SLOW THE FLOW

Written By Jolene Cody
Lifestyle black and white photograph of new mother holding baby in her arms. Photo of their reflection in an antique mirror.
Newborn laying on his back on a tweed couch, with legs in the air. Map of New York City hangs above him.
 

As a family photographer, it's my job to observe. I don't just walk into a space and assess the best light. I also need to evaluate the best moods. There's a lot of micro decision-making within the first 10 minutes of walking into a completely new space, and I've noticed that the work I'm most proud of is work that I created in a relaxed setting.

 
Lifestyle newborn family photo. Looking at mom and dad wearing white and denim sitting on their bed holding baby boy in white onesie.
Black and white lifestyle newborn family photo. Looking up at mom and dad holding baby and loving on him.
White and denim color scheme lifestyle newborn family photo. Looking down from above, mom and dad holding baby and loving on him.
 

I know, I know, we are a very busy generation. We have things to do and places to be, and there's an expectation that photography is fast and easy because our iPhones are great. The thing is, this need to rush can add a strong undercurrent of anxiety for everyone involved. Newborn photography requires a very different approach—a bit of time and a lot of flow.

 
Lifestyle newborn photograph of a baby boy crying. Baby is wearing white on a white bed with arms raised.
Lifestyle photograph of new mother breastfeeding her son. All white and Denim. She looks into his eyes lovingly.
Lifestyle newborn photo of mom and dad gazing into each others eyes with bright window light flooding in behind them. Baby is perched between them wearing white.
Lifestyle photograph of baby boy leaning on mothers thighs, hugging himself and laughing.
Lifestyle photograph of new baby being kissed by small black dog.
 

My newborn sessions are 2hrs long because I firmly believe we need the space and time to breathe. Newborns are unpredictable, and as a parent, you are also juggling your own set of micro decisions. I don't want to add a timer to the mix. If we need more time, I will stay. If we have gotten every shot before the 2hrs, then I leave.

 
Black and white photograph of a grandmother burping he grandson while looking out the window. Grandmother wearing a black shirt and baby wearing white.
Close-up photo of newborn baby being hand by grandfather.
Grandfather sitting on a tweed couch wearing a dark green t-shirt and dark blue jeans. He is holding his newborn grandson who is wearing a soft grey two piece suit.
 

This wonderful family was a perfect example of effortless flow. Nursing breaks led to photo ops, and snack breaks led to grandparent photos. It was what newborn session dreams are made of.

 
Jolene Cody
Previous

WHEN AND WHY?
Next

MAKE IT A FILM