Photoshoot with Claire!

I got to take newborn pictures of my niece Claire yesterday!  I gotta admit, I was sooo nervous!  I've never done pictures on "assignment" before, besides someone telling me to take pictures at a baby shower, but that wasn't anything posed!  Posing had me nervous.  I didn't know if Claire would stay sleeping as I moved her around or if she'd not even fall asleep without clothes on.  And when I left in the morning and it was cloudy I was worried about not having enough light.  I pretty much only use natural light all the time and find the most-lit room and pay attention to what time of day is best according to the sun's position. But along the drive the sun came out and

In the end...

Claire was FANTASTIC!!  When she first fell asleep I left her a bit to make sure she got into a good, deep sleep before messing with her, and in the meantime Holly and I were chatting.  I think we left her a little too long, because she did wake all up when we tried moving her.  It was almost feeding time again so they gave her a bottle and she fell right back to sleep and was set to go!  I moved her all over the place and she never woke up!  She'd stir every once in a while but I'd hold a blanket to her for just a second and then she was fine.  Perfect!  

I'd read up on several tips beforehand.  Newborn pics are easiest in the first 8-10 days (2 weeks for sure) when baby is most sleepy all the time.  If you want to undress baby make sure it's really warm in the room.  And maybe even have white noise running.  So I tried all that.  And we came out with some really great pictures.  I took a TON but here are some of my faves from the day...

I caught a dreamy smile!

On my way to Paul and Holly's house I stopped at Hobby Lobby for 2 yds of black fabric ($3!) and I'm sooo glad I did!  Then I could keep the baby's flesh colors in the picture and I, personally, love how this next set looks!!

I love the bubbles in this one!

and a last favorite!!

Okay, so that turned out to be a million favorites--it's sooo hard to choose!  But you know me, I'm sure you're used to that by now.  =)  ENJOY!