My sister-in-law challenged me to develop a picture that would embody the Proverb 3:5 “Trust the Lord”. For those of you who don’t know the proverb (as I didn’t), here it is:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
If you Google image such passage, images of a child’s hand in an adult’s hand appear multiple times. I find this type of imagery interesting because I often see us (humans) reflecting to babyhood for guidance with philosophical moments. Maybe this is because babies have to learn so much and we (parents) have no language to guide us in helping them, just faith that our method of teaching is correct…that God will make it right. Maybe because babies address our most simple needs: food, water, shelter, and love. Food, water and shelter can be done without much thought, but love…that requires a loss of self…and faith. Faith that you are willing to lose yourself to love this tiny person, knowing full well that he/she can hurt you in the future. My friend who attends church regularly told me her pastor says, “baby smell is God’s air freshener.” Agree? I do because that smell is intoxicating.
Anyways, back to my challenge. My SIL asked for a more personal image with my little guy’s hand in an adult’s hand. As I have two models at home, a baby and father, this seemed appropriate for a photo shoot that turned out some photos I really enjoy.
Many clients ask for newborn shots with the tiny hands in the larger parent’s hand. I think an older baby, 10-12 months, in a parent hand is more endearing as it caresses, loves, and shows us that we are humans needing love…and faith in love.
Which study is your favorite? I would love to hear!
Study #1
Study #1 (B&W)
Study #2
Study #3
Study #4
Study #4 (B&W)
Once he got comfortable, I was able to snap those “safe” shots most photographers complete for parents of the newborn curled asleep in a little nest. He rested his hands so well. Then we had some fun putting a cute floppy hat on him and using props. His mother works with Google, so he posed well with Android, and in this area, he should be a Giants fan.
After giving everyone a break, we changed the shots to a dramatic black backdrop and quick side lighting. I pushed the ISO higher to create a grainier, softer image. Everyone posed so well! Mom received the cutest look from this little one and Dad has one of the best shots from the session with the sweet little kisses.
My little guy was almost the same weight at birth as little guy, but I forget this tiny development stage as I now heave my 20-lb little guy everywhere. Shooting newborns are a treat as each has a little personality we are waiting to see, but in the meantime we can capture their little mouths, little hands, and little noses.
