Lucy and Joe booked a newborn shoot with me to photograph their beautiful new addition, Arthur and his older brother Harry. Lucy wanted to document Arthur’s early days, all too aware how precious these early newborn days would are, and how quickly they pass.
When I arrived to photograph Lucy and her beautiful young boys, I wasn’t prepared for the rush of nostalgia that I would feel myself about my own young family.
As a parent and especially as a photographer you are acutely aware of the passing of time and documenting every single detail, even down to the latest outbreak of Chicken Pox. I live in fear of not remembering the minutiae of our lives. I want to commit every tiny detail to print, so it can never be erased from my consciousness. However, upon entering Lucy’s stunning Victorian home, (which was full of the most sublime light), I soon realised the moments that I thought I would never forget are slowly fading as we move onto new phases.
I had to get over my little heartbreak quickly as this was going to be a busy shoot with little 2 year old Harry and tiny adorable Arthur. But I couldn’t help but dwell and ponder the passing of time after I left. My own babies were once this tiny and where are they now? Now they are demanding little humans. We are on a constant carousel of fancy dress changes, squabbles, snack breaks and Paw Patrol. With a 20 month age gap, at times they were both so full of demands at every moment that my head felt like it would explode on a daily basis. It revolved around milk feeds, weaning, and nap routines. Now they are gaining independence, they are out of nappies, and they don’t need me all the time. Surprisingly, that’s the hardest part. No one prepares us mummies for the transitions and mourning of the baby days.
Little Arthur is still so new that his gaze never leaves where his beautiful mummy is. His 8 week old instincts are still attached to hers. Whilst little Harry is still in transition from his own babyhood to experimenting with independence. I felt so honoured to capture this precious time in the family’s lives. I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I enjoyed taking them.
As I edited this beautiful gallery so full of present history, my internal struggle remains. Our family is complete but I still yearn for my babies, more babies and the times that will never return. Yet I’m excited for the future memories we are yet to imprint in our minds, hearts and finally photo frames.
I urge all parents to photograph your children now, in all their natural and beautiful chaos. Next time you glance at them they will be different, slightly older, perhaps wiser yet still beautiful. Capture that beauty now and cherish it forever.
Thank you so much Lucy, Harry and Arthur for letting me step into your wonderful baby bubble. I loved meeting you and sharing your bliss.
“Lost time is never found again.” Benjamin Franklin
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