As a newborn photographer I love to style a baby’s session especially for her whenever I can.  As an artist I want to tell a story.  Babies are a treasure to families regardless of whether or not there is a story to tell, but when there is, I want to tell that story through their newborn portraits.

Azalea has a story.  When her Mom sent me that first website contact form her story brought me to tears.  Many families walk a long hard road to fullfill their dreams of raising a family.  I knew from the beginning that I wanted to make this family’s triumph a part of their session.

So I went out and bought a wreath.  Props can really add to the significance of an image.  Sometimes they are the perfect missing piece.  Wreaths have a long rich history of symbolism and they are just what I wanted for Zaley’s portraits.

Wreaths are a symbol of strength.  A wreath is hardy and can last through the harshest of winters.  It can be cold and forsaken outside and yet a wreath can keep its beauty and welcome cold weary travelers to a warm and cozy place to rest.  When I think about this amazing family I think of strength, the strength of life.  I see a woman who has endured a harsh winter and is still so beautiful and warm.  She guards the threshold of her family and makes sure all who enter feel her love.  Wreaths are also traditionally a symbol of Eternity.  Families are forever.  I truly, deeply believe that.  Another beloved symbol of the wreath is victory.  Wreaths have no beginning and no end.  The shape of the wreath became so powerful that the Romans hung wreaths on their doors to symbolize their victories.  This is where this simple prop becomes the key to the story I am trying to tell.  Zaley, nestled all snug and cozy within this beautiful wreath, is the jewel – the treasure and gift that comes from having the strength if life, from weathering the harshest of winter, from being committed to having a forever family.  She is the victorious prize.

I know I just got kind of philosophical.  But I have been thinking so much about the strong emotions that have come from this session and from meeting some really wonderful people.  I try to make each “sneak peak” post personal to each family.  I had something I wanted to share.  I can only hope that the written word can speak heart to heart between myself and this sweet family.  You have been a blessing to me.  And photographing your daughter and being a part of this victorious moment has been an honor I will treasure.