Not too long ago, I shared this beautiful family’s maternity photos at the beach in St Augustine and today, I’m thrilled to introduce their newest family member. Baby Rhys joined big brother Royce, and I was so honored to take their new baby photos at Orange Park Medical Center! These four are honestly one of my most favorite families I have ever worked with. It means so much to me how much they completely trusted me to guide them through the process. They were able to relax into themselves, as if I wasn’t even there. There is so much love between these four, and I cherish every opportunity to have them in front of me!
While I have your attention with this wonderful family sharing in the joy of their newest son, I want to share some special advice for mom and dad’s to be. Did you know that I love to come to the hospital to take your family’s first portraits in those precious first days?
Yes, many hospitals will provide a photography service but I would recommend hiring someone that you can personally vet. If you were to research the job requirements for these hospital based positions, you would see that these companies are looking for someone with entry-level photography skills, sales experience, and who feel comfortable holding newborn babies. That is typically the extent of the required expertise, and as an expert in this field, it is very concerning that is all that is required. I personally would not feel comfortable handing over an hours-old newborn to someone who is simply “comfortable holding a newborn,” versus hiring a professional who has extensive training in newborn anatomy and safety.
Not to mention, these moments are irreplaceable! You want to look at a photographer’s portfolio and see that they know how to use the challenging light in hospital rooms to capture evenly lit and tack sharp images . You also want to see that they’re able to comfortably and artistically position babies and families. When using the hospital provider photography service you’re at the mercy of whatever photographer happens to be on call that day.
Not only are you able to work with someone who has spent years working to perfect their craft, who has a portfolio full of work, but you’re also able to develop a relationship prior to your session. I personally offer a free consultation prior to booking so that we can get to know one another and plan your perfect in hospital newborn session. We can talk about what to wear, how to incorporate other family members and discuss all of the images you want to treasure for years to come.
In addition to getting to know you before the session, we will schedule the session at a time that works for you and your family. Do we need to work around sibling nap times? Not a problem. Want to have a shower and get your hair and makeup done prior to your session? We can do that! Whatever it is that you want, you’ll know exactly when I am coming and have plenty of time to get yourself and your family ready.
Mary of 8.08 Photography is an Orange Park Newborn Photographer in Jacksonville, Florida. Mary loves creating modern and classic images of families, preserving memories for a lifetime with an artistic touch. Also serving the families of Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, Amelia Island, Palm Coast, Fleming Island, Nocatee, Gainesville and surrounding NE Florida communities. Questions on details or prices for mixed lifestyle and newborn photography sessions in Jacksonville? Take a look here.