H&M Photography & Design: The Blog

Lily Ashton, Newborn Session

Yep, I'm going to say it again. We have really great clients. We seem to attract laid-back, easygoing clients (and we're SO thankful for that). One group you might not expect to be so laid-back is the parents of newborns. Limited sleep + new baby isn't exactly a recipe for easygoing-ness. But the parents I've been around lately have definitely been on the laid-back side. And I know it's not because they're getting plenty of sleep. Must just be because they're awesome. Lily Ashton's parents definitely fit into this category.

This little girl decided she couldn't wait any longer and she came a good three weeks early! And she's such a sweet, tiny thing!

She's a lucky one, too, because she is blessed with such a great family. She's bound to be funny, smart and oh so adorable (well, she's already got the last part down!). 

Her big brother, Cole, is already showing what a great big brother he can be. And Lily Ashton is already showing how much like her brother she is - I saw SO much of Cole in her little face, even down to the facial expressions she made. It was crazy to see just how similar they already are!

I can't wait to see Lily Ashton grow up over the next year and to see Cole more often. Not only is a great big brother, but he's also a fun (and impeccably behaved!) kid. We played all kinds of games while Lily Ashton was eating and had lots of fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Heather Maynard, Watkinsville, Georgia newborn photographer

Sheppard, Newborn Session

JP stole my heart at some Easter mini sessions a couple of years ago. He was sweet, shy and had the most beautiful blue eyes I'd ever seen. 

Fast forward two years, and JP is now a big brother to Sheppard - Shep, as JP calls him. JP is still sweet, not so shy and still holds the record with those baby blues. (You'll see.)

I have no doubt that they're going to be having lots of fun in their house in a couple of years with these two boys! Sheppard was a champion sleeper at our session, and JP was a great helper. I'm going to attribute both to the fact that they have really great parents!

Anyone who's ever been part of a newborn session knows they aren't the quickest sessions ever, often taking two or three hours. I love for parents to watch as I take photos, but I'm just as happy for them to take a little break if they need it! But Sheppard's mama and big brother JP sat and watched the entire session! We had so much fun oohing, ahhing and giggling at Shep's sweet faces. I was so impressed that JP sat there through the entire session, quietly and happy. Sheppard has such a great role model in a big brother!

I hope to see this sweet family again soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Caitlin & Caleb, newborn

It's oh so true that two is twice as nice! And boy-girl twins? Perfection!

This session was special for so many reasons. This little twosome decided to make their debut at just 33 weeks, Caitlin weighing just 3 pounds, 5 ounces and Caleb weighing 4 pounds, 13 ounces. They spent nearly a month in the NICU before coming home to be with their wonderful parents and sweet big sis, Madilyn.  

We did their newborn photos just after they came home and they were still teeny tiny - just under 6 and 7 pounds. (I was amazed at their size difference!) They were great sleepers, but slept SO much better when together - so sweet!

Madilyn is such a great big sis and did SO well in photos (she's just 20 months, but already doing great in her new role). I think she may have a future as a photographer, though, because after a few shots she was much more interested in hanging out with me and seeing my camera than being the subject of a photo.

Aside from Madilyn, I had another great assistant for this session - my mom! She was in town visiting, so she came along to see me in action. Growing up, my parents owned their own business. I often went to work with them (and for them as I got older). I think it's so cool now that I have my own business to turn the tables a little! Thanks, Mom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Audrey Anna, newborn session

Audrey Anna is the sweet, sweet answer to so many people's prayers. And as if just being here isn't enough, she had to go and be one of the cutest babies ever, with adorable pudgy cheeks and a little button nose. And LOTS of hair!

We did this session a little past the typical newborn photo stage, but since she came a little early, she was a champion sleeper for our session. She woke up just in time to hang out with her big brother, Claxton.

I love seeing my clients welcome new family members. In this case, I got to see Claxton turn into such a concerned and loving big brother. He's not usually a big fan of having his photo taken, but he loved snuggling up with Audrey Anna and did so well! And I loved seeing their mama and daddy interact with both of them - they are so affectionate and I can just see them soak up each moment as a family. I love that!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the cradle Audrey Anna's daddy slept in as a baby - how neat is that?

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Soleil Elise, One Month Old

Soleil surprised her parents by making her appearance three weeks early, so even though she's nearly one month old, she's still very much like a newborn - sleepy, tiny and absolutely precious.

