The Wilson family was introduced to me by a good friend of my wife’s that she met while working on a cruise ship. You never know how much of an effect someone you meet today will have on your lifetime. My wife and I met while working on a cruise ship, in very different departments of work. She worked with kids, I worked with cameras. My wife also met a lot of friends on the ship, one being her friend Ainsley that she hit it off with right away. Years later they still keep in touch and Ainsley recommended me to her brother for this photo shoot.

The Wilson’s were welcoming their newborn son into their family of three and wanted this moment in time documented. Their son has an older sister that is full of spark and determination. At first it was difficult to get her to smile and look at the camera but, as time went on she felt more and more comfortable. Until then, I took photos of her playing. She was in her comfort zone and happy to be playing on her own. She didn’t even notice me in the background shooting photo after photo. Once she felt more comfortable, she kept looking straight at the camera and smiling from ear to ear, every time I set her up in a new pose.

When their daughter was born, Minnie and her husband held a photo session. One of their favourite photos to come of that session was one where Dad held his newborn daughter naked in his arms. It’s a beautiful shot that makes the baby look helpless in her dad’s strong arms to protect her. Minnie wanted that photo recreated with their newest addition to the family. The photo was a success but, not without our share of obstacles. One obstacle being that the baby boy was surprised and chilly, which caused him to pee on his poor dad. Not only once but a few times! Once he emptied his bladder, we were able to use the abundant amount of light in the hallway of their home to recreate a beautiful image of a father’s love and protection.

 

Often times during newborn photo sessions, moms are particularly uncomfortable with getting in front of the camera. After giving birth to your new baby, the interrupted sleep and new responsibilities added to your plate, there’s not much time left for Mom. During newborn photo sessions, we often get the best images of mom toward the end. Once she has time to warm-up to the process and understands that I use various positioning skills to enhance her beauty, Mom is more open to getting in front of the camera. One of my favourite photos of the Wilson’s is the one I call the Puzzle Piece. While baby Finn is lying on his side, Minnie drapes herself gently over the baby, filling in the spaces with her own body. A true representation of how the baby is still and always will be a part of her.

Photos taken by Dragi Andovski, published ©2015 DA Photography

Photo Location: In-House and backyard, Sutton, ON