Baby Isaiah

During our recent trip to South Carolina, we were able to visit the newest addition to the family. Little Isaiah was only five weeks old and I took the opportunity to make some newborn images.

Hello there Isaiah. Thanks for waking up for a few minutes. Smile for the camera!

Alida, obviously the mother, snuggles with Isaiah.

Paul and Alida with their newest addition. I have to take a moment to explain the lighting here. I hadn't really planned on any formal studio shots, figuring I could improvise with any old background in their house. But then I started to want that pure black background more and more. Unfortunately, I left my large black background at home as I was trying to travel light. While there are some tricks to getting black background inside, I wasn't able to get the light close enough for that to work. Luckily, everyone was willing to shoot the photos on the back porch. There are trees behind them but they are far enough away that everything goes black. The rim light was balanced on a patio chair, and the main light (umbrella) was sitting on the hot tub. Luckily, the rain held off long enough for us to get these in!

Baby feet are a standard detail. Adding Paul's hands creates a little more depth to the image and puts things into perspective.

Big sis Alexandra joined in for a full family portrait.

Alida holding Isaiah.

I used a long lens to pick off some unobtrusive photos that let the family behave naturally.

Later in the week we wanted to try some more photos. We used a dark blanket draped on the couch for these with the intention to go back outside later. We were able to get all the shots right there in the living room.

Congratulations Paul, Alida and Alexandra. Isaiah is quite handsome and I'm glad I had the chance to make some photos this early in his life. Good Luck!