Soleil was one of the best newborns I've taken photos of - I dare say the very best. She was such a good sleeper and practically posed herself into the sweetest poses. And she gave me so many wonderful smiles and pouty faces. I know they say newborn smiles are usually just, well, gas, but I think Soleil's just a really happy baby! The session actually went by fairly quickly for a newborn session, but I could have taken photos of her all day!

I adore her family, too - her parents and big (dog) brother, Jasper. You can tell that they are absolutely head over heels in love with little Soleil and I can already tell that they are amazing parents. It seems to come very naturally to them. Soleil is also lucky to have a very supportive extended family, one of whom - her grandmother - came to the session. Such a great family and I hope to see them again!

I had a VERY hard time picking photos for the blog because there were so many I loved, so I'm showing a few more than normal. Enjoy!

 

We incorporated several special gifts and family heirlooms, like this piano and blanket, into the session. I love that!

 

 

I love this warm weather! It was wonderful to head outside for a few shots!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With her grandmother, sitting on the quilt that her first photo was taken on. Isn't that cool?

 

Jasper is such a good dog - so well behaved and totally unlike my dogs! Does anyone else think it's a really odd coincidence that I've photographed TWO dogs named Jasper this week?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Osley, 15 Days Old

Osley must have known that I came to her house to PARTY on the day of her newborn session because she had no plans of sleeping. She'd fall asleep on her mama's chest, but would pop one eye open every few minutes just to remind us that she was awake. I'm convinced she was just doing her part to keep us on our toes! 

I think her mama was a little worried we wouldn't get those sweet sleepy baby shots, but Osley finally rewarded us for our patience with a couple of cat naps. And that patience was SO worth it. Isn't she a sweet little thing? So petite and a head full of hair! (And even though she was awake for a lot of our session, she was oh so sweet.) 

I can't wait to see her again in a few months!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Meet Layton, 7 days old

Layton was so, so good for our photo session - he slept well and made the sweetest little faces. He was already well versed in having his photo taken. His parents are so good about taking photos and capture almost everything on camera. 

While Layton looks a lot different than his big brother, Logan, he reminded me SO much of him during our session. I took photos of Logan when he was still tiny (but not quite a newborn - almost THREE YEARS ago!) and he was all about stretching his legs as long as he could. Layton did the exact same thing (but he curled his upper body up so well!). Some of the similarities really made me laugh!

Here are some of my favorites from the session:

 

Logan is such a good big brother!

 
  

 

 

 

Layton has a FULL head of hair - more than I've seen on a newborn in a while!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn photographer

Meet Faith and Cameron, 7 weeks old

Yep, twins! I was so excited when their mama contacted me and wanted me to do all of their first year photos! You'll be seeing a lot more of these two on the blog this year!

Seven weeks is a little late for traditional newborn photos, but Faith and Cameron were AWESOME for our session! We got plenty of sleepy shots and they both cooperated better than I could ever have asked! These two are so sweet and so, so adorable! Here's a little sneak peek:

 

Of course we had to get a shot with their third baby, Benji:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith looked like a doll in this pink hat:

 

Cameron gave us a few sleepy shots, but really preferred to be awake so he didn't miss anything!

 

I LOVE sleepy baby smiles. Isn't Cameron so sweet?

 

 

 

 

Faith gave me the sweetest smiles after she woke up:

 
I can't wait to see them again!

- Heather Maynard, Greensboro, Georgia newborn twin photographer

Meet Lucas, 11 days new!

This little guy is so, so sweet! He LOVES to keep his mom and dad awake partying all night and then sleeping all day. But of course, on the day of our session, he decided he'd stay up during the day, too. Once we finally got him to sleep, though, he was an excellent sleeper and let me get plenty of shots.

I did get a few before he went to sleep and I've NEVER seen a newborn with eye contact as good as his. He must think this newborn stuff is for sissies, because he was also trying to hold his head up on his own!  

Here's a little peek of Lucas and all of his cuteness!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- Heather Maynard, Marietta, Georgia newborn photographer 

A Quick Peek and a Quick Note

Baby season seems to be upon us! With lots and lots of new babies coming soon, it's important to schedule your newborn session as soon as possible before your baby is born.

Before may seem a little strange, since you don't always know exactly when your little one will decide to make his appearance. What we'll do is set an anticipated session date based on your baby's expected arrival; that way, I can get you on the calendar and know what we need to plan for. Of course I'm flexible and that date can change, but a newborn session should be held within two weeks of your baby's arrival, and tentatively scheduling the session before ensures we can fit you in. Just email or call 678.316.7906 to schedule a session.

