This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create beautiful, natural, and emotional newborn photography. Whether you’re photographing your own newborn or someone else’s, you’ll find everything you need to capture authentic and timeless moments.
This step-by-step tutorial covers essential topics such as:
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The ideal time to photograph newborns
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What defines lifestyle newborn photography
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Which lenses are best for capturing lifestyle newborn moments
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How to maximize the use of natural window light and overcome challenges
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Key shots and poses to include
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How to plan a successful newborn photo session
There’s a lot to cover, so let’s get started!
What is Lifestyle Newborn Photography?
Before delving into the technical aspects of newborn photography, it’s crucial to understand the essence of lifestyle photography. Lifestyle newborn photography is all about capturing natural, candid moments that reflect the true emotions of the baby and their family. The goal is to preserve real-life interactions within the home, rather than focusing on stiff poses.
In posed newborn sessions, typically held in a studio, the baby is carefully positioned in various adorable setups—often sleeping—using props like blankets, baskets, or decorative items. While these photos have their charm, they don’t always capture the warmth, connection, and emotions of everyday family life.
In contrast, lifestyle newborn photography takes place in the home, where the baby’s natural environment adds to the storytelling. The focus is on the genuine bond between the baby and their parents (and siblings, if present). While some direction is involved in these sessions, the goal is to avoid traditional posing and instead capture the beauty of family interactions in a relaxed setting.
When is the Best Time for Newborn Photography?
For posed newborn photos, it’s essential to schedule the session early—within the first 7 to 14 days after birth. This is the period when babies are still in a sleepy, calm phase, making it easier to arrange them in adorable poses.
However, lifestyle newborn photography offers more flexibility. Since you're not trying to pose the baby, you can schedule these sessions well beyond the first two weeks. Typically, lifestyle photos can be taken up to a month after birth (or even longer, depending on the parents' preferences). As the baby becomes more awake and alert, it can create a more dynamic and engaging photo shoot experience.
Best Locations for Newborn Photos at Home
When it comes to newborn photography, the setting plays a crucial role in creating intimate, natural, and heartwarming images. Shooting in the comfort of a home environment allows the newborn and their family to relax and be themselves, resulting in more genuine moments. The familiar surroundings also provide a personal touch that studio settings often lack. Lifestyle newborn photography is about capturing the beauty of real moments, and choosing the right locations within the home can elevate your photos significantly. Here’s a closer look at some of the best locations within a home for newborn photo sessions.
Parents’ Bedroom: A Cozy, Intimate Setting
The parents’ bedroom is one of the best locations for newborn photography. It’s a place where families often spend a significant amount of time with their newborns, making it an ideal setting for intimate shots. The bed provides a large, soft space where the newborn can be photographed lying down or being held by one or both parents. You can easily photograph interactions such as cuddling, gentle kisses, or just parents gazing at their newborn in awe.
The cozy nature of the parents’ bedroom allows for a sense of warmth and closeness in the images. This environment is especially perfect for shots with siblings, too. Older children are often more comfortable in the bedroom, making it easier to capture natural interactions between them and the baby. Another bonus of using the bedroom is the potential for natural light. If the room has large windows, the light will create a soft, dreamy glow that adds depth to your images.
Additionally, you can vary the types of shots you take in the bedroom. You can start with wide shots to capture the full environment, showing the parents and baby together. Then, focus on closer details, such as a parent’s hand gently cradling the baby or a close-up of the newborn’s tiny fingers gripping a parent’s thumb. These small moments are precious and help tell the story of the family’s love for their newborn.
Nursery: A Space of Serenity and Tenderness
The nursery is another wonderful location for newborn photography. It’s where the baby spends a lot of their time, so the nursery holds a special place in the family’s heart. The nursery setting offers a calm, serene atmosphere, making it ideal for shots of the newborn alone or interacting with parents. Whether the baby is sleeping peacefully in their crib or being gently rocked, the nursery offers a quiet, peaceful backdrop for capturing these precious moments.
This location also works well for photographing daily routines like feeding, changing, or swaddling. These are the types of candid moments that reflect the family’s everyday life and bond with their newborn. If the parents are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, capturing those tender moments in the nursery will make for some truly heartwarming images. The nursery’s smaller size often makes it easier to focus on the baby, allowing for more intimate close-ups without distractions.
