After capturing baby Nyron at birth and again shortly after he arrived home, it was wonderful to catch-up with him and his wonderful mom and dad, Kailey and Matt, in Coloma recently.
Nyron is such a happy, smiley baby and his parents adore him but kids don’t always perform on-cue, do they? It was a warm afternoon down by the river in Coloma and baby Nyron was not impressed by the heat or the sun. Smiles quickly turned to grimaces, joy to irritation. Mom, dad and I worked our bag of magic tricks, trying to make the vision of baby thighs splashing in the river a reality. But it wasn’t to be. Retreating to the shade, however, we found the giggles returned and we were able to capture his burgeoning little personality.
As a mom with two grown girls myself and the opportunity to spend time with many babies and new families, I have been given the unique perspective to know that, in these situations, when you are on a timeline, when you need your child to show-up a certain way, it’s just plain stressful when it’s not happening. You question yourself (why can’t I get them to smile?) and you find yourself apologizing needlessly (I’m so sorry, he’s usually so happy!) In reality, it’s often something as simple as a baby being uncomfortable in the sun and absolutely nothing to do with you. I’m thankful that my experience as a photographer and a mother kicks-in during these times and that I’ve learned patience, persistence, and just a little letting go of the outcome can go a long way. In short, as I said to Kailey by email the next day, be gentle on yourself parents. We’re all just doing the best we can.
Love this family and this baby boy’s smile.
