Every kind of photography has its own challenges, which is why I am trying to experience them all. One area I had yet to try was a newborn session. Thankfully, I have friends and family that like to reproduce and my subject was born, literally!

Newborns carry their own set of "rules" when taking their picture, you want them comfortable, happy and asleep for most of it. Naked poses are adorable, but then you have to worry about your props and parents getting annointed.

Sometimes, even when the fates aren't smiling on you, you can walk away with some nice shots.

My first session with the Strouse family was timed all wrong, I didn't have the right lights with me and I didn't have anyone to assist me with my gear. The end results needed a bit more love in Lightroom, a touch of SilverEX here and there, and maybe a visit or two into Photoshop, but they were still good.

I could have stopped there, but I didn't feel like I had gotten a true newborn experience. So, I went back a few days later, armed with everything I didn't have the first time, most importantly another photographer and proper lighting. It also helped that my subject was feeling much more like modeling.

We were able to get a few adorable naked shots:

Some great wide awake shots that are just too adorable:

and, because it was a warm, beautiful day, we were even able to go outside for some nature shots:

It was an amazing experience, one that I learned so much from and am grateful to have had. Everyone ended the day smiling... even the baby.