Beyond just photographing the baby, the nursery is also perfect for capturing family interactions. If the space allows, you can take wider shots that include the parents interacting with the baby—whether it’s a mother lovingly gazing at her newborn while feeding or a father gently holding the baby in his arms. The soft colors and thoughtful decor often found in a nursery add another layer of warmth and charm to the photos, helping to tell the story of the newborn’s arrival into a carefully prepared space.
Living Room: A Family-Oriented Space for Interaction
The living room provides another fantastic location for lifestyle newborn photography. This is often where the family comes together to relax, bond, and spend time as a unit. A spacious living room with comfortable seating, such as a sofa or armchairs, offers a great backdrop for family moments with the newborn. The living room also tends to have a more relaxed, informal atmosphere, which helps everyone feel comfortable and at ease during the photo session.
For family-oriented photos, the living room is an ideal location. The larger space allows for capturing full-family shots, such as the parents cuddling with the newborn, siblings interacting with the baby, or the whole family gathered together on the sofa. These types of images help tell the story of family life, showcasing the love and connection that bonds everyone together.
In addition to family shots, the living room is also a great place to capture the newborn during more spontaneous moments. For example, you can photograph the baby lying on the floor or being held in someone’s arms while the rest of the family interacts in the background. The natural light that often pours into living rooms also adds to the warmth and coziness of the scene, enhancing the overall feel of the photos.
Kitchen: A Practical Yet Personal Space
While it may not be the first place you think of for newborn photography, the kitchen can offer a wonderful setting for certain types of shots. The kitchen is where much of the day-to-day family routine happens, and capturing some of these moments can add a sense of realism to the photo session. For example, you can photograph the baby being gently rocked in a rocking chair by one of the parents while they prepare a meal or drink.
The kitchen’s natural light can also provide a bright and airy feel to the photos, especially if it has large windows. By focusing on more candid, everyday moments, you can create a set of photos that show the parents nurturing their newborn while also engaging in the family’s daily routine. This adds an extra layer of authenticity to the images, making them more relatable and real.
Another great aspect of using the kitchen for newborn photos is its potential for capturing family dynamics. Whether it’s the mother and father working together while the baby sleeps nearby or older siblings gathering around the baby as they prepare a meal, these interactions can create beautiful, candid moments that highlight the togetherness of the family unit.
Hallways and Stairways: Capturing Movement and Connection
Though not typically the first space you think of for newborn photography, hallways and stairways offer unique opportunities to capture movement and connection. These areas of the home often provide interesting architectural features, such as door frames, railings, and stairs, which can be used creatively in photos. A shot of the family walking together down the hallway with the newborn in a carrier, or a photo of a parent walking up or down the stairs with the baby, can add a sense of motion and intimacy to the session.
Capturing these moments can evoke the feeling of real family life—the everyday rhythms and routines that make each family unique. These shots can also include a wider perspective of the home’s design and ambiance, highlighting the personal touch of the family’s environment.
Using the hallway or stairway setting for lifestyle newborn photos is about finding beauty in the small, quiet moments. The simplicity of these locations allows the focus to remain on the family’s connection, making the images feel natural and unposed.
Baby’s First Bed: Capturing the Heart of the Nursery
One of the most iconic locations for newborn photos is the baby’s first bed. Whether it’s a crib, bassinet, or even a family heirloom, this space is where the newborn will spend much of their time during the early days. Capturing the baby lying in their bed, whether peacefully sleeping or gently swaddled, creates a sense of tranquility and innocence.
This location works especially well for close-up shots of the newborn, highlighting their tiny features such as hands, feet, and facial expressions. The simplicity of the bed and its surroundings allows the newborn to remain the focal point, ensuring that the photos are intimate and personal. If the parents are involved in the photo, it’s a perfect setting to capture them looking at the baby or placing a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead.
The baby’s first bed can also be a great place to photograph the small details, such as soft blankets, crib sheets, or the baby’s favorite stuffed animal. These items add a personal touch to the photos, making them even more meaningful for the family as they reflect on this early phase of their newborn’s life.
