It's true, my job never gets old. A few times a week, I take photos of babies who are fresh out of the womb, only 1 or 2 days old. It can be a challenge getting that moment when baby is somewhat happy. A lot of things are happening for mom and baby; there are nurses, lactation consultants, doctors, pediatricians, hearing screeners, birth certificate officers, family and friends constantly coming in and out of the room. It can feel like Grand Central Station in that tiny little room. Mom is exhausted, she is probably feeling the most tired and sore she has every felt. Then I come in with my camera and ask mom if I can take baby photos.
One would think it would be an easy sale - who doesn't want photos of their baby? Well, that is not always the case, sometimes, mom just wants to be left alone.
Last week, I entered a room and the mom was not excited about photos, Dad said they had taken enough photos with their camera already. But I pointed out that baby was wide awake and happy and it may be a perfect time to at least try so they agreed.
Later on, I showed them their baby's photos. The dad started welling up with tears. He said to me, "When we were driving to the hospital, all I could think of was 'God, please let this boy be healthy! Please, please, please let him be healthy! I don't care if he is the ugliest baby, I don't care if he has 12 toes and 7 fingers, just please let him be healthy!' And, not only did I get a perfectly healthy boy, I got the most beautiful boy I could have ever imagined!"
This really struck a chord with me as I felt the same way when both my girls were born way back when. I went home and dug up the first photos of my girls. I can look at these photos and remember the amazing bliss I felt to hold them for the first time and the exciting anticipation of being their mother. These photos seem to mark the beginning of a love that would grow and become unlimited for these two girls. All the emotion comes back, having these photos are priceless to me.
My daughters are now 16 and 12 and before I know it, they will be ready to move on, start familes of their own and I want to scream out for time to just slow down a little bit.
Sometimes, I can't believe how complete strangers let me into their life and trust me to record one of the happiest moments ever.
I have photographed around 500 babies this past year and I am so honored to all the parents who have allowed me to document this wonderful time. Thank you!!!!
