Friday, in between painting in the morning and playing golf in the late afternoon, I got to photograph one of my favorite type of portrait sessions: a newborn and a newborn with her mom and/or dad. This time the clients were friends, Wes and Shannie, and their 11 day old daughter, Bella.

Of course, there is something magical about a baby, so small and dependent, but so strong, stirring with so much life. This was especially fun because Wes is fully sleeved and the contrast of the tattoos and the baby was striking.

It also reinforced my idea to change my camera room to all natural light. The light, with the help of bed sheets and reflectors was spectacular, caressing the baby while highlighting the tattoos. It’s so much fun and so beautiful to see the light through the viewfinder, unlike a flash where you have to guess how the light is going to look. I feel like a kid at a PlayStation store.

If you, or someone you know, has, or will have in the near future, a newborn baby - younger than two weeks - give me a call or drop me an email. I want some more portrait samples, so with a $45 donation to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, I’ll donate a studio portrait session and one 5x7 ($250 value).

Live Beautifully,

Michael