If you're interested in photos of your baby's first year, contact us about the Baby's First Year package (details are on our website under investment).

Speaking of new babies, check out this little guy I hung out with today. Many more of this sweet boy coming very soon.

 

 

- Heather Maynard, Marietta, Georgia newborn photographer
 
 

Red Cross Mini Sessions

Thanks to everyone who came out for the mini sessions on Saturday, we raised over $200 for the American Red Cross Haitian relief! I have such awesome clients!

Here are a few of my favorites from Saturday:

Liam and Mary - some of THE smartest kids (and pretty darn cute, too):

 

 

 

Sawyer was too cute (and basically perfect in every single photo) - I love his flying pose: 

 

Mary Jo came for a mini session with her friend, Briley. They were born just a few days apart (so were their mamas).

 

Their moms are friends and were roommates at UGA - 

 

And Brittany came to support a good cause. She rocks the serious look, doesn't she?

 

- Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia photographer 

Meet Mary Jo!

Mary Jo's birthday was supposed to be about a week from now. She, however, had no intention of missing Christmas and made her appearance three and a half weeks early.

I think she's one of the tiniest babies I've photographed. So dainty and sweet. She was an amazingly good baby for our entire session (although I'm thinking she may have a little stubborn streak since she really fought going to sleep for us). She was a dream to work with, but so were her parents. Probably the most laid-back new parents I've ever met! 

Here are some of my favorite shots!

 

Doesn't Carla (her mama) look fabulous? Of course, why wouldn't she, she only has a newborn in the house! ;)

 

 

I think someone was a little jealous/curious:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
- Heather Maynard, Athens newborn photographer

Meet Isobel, 6 Days Old, and Big Sister Angel, 6

I didn't get to spend Mother's Day with my mom (she lives hours away - don't worry, I'll see her soon), but I did get to spend part of the day with a pretty awesome mom and her equally awesome family to take newborn photos of her sweet baby girl, Isobel, and her six-year-old, Angel.

At just six days old, Isobel was wide-eyed and didn't want to go to sleep at first - she was afraid she was missing the party. But after a little convincing, she fell right to sleep, making sweet, smiling faces while I clicked away and big sister Angel helped me out.

Angel is a super cool kid - very artistic, funny and smart. I had a blast hanging out with her and looking at some of her books that she had written herself! She also gave me one of the best compliments a client can give me (and she's only six!). While we were hanging out and taking photos in her back yard, she said, "I kind of feel like this is just like any other day and you are just hanging out with me like my mom would." And that's EXACTLY how I want kids to feel when I photograph them - like I'm just there to hang out and have fun, and I just happen to have a camera in front of my face 95 percent of the time.

Isobel is very lucky to have a big sister like Angel, and if she turns out anything like her sis, she'll be a pretty awesome kid. Of course her parents are super smart and super creative, too, so her awesomeness is pretty much sealed already.

Here are some of my favorites from our session:

Little fingers...

And little toes...

This one cracks me up - I think she was yawning, but it looks like she was yelling:

And the sweet sisters:

Angel was so sweet and gave me a piece of her art that's hanging on my fridge now:

Thanks so much for letting me spend Mother's Day with you all!

-Heather Maynard, Athens, Georgia newborn and children's photographer

Meet Lane Charles, 9 Days Old

Here are more photos from my newborn session with Lane. I don't think he could be any cuter or any sweeter. He was such a good baby and tolerated just about every pose we tried with him - a model already. 

Looking at these photos makes me think of two years ago when I was taking photos of his big sister, Kara. If it wasn't for his slightly darker hair, they would look nearly identical!

This shot is exactly like one I took of Kara, arm by head and everything:

  

-Heather Maynard, Watkinsville, Georgia newborn and baby photographer

Just a Teeny Tiny Peek

at sweet little Lane Charles. LOTS more to come, but I wanted to give his mama a quick peek at her precious little boy:

Baby season has officially begun! Keep H&M Photography in mind for photos and baby announcements. We have packages available for baby's first year of photos - go to the website and click on "investment." 

If you are expecting or know someone who is, it's best to do newborn photos within the first two weeks after baby is born. If you'd like to schedule a session, be sure to give us a call before baby is born and let us know your due date!

-Heather Maynard, Watkinsville, Georgia newborn and baby photographer