Essential Shots for Lifestyle Newborn Photography
When it comes to lifestyle newborn photography, one of the most significant aspects is capturing authentic, natural moments that reflect the newborn's early days. While posed shots can have their charm, the essence of lifestyle newborn photography lies in its ability to preserve the raw emotions and intimate connections between family members. As a photographer, although you're not actively posing the baby, it's still necessary to plan and guide the session to ensure you capture the most meaningful moments.
Lifestyle newborn photography is all about documenting life as it happens, and certain shots will ensure that the story of the baby and family is told in a way that feels true to life. Here’s a breakdown of the essential shots you should aim for during your lifestyle newborn session.
Solo Shots of the Newborn
One of the most important aspects of lifestyle newborn photography is capturing the newborn’s unique features. Close-up shots of the baby are crucial in showcasing their delicate, innocent beauty. Focus on the finer details, like their tiny hands, soft eyelashes, or those adorable little toes. These intimate images can be very powerful, as they bring attention to the newborn’s natural beauty and the fleeting moments of their early life.
You’ll want to capture the baby in their most peaceful moments, either sleeping or just lying contentedly, as they are naturally calm and relaxed during these times. Soft lighting is key for these shots—ensure that natural light is gently illuminating the baby’s face to highlight their soft features. Using a macro lens or a wide aperture can help you achieve crisp focus on the fine details like the curls of the baby’s hair or their perfect little fingers. These close-up shots often become treasured keepsakes for the parents.
Family Shots: Capturing Bonds and Connection
Though lifestyle newborn photography focuses on the baby, it’s equally important to capture the family dynamics and the bonds between parents, siblings, and the newborn. These family shots convey the emotions of the moment and give a sense of the love and connection that defines this special time.
Ask the parents to hold their newborn close, kiss them, or even gaze at them in wonder. These simple gestures, when captured naturally, will show the deep emotional connection between the parents and the baby. Sibling shots are equally significant. Photographing older siblings interacting with the baby—whether it’s a gentle kiss on the baby’s forehead or a tender embrace—creates lasting memories of the family’s love and unity.
Family shots can be taken in various locations around the home, but it's important to focus on the interactions rather than the backdrop. The key to great family photography is to keep it genuine and comfortable. Instead of making family members pose stiffly, let them interact naturally while you capture their love for one another. From close-up portraits to full-body family shots, the goal is to document the family’s first moments with their newborn.
Everyday Moments: Documenting the Ordinary
Some of the most beautiful moments in lifestyle newborn photography happen during routine, everyday activities. Whether it’s the baby feeding, being cuddled by a parent, or peacefully sleeping in their crib, these moments are what truly tell the story of life with a newborn. While posed shots are special, the candid shots taken during routine activities often hold more emotion because they reflect the reality of life with a newborn.
Photographing moments like breastfeeding or bottle-feeding are important, as these are deeply personal moments between the baby and their parents. These shots don’t need to be posed—they should capture the tenderness of the act, with close-ups of the baby’s face, hands, or feet as they feed, as well as the loving expressions of the parent. These images are often the most cherished because they show the parent’s deep care and devotion.
Additionally, capturing the baby sleeping peacefully or in their crib offers a serene and calm look into their early days. Lifestyle photography is about showcasing the tranquility and simplicity of these moments, so be sure to document the quiet moments when everything slows down and the family is in their most natural state.
Nursery Details: The Heart of the Baby’s World
The nursery is often where the newborn spends the majority of their time, so it’s important to document the details that make this space special. Pay attention to the little things that give the nursery its personality, such as the baby’s crib, soft blankets, stuffed animals, or nursery art. These details can be just as meaningful as the portraits of the baby, as they help tell the story of the baby's first home and the love with which the parents have decorated their child’s space.
Don’t forget the small details, such as the changing table, the rocking chair, or the soft night light that might illuminate the nursery at bedtime. These elements contribute to the story of the baby’s early days and are a wonderful addition to the overall narrative of the session. A close-up shot of a blanket with the baby’s name embroidered on it, a favorite stuffed toy, or the changing station gives a glimpse into the personal touches the parents have added to their baby’s world.
