So, I'll just go ahead and say, this little guy is so lucky to be born to these parents. He is going to be so loved, so cherished, and he will be surrounded by art every day of his life. Mom is very talented musically, teaching herself to play guitar and singing in church weekly. She said that baby boy even "dropped" and engaged while singing in church! I can imagine his life in the womb, being gently rocked and swayed to the rhythm of beautiful music while listening to the voice of his mother lull him to sleep.
When I did their maternity session (you can read more about that here!), we talked a lot about music and how baby reacted to it. He's been surrounded by the rhythm and beat of music from day one, tapping and kicking along inside his mama's belly. Dad mentioned he could put his hand on her belly and feel him dancing around when they played music and sang to him. And sure enough, when he was fussy during his newborn session, Mama put on some music and he quieted down and became so curious about his surroundings.
Dad is a very talented videographer here in Hampton Roads and I am so glad that this baby's life will be documented and memories recorded from Dad's perspective. What an awesome blessing to be able to go back and see such heartfelt videos produced by your own Dad when you're older? I think seeing your childhood through your Dad's eyes will be absolutely priceless. And the boy will be no stranger to the camera!

These are first time parents, but you wouldn't be able to tell it from looking at them. I was terrified as a first time mom (many people can attest to this!), but they approach parenthood with such an unmistakeable joy, calm, and confidence. I was in awe at their laid back demeanor.
But let's talk about this baby! What a hunk of of chunky goodness! Holy macaroni at his sweet, precious little rolls! I couldn't get enough of him and they were even awesome enough to let me snuggle him for a second. Could my job get any better? I mean, seriously. I don't think so. After a long and rather eventful labor, Ryker was born at 37.5 weeks weighing in at a whopping 9lbs 11oz and 21.5 inches long at 2:07am. His parents are staying busy loving and kissing and cuddling every ounce of him, rightfully so.

Here's a few more of my favorites from their session. If you'd like to schedule your own in home newborn session with me, use the contact tab above or find me on Instagram @jess.nicole.photography or see some of my work or tag your favorite photos by me at #thebravestoryteller !

What? You don't use props or put babies in cute poses? No baskets? No backdrops? No little hats?
Nope. 

I know, it's okay. I get that question sometimes. And the answer is no, I don't really do that. Yes it's cute and it's totally okay if that is something that you are interested in. But for me, I am more interested in documenting the relationship that is forming. The head-over-heels, breathtaking, all encompassing obsession with that mini-you. The way that daddy looks into that precious face with such wonder, pride, and amazement. The way the mother cradles that little head into the crook of her neck and inhales the sweetest, most intoxicating aroma that ever was- the newborn smell. Once they are finally here and you look into that perfect face, it's all over. You know that no matter what, you will never be the same. This love has fundamentally changed you. 
And THAT is what I'm after.

Your world has completely changed, completely spun off it's axis. You're tired, you're running on fumes and you may not even know what day it is. Your new postpartum body may be not exactly what you had expected and everything is sore. I get it. I truly do. I feel you mama. I've been there and I know exactly what it's like. But above and beyond all of that is the wonderful new adventure you are embarking on. Let's focus on the beauty, the magic that is happening right here, right now. A new story is unfolding and it's full of excitement, twists and turns, fear, hope, and at the root of it all- love. It's always been about love, hasn't it?

So, what can you expect for your Signature Newborn Session with me?

1. A stress free environment. Seriously. Think of me as an old family friend coming into your home and hanging out with you for a few hours. I am adorably awkward and easy to talk to  (I think). My number one goal besides amazing pictures documenting this sweet baby is for you to feel comfortable enough to show me the real you, for you to be a little vulnerable and let me interpret that into art. I also think it really helps that you don't have to leave your house days after giving birth to come to a studio. I come to you and meet you where you are.
   
2. Zero Judgement. Seriously. This falls in with #1- I don't want this to be a stressful experience for you. I'm a mama of 3 rowdy kids and a clumsy, goofy 95lb slobbering Boxer. I know all about dog hair, toys scattered everywhere, the "laundry chair" (yes, I know about it, we have one too), and dishes in the sink. Trust me, your house is just fine it won't ruin the pictures. I encourage you to just embrace yourself and this season in your life. There's plenty of time for perfect houses, but what is important right now is just being present in the moment and giving these babies the love they need. If it makes you feel any better, I'll even come in leggings and a mom bun! You don't need to prep your home or do a thorough deep cleaning. Remember, I'm all about zero stress and zero judgement.
   
3. Pre-Consultation about your session either by video chat, phone, or email. During our pre-consultation I will ask you about your daily routine, what time frame you think would work best for your family, things your specifically want photographed, things you specifically do not wish to be photographed, and characteristics of your family/what the dynamic is like.
4. Taking lots of pictures. I like to move around freely and capture things happening in and around the home. Sometimes I may get a chair or step stool in order to create the image I want- I've even been known to ask to stand on the couch (if that's okay with you! And I take my shoes off at the door!). I take pictures of "everyday" things because they are so beautiful now, but boy, do they get more beautiful with time. Cuddles, siblings and their happenings (even our furry friends!), napping on mommy/daddy's chest, and crying are all things I love to capture. I also will ask if we can lay baby down so that I can get detail shots of their sweet features. Some mothers wished to be photographed nursing their baby and that is certainly something I encourage. I've even take pictures of mothers pumping while Dad feeds baby. It's really up to you and your comfort level. I won't share any pictures you don't wish to be shared. The beautiful, real life moments are what make these sessions truly unique- evoking emotions and bringing your right back to that moment in time years from now. I do reserve about 10 minutes during the session for a few loosely posed pictures, if you wish.
5. A flexible time frame. I typically like to do newborn shoots within 2 weeks of delivery, but I don't really do any posing, so that's not super rigid. I say within 2 weeks because newborns change SO MUCH from day to day. Their hair changes (or they may even lose a lot of it!), they lose that scrunched up look as they adjust to life on the outside, they may have longer periods awake, their skin smooths out and loses the flakes, etc. Some babies are even out of newborn clothes by the time they are 2 weeks old!
6. Digital Gallery Delivery. About 2-3 weeks after your session, I will deliver a digital password-protected gallery of edited images with a download PIN number. They are yours to print for personal use. If you chose to add prints and/or products to your session, this is when you would tell me which images you wanted, what sizes, and what you would like them printed on. And when they come in from my professional lab, I'll hand deliver them to you!

For more information about scheduling your session with me, feel free to check out these blog posts or use the contact tab above to shoot me a message.
What to Wear for your session with Jess Nicole Photography
Why Choose Documentary Photography
What to Expect for my session with Jess Nicole Photography