2014-05-06_0002Beautiful newborn photos in the bluebonnets don't just happen. LOL.

I love these images so much that I'm not sure I want to tell what went into capturing them. I could write a recipe,maybe. And it would go something like this...

Newborn Bluebonnet Bliss

1 newborn, freshly nursed

2 completely chilled parents

1 photog assistant, unshaken

1 newborn photographer, fully-prepped

1 antique doll cradle

2 25# sandbags

1 pink bonnet

Various pillows and blankets

Haul all ingredients to the farthest spot in the park--because that's where THE ONLY tree with bluebonnets surrounding it exists in this locale (of course). Take photos of the family first so we don't have to move the baby unnecessarily. Anchor cradle with sandbags--because these bluebonnets are (of course) growing on an incline. Prep cradle with pillow and blankets. Have assistant LIE DOWN on the ROCKS to both hold the cradle as extra insurance that it's not going anywhere and keep herself out of the shot.  And my favorite part--hold baby and sway. Get sweet lovin' spoonful all situated and breathe. Check to make sure everything is as it should be. Take photos. Make small adjustments. Take more photos. Check your camera settings and notice how the light is changing. Take more photos. And voila! Beautiful bluebonnet baby photos! 

Note when editing that the bluebonnets aren't actually visible in the closeup photos. Ah, you win some, you lose some. The baby is totes adorbs, and that is all that really matters.

Special thanks to Richard and Amy, Miss Caroline Pearl (of course), and my lovely friend and fellow photog--my assistant for the day-- Lori Gola.

Fellow newborn photographers: Please be aware that a spotter should be within arm's length of the baby at all times. In this situation, two were needed, one to spot the cradle, and one to spot the baby. Happy photo making!