Newborn Photo Ideas: Capturing Variety and Emotion
To create a well-rounded newborn photo session, you’ll want to think creatively about different shot ideas that will showcase various aspects of family life and the baby’s early experiences. Here are some newborn photo ideas to guide you through the session and ensure you capture a variety of emotions and perspectives.
Cuddling Moments
One of the best ways to photograph the connection between parents and the newborn is through cuddling moments. Ask the parents to lie on the bed together and snuggle with the baby. These moments naturally convey love and intimacy. Take shots from multiple angles: from the front, the side, and even from above to add variety to the images. These photos are great for capturing the bond between the family members in a relaxed, natural environment.
Family Shots
Another key idea is to have the family pose in a more relaxed manner. For example, parents can lie side by side with the newborn between them, and you can take shots from overhead, from the side, and up close. This not only shows the togetherness of the family but also highlights the newborn as the central figure in the family’s life.
Solo Baby Shots
A good variety of shots includes both full-body and close-up shots of the newborn. Capture full-body shots of the baby lying peacefully on the bed or in the crib, half-body shots that show the baby from the chest up, and close-ups of their face, hands, or feet. These images highlight the newborn’s tiny features, adding richness to the photo collection.
Feeding Moments
Whether the parents are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, feeding moments are essential to capture. Close-up shots of the baby’s face while feeding, the hands of the parent gently holding the bottle or breast, and the tender expressions of both the baby and the parent help tell the story of this nurturing moment. Take shots from different angles, including a wider shot of the parent and baby together and close-ups to show the intimate details.
Bath Time
Bath time is another opportunity to create intimate and meaningful photos. This can be a fun and natural moment to capture the bond between parent and newborn. Whether it’s a full bath or just a gentle sponge bath, take shots from above and from different angles to showcase the tenderness of the moment. Capture the parent’s face as they lovingly wash the baby or the newborn’s reaction to the water. These images will bring a sense of warmth and intimacy to the session.
Detail Shots: Capturing the Small, Yet Significant Moments
In lifestyle newborn photography, the devil is in the details. While the bigger family shots are essential, the smaller moments and intimate details are equally important. Don’t forget to capture close-ups of the baby’s tiny features—hands, feet, eyelashes, and even their first few clothes. These shots often become the most cherished as they preserve the essence of the newborn’s early days.
In addition to photographing the baby’s features, look around the home and nursery for personal touches that help tell the story. This could include a shot of the baby’s first outfit, a toy gifted by grandparents, or even the nursery’s wallpaper design. These subtle details are what make lifestyle newborn photography so personal and meaningful.
How to Use Natural Light in Newborn Photography
Natural light is one of the most effective ways to achieve a soft, flattering look in newborn photography. The beauty of natural light is that it provides a gentle, warm glow that enhances the baby’s delicate features, creating images that feel serene and organic. The key to mastering natural light in newborn photography is understanding how to work with the light sources available to you, especially since most homes already have access to natural light through windows.
The first step in working with natural light is to identify the best light sources within the home. Look for large windows that allow ample sunlight to filter through. These windows will provide soft, diffused light that is perfect for capturing the gentle and peaceful nature of a newborn. If you’re working with smaller windows, don't worry; you can simply move the baby closer to the window to take advantage of the available light.
It's important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows that are often unflattering, especially when photographing newborns. Direct sunlight can lead to overexposed areas in your photos, making it challenging to capture fine details. Instead, look for areas where the sunlight is diffused by sheer curtains, or move the baby slightly further from the window if the light is too intense. If you find yourself in a situation where there is too much direct light, you can always use a diffuser fabric in front of the window to soften the light. This will help ensure that the light is gentle and smooth, allowing for the best possible shots.
Sometimes, the best locations for capturing natural light are not where you initially expect them to be. It’s worth exploring different rooms and spaces around the home to discover which areas have the best lighting. For example, a room that faces east might have the soft morning light, while a room facing west could provide rich, golden light in the late afternoon. Make sure to move the baby around to see where the light falls most beautifully, as subtle changes in light direction can drastically impact the quality of your photos.
