Stage 1… Babyhood

Babyhood is so special, yet one that passes quickly. Feedings, interruptions in the middle of the night, bottles, and mountains of laundry seem to be overwhelming. Every day is a first: a first smile, first tooth, first words, and first faltering steps. Be sure to take the time to capture each of these four ages under the Babyhood Stage, thus completing the first stage in this journey through time.

Age: newborn-3 months: There is a pure and total enjoyment to just sit, hold, and watch your sleeping baby at this age. When awake, your baby prefers to see your face rather than anything else, and will begin to grasp onto your finger while gazing into your face. This is a perfect age to begin our Fine Art Black and White Relationship Portraiture, enabling us to showcase the intimate relationship developing between mom, dad, and baby. A wonderful story of life unfolds as tiny hands and feet are securely held in mom and dad’s hands; soft skin contrasting rough, tiny contrasting big, innocence contrasting wisdom and experience.

Age: 6 months: Halfway through the first year of life is certainly a time to celebrate. Portraits hold time still, though babies do not at this age! Now, exploring their own hands and feet grows into exploring the world around them. Strong enough to sit up, they continue to develop their unique personality and are usually outgoing. Parents should still be included in portraits at this age, even if only as a "prop" in our Fine Art Black and White Relationship Portraiture.

Age: 9 months: At almost a year old, babies at this age are increasingly aware of their surroundings. Portraits done at this age can start to incorporate a favorite chair, stuffed animal or blanket. Although they need no help if seated, standing babies at this age usually need to hold onto something. This may be the best time to incorporate a classical color portrait of mother and baby together.

Age: 12 months: Active could best describe this age! Crawling, walking, or climbing are the challenges. Personalities are becoming more developed and now, baby can throw kisses, wave bye-bye and mimic sounds and gestures. Because of the volatility of this age, a candid approach to a portrait may be the best plan. Either color or black and white portraits would be suitable for this milestone portrait, and should include a family portrait.