I’m in my office, listening to music, posting images of Collins, the beautiful new baby to Pat and Laney, who are were married about a year ago.  My own family is traveling, visiting family, and I just received a phone message from my little girl.  Someday soon, Collin is going to be leaving her daddy goodnight messages an breaking his heart with her cute little voice.  Right now, she is melting his heart by sleeping in his arms.  I love my work.

I was fortunate enough to be in town and available when Laney delivered her baby, so I was able to come to the hospital and see them.  These are some of my favorite images.  Day one is a miracle beyond belief.

I always love the little hats on the first day.  Maybe the baby’s don’t love them.  Not sure we’ll ever know.  One of these days, a baby is going to start talking on day one and we’ll get the full scoop.  Until then, we’ll keep putting hats on them.

A few weeks later, we shot her official portraits.  She was exhausted right from the start.  Everything was shot in her home.  I loved the textured wall paper in the family room, so we put together a little photo op for her there.

She looks so peaceful.  I enjoyed the ruffled tutu in the foreground.

Now, that is a well styled dresser.  Cute items and a cute little baby.  That blanket is super soft.  We worked on Collins’ position a bit, but she likes to sleep a little more spread out.  I think she looks quite comfortable.  In fact, I would have taken a nap there, but the dresser would have tipped over and the piggy bank is too fragile to fall that far.

Oh and a great composition.  For the photographers out there, notice how every frame edge is playing with the shape of the dresser.  On the top and left, the negative space is creating great shapes.  On the right, the frame is toying with the center support for the shelves and on the bottom, the frame is interacting with the opened drawer.  Framing is very important to every photograph.  I can’t emphasize that enough.  When you are shooting a photo, pay attention to all four frame edges before you take the shot.

I enjoyed watching Pat with his daughter.  This shot is a pretty good description of that relationship.

If you are going to catch Collins awake, this is the time to do it.  I was so glad to grab this shot.

I always love seeing a baby’s nursery.  It ways a lot about the mother (usually – sometimes the father is involved).  Collins’ nursery was decked out!  This wall was great.

The pink and the grey is a great color combination and I love the bling encrusted mirror.  And there is sleeping beauty again.

Little fingers and little toes.  No matter how many times I take a shot or look at a photograph of them, I am always amazed by the miracle of these tiny little things!

Thank you for including me Pat and Laney in this wonderful event in  your life.  She is beautiful.

I’ve enjoyed looking at these images.  So many great keepers.  What a life.

Infant portrait by Jared Platt, Platt Photography.

Slideshow music by Cherie Call, courtesy of Cherie Call.

Location: Chandler, Arizona