Another key to working with natural light in newborn photography is understanding how to position the baby relative to the light. For example, if the baby is facing directly towards the light, you might get an overexposed image where the baby’s features are hard to distinguish. To avoid this, position the baby so that the light falls gently across their face or body. This can be achieved by having the baby face slightly to the side or at an angle, which will create beautiful shadows and highlights that add depth and texture to the photo.
Light and Angles in Newborn Photography
The direction of light plays a critical role in creating depth and dimension in newborn photography. When using natural light, one of the best ways to add interest and dimension to your images is by experimenting with different lighting angles. For example, front lighting, where the light comes from directly in front of the subject, can sometimes make the photo look flat and uninteresting. Instead, try positioning the light source at a 45 to 60-degree angle from the subject. This angle will allow the light to illuminate the baby’s features while also casting soft shadows, which will create a sense of depth and make the image more visually dynamic.
Side lighting is another effective technique for newborn photography. When the light comes from the side, it creates a more dramatic effect, highlighting the baby’s features and bringing out the texture in their skin, hair, and other fine details. Side lighting can be particularly effective when photographing newborns, as it enhances the softness and gentle qualities of the subject. Whether you’re photographing the baby in their crib, on a bed, or held by the parents, side lighting can help you create captivating, intimate images.
Backlighting is another approach worth experimenting with. When the light is coming from behind the subject, it can create a beautiful halo effect, giving the image a dreamy and ethereal quality. This technique works particularly well when photographing the baby wrapped in a blanket or in a position that allows the light to gently outline their figure. Just be sure to avoid overexposing the baby’s face, as backlighting can sometimes create a silhouette effect. To avoid this, you can use reflectors or other tools to bounce light back onto the subject and maintain proper exposure.
If you’re concerned about working in low light conditions, there’s no need to worry too much. Lifestyle newborn photography embraces a more organic, natural look, and some grain or noise in the photos can actually enhance the feeling of warmth and intimacy. However, if you want to minimize grain, there are a few adjustments you can make. Consider using a wider aperture to allow more light into the lens, or increase the ISO slightly to help brighten the scene. Keep in mind that some grain is inevitable, and often, it adds character to your photos, especially when you’re working in low-light environments.
Recommended Lenses for Newborn Photography
Choosing the right lens is essential for creating the most flattering and detailed newborn photos. Luckily, you don’t need a huge collection of lenses to capture stunning lifestyle newborn photography. In fact, there are three main lenses that can cover almost all the needs of a newborn session. These lenses offer a range of focal lengths and perspectives, allowing you to capture everything from wide shots of the family to intimate close-ups of the baby’s delicate features.
Wide-Angle Lens (35mm)
A 35mm lens is an excellent choice for newborn photography, especially when you need to capture a wider scene. This lens is perfect for tight spaces, such as small nurseries or bedrooms, and it also allows you to photograph the entire family or baby in their environment. With a 35mm lens, you can include the background in your shots, which helps set the context for the photo. Whether you’re shooting a baby in the crib or capturing family moments in the living room, a wide-angle lens provides versatility and a natural field of view that’s perfect for lifestyle photography.
50mm All-Rounder Lens
The 50mm lens is often considered a staple in a photographer’s bag. It’s known for its versatility, offering a natural perspective similar to what the human eye sees. This makes it an ideal lens for both newborn portraits and family shots. With a 50mm lens, you can get close-up shots of the baby while still maintaining a beautiful background blur (bokeh). The lens is also lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing you to capture candid moments without disturbing the newborn or family. Its wide aperture (often f/1.8 or f/1.4) makes it excellent for low-light situations, ensuring you get crisp and clear photos even when working with softer natural light.
Macro Lens
If you’re looking to capture fine details, such as the baby’s tiny hands, feet, eyelashes, or the folds of their skin, a macro lens is a fantastic choice. A macro lens allows you to get extremely close to the subject while maintaining sharp focus on the details. While not strictly necessary for every newborn session, a macro lens is ideal for capturing those intimate, close-up moments that make lifestyle newborn photography so special. Whether it’s a close-up shot of the baby holding onto a parent’s finger or the soft curls of their hair, a macro lens ensures that even the smallest features are captured with incredible precision.
