A friend of Megan's, Valerie Smith, does baby pictures for a living and sat down later with Max. Wonderful pictures. For more of her work, check her blog.
A lot of babies are photographed with all the cliches-- Mom and Dad holding the baby's hand, rings around toes, laying on blankets, etc. And I struggle mightily with those pictures. Yes, it's just another type of photography, but it's different than my day-to-day stuff -- shoot what's there, it's usually moving, don't pose anything. We don't use props like bows, rubber ducks, knit hats, onesies, binkies (binkies, really?).
It's like driving. Most of us can drive a car, but driving a Big Truck poses entirely different problems. We can change a light switch, but working on power lines with enough power to cook the sun is another story.
So, when little Max became available for pictures, I jumped at the chance to improve my baby picture abilities. After a short break-- it was the first time I've ever had to look away so I wouldn't lose lunch. Poop. Not pretty. In brilliant technicolor, yet.
Still, Lee and Megan made taking pictures easy. Lee switches from class clown to attentive and doting father in an instant. Megan talks about babies like she's had a dozen-- with a grin and a light, matter-of-fact tone.Then, there's Cali. A beautiful boxer who has apparently decided it's her job to protect the newest member of the family. As Max lay on the stack of colorful blankets (cliche?), Cali wandered over and just stood there with a watchful eye on the guy with the camera. "Take just one step closer..."
All in all, a good day. A very short day because Max became cranky over his time in front of the camera. Relax, Max. Sleeping babies, I've learned quickly, are always easier to photograph.
Next is a photograph of Max and his cousin while playing together. Now, THAT I can do. But that's a while down the road.
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