Second newborn baby session in Zetland
©Little Manly Photography
Julie Chan’s most recent newborn photo shoot captured not only her family, but the first time she left the house, following the Chinese tradition to rest and stay at home for a month after giving birth. A very special moment in time.
©Little Manly Photography
What inspired you to book your photo session with Elena?
I knew and loved the way Elena worked from our first pregnancy session. I can see why so many people recommended her. Nothing is forced – no forced smiles or poses – it feels very natural. It’s like someone is following like a fly on the wall, and I liked that approach. I was so comfortable with Elena from our previous photo shoots.
©Little Manly Photography
How was the experience for your family? Were you worried about anything leading up to the photo session?
It was such a lovely experience. I got the time wrong and thought Elena was coming at 2pm, but it was actually 11am. The house wasn’t prepped and we weren’t organised, but Elena said, “we’ll make it work.” Nothing went to plan, but it felt so organic, and I knew from our previous shoots I didn’t have to worry about the mess etc.
©Little Manly Photography
How did you decide where to shoot?
The shoot was at home, and then we randomly went to our nearby park. Elena said “I’m in the mood, let’s go out, get an ice cream”, so my son could keep going. So, we all got one, then she suggested doing a photo with us all having ice cream – she just carried on taking photos with her ice cream in hand! I loved the pregnancy shoot because we had so many different landscapes – in 1.5 hours it looked like it had been a whole day shoot, so I was happy to go somewhere this time too.
It was the first time I’d gone out, since following the Chinese tradition to rest at home for a month after having a baby. It was great! Five minutes from home, got some fresh air – even though I hadn’t wanted to go out, it gave us a reason.
Elena saw the potential in our gorgeous local garden - there are lots of buildings in Zetland, so it’s even more surprising to have the setting for our photos. People ask where we were.
©Little Manly Photographer
©Little Manly Photography
How did you decide what to wear?
We wanted something neutral. We didn’t get given as many clothes for Gabriel as we have Raphael’s, but we were given something from Spain, and something from UK, so it worked perfectly to use these gifts.
Mine is actually my first outfit I bought for post-partum, it looks comfy and I thought it would be perfect for the day. Not fancy, but all good.
©Little Manly Photography
‘Having Elena around is like a fly on the wall – we felt so comfortable with her,’ Julie Chan
©Little Manly Photography
What do you think of when you look at the photos?
One that stood out that I printed is from the garden. It felt so real, no one is forcing a smile, it’s my partner Victor and I, baby was sleeping, it was so raw. Not staged even though you can barely see him, favourite moment was really lovely.
My second favourite is at home with Gabriel smiling. It’s a really early smile for a baby, it could be gas though, haha!
What are your best memories of the day?
Seeing my eldest, Raphael, playing with the baby – seeing him happy and engaged knowing he would only be excited and last for the first ten minutes of the session. The photos of them together are adorable.
©Little Manly Photography
What advice would you give to another family considering getting photos done?
Don’t overthink it – especially for the woman, you might think OMG, another thing to think about when you’re in the trenches. Elena has soooo much experience, she’ll do it without you even having to think. She will make it happen, and will find a way to capture that moment. You don’t have to drive; she will come to you. As a new mum you don’t have to go anywhere. It’s actually easier than it sounds. You might regret it if you don’t!
What do you think you’ll miss most when you look back at these photos in five or ten year’s time?
I’ll miss how little they were, I love really close up shots of small hands and small feet. Looking back, you can’t believe how small they once were. Also, the ones of my partner and I. Even though we were in the trenches, it was still nice to have a photo together. It wasn’t a romantic moment, but one that shows us working as a team, which I love.
©Little Manly Photography
©Little Manly Photography
See more Newborn photo shoot albums here.