an abundance of caution, I am learning how to do this work with a light touch, minimizing actual contact.
As more information is released about the novel Coronavirus, the more I will be adapting my policies. As of right now, I am booking studio newborn sessions for late summer (with added precautions, of course). It’s non-negotiable to do it safely, but it’s important to keep doing it. In the “what-I-know-for-sure” file, is the fact that photographs can be a bright spot of tangible joy amid uncertainty of these difficult times. And a really good print from a newborn session, though not a replacement for holding and smelling a new baby, is a wonderful gift to receive.
More information on my newborn sessions can be found under the portfolio link.