Other Essential Gear
In addition to lenses, there are a few other pieces of equipment that will help improve your newborn photography. A small foldable stool can be incredibly useful when you need to shoot from a higher angle, such as when capturing shots of the baby in their crib or the family interacting from above. Non-slip socks are also helpful, as you’ll likely be moving around the house and may need to stand on furniture to get the best angles. Finally, a sturdy camera strap ensures that your gear stays secure, especially when you're handling both the camera and the baby during the session.
The Importance of Composition in Newborn Photography
While working with natural light and selecting the right lenses are essential, composition plays a crucial role in creating compelling newborn photos. Composition refers to the way elements are arranged in the frame, and it can significantly impact the mood and quality of your images. For instance, using the rule of thirds can help guide the viewer's eye to the most important elements in the scene, such as the baby or the family interaction. You can also experiment with negative space to create a feeling of serenity and emphasize the baby's smallness in the grand scheme of the room or environment.
When shooting lifestyle newborn photos, always be mindful of your framing. This is especially important when working with wide-angle lenses, as they can distort perspective if you’re too close to the subject. Be sure to leave enough space around the baby to maintain a balanced and pleasing composition. Additionally, consider the background and how it complements the subject. A cluttered background can distract from the baby, so make sure the area you’re shooting in is clean and visually appealing.
Another important aspect of composition is depth. To create depth and visual interest, experiment with foreground and background elements. For example, you could position a parent in the foreground, gently holding the newborn, with a soft, blurred background that includes elements of the nursery or living room. This will give your photo a sense of dimension and help guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Making the Most of Your Environment
Every home has its own unique character and style, and lifestyle newborn photography is about capturing this personal atmosphere. Be sure to incorporate elements of the home that tell the story of the family’s life. Whether it’s the soft glow of a nursery lamp, the warmth of a cozy living room, or the simple beauty of a quiet corner by the window, these environmental details can elevate your photos and give them a sense of place.
Consider moving furniture or adjusting the layout slightly to take advantage of natural light. In smaller spaces, you might need to adjust the baby’s position to make the most of the available light. A well-placed sofa, a favorite blanket, or a cherished family item can add depth and texture to your photos, making them feel more intimate and connected to the family’s world.
Final Thoughts:
Lifestyle newborn photography is an incredibly rewarding and emotionally charged form of photography. It’s more than just capturing moments—it’s about preserving the essence of a family’s early days together. By choosing a natural, candid approach to photographing newborns, you allow the beauty of genuine moments to shine through. The true magic of lifestyle newborn photography lies in its ability to convey emotion, intimacy, and the quiet wonder that surrounds the arrival of a new life.
When shooting lifestyle newborn photos, the key is to create an environment where the parents and baby feel comfortable and relaxed. The home setting adds a layer of authenticity that studio portraits often lack. It’s a reflection of the family’s life and their unique connection to the newborn. This relaxed approach leads to images that are full of warmth, tenderness, and joy—capturing the fleeting moments that pass by too quickly in the early days of parenthood.
Lighting plays an essential role in lifestyle newborn photography. Natural light is the best tool in your kit to create soft, beautiful, and flattering photos. While direct sunlight may cause harsh shadows, diffused light through windows can create that dreamy, soft glow that makes the images feel timeless. The placement of the baby and family within the room, working with light from different angles, can bring out the depth and texture that elevates the photos.
As you plan your session, it’s important to remember that the best moments often come unexpectedly. Lifestyle newborn photography is not about perfect poses but about capturing authentic interactions—the laughter, the tender glances, the quiet cuddles, and the soft, sleepy smiles. As a photographer, your role is to guide, but also to step back and let the natural flow of the session unfold.
Lastly, the small details should never be overlooked. Whether it’s the baby’s tiny hands gripping a parent’s finger or the subtle decorations in the nursery, these little moments carry immense sentimental value. They help tell the story of the family’s journey, providing memories that will last a lifetime.
Lifestyle newborn photography allows you to tell a meaningful story, preserving memories that will remain treasured for years. By embracing authenticity and emotion, you create a collection of images that will evoke powerful memories for the parents every time they look back on them. So, as you head into your next newborn photography session, remember to embrace the natural beauty around you, allow the family’s love to guide your shots, and enjoy every moment of the creative process.
