I love the artistic aspect of my job. But the real draw of photography, whether a portrait, wedding, family or newborn photo session, are the individuals I work with. The connection, the laugher, the emotion, the many unique personalities, the stories I get to tell – this is what continues to draw me photo session after photo session. This is what has kept me refreshed and inspired the past 10 years as a photographer.

Enter the Gordon family. I couldn’t ask for a more perfect example. I first met Lauren a few years ago while photographing her and Sasha at Nate Berkus Associates for The Everygirl. Stylish and beautiful, I could tell this was a woman who was very driven and committed to her work. But what really drew me in was her warmth and down-to-earth nature. She was just so darn likeable- and a lot of fun. We had the opportunity to work together a few times before she asked me to photograph her beautiful Soho House wedding in 2014. And when I met Mike, her partner in crime, I knew we were going to have a blast. Not only was their wedding amazing, but I had the opportunity to continue getting to know them over the next year as we worked on designing and ordering their fine art album. So when Lauren shared with me that she and Mike were expecting, I was overjoyed (and may have shed a tear or two)!

I tell my wedding clients that it’s so important we get to know one another before the big day so you’re comfortable being yourselves and that you’re confident that I’m going to take care of you throughout the process. Even more so, I think it’s important to have a trusting relationship with my newborn and family clients, particularly with lifestyle photography since the idea is to capture the day to day moments. To be invited into your home to photograph your new baby is such an intimate thing, and an incredible honor. And being a new parent can be very very vulnerable. Everything is new, you’re short on sleep, the house may not be as tidy as usual, and you may be feeling a bit uncomfortable in your own skin. Being in front of the camera at any time can be overwhelming, but even more so when you’re pregnant or have just given birth. So while I don’t heavily promote family and newborn photo sessions, I often photograph this very special time in life for friends, family and previous clients, because there has been time to establish that level of trust and comfort. And it is truly one of the most meaningful experiences in my work.

Lauren and Mike, thank you for inviting me to photography sweet baby Georgia Yves at only 12 days old. I had such a wonderful afternoon with you, and I hope you will cherish these images of her forever. Many blessings to your new family!