Aria was one of the sweetest newborns to photograph! Aria came into this world with a condition that affects about 1 in 4,000 babies born called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita, or AMC for short. She has club feet (you can see her casts in the first two pictures), but her knees bend to 90°. Her elbows have full range of motion, no hip dysplasia, and shoulders have the majority of their range of motion. Her wrists are bend inwards and her fingers are contracted at the first knuckle.

Needless to say, Aria’s newborn session was very unique. Since she was in the NICU for a few weeks, she didn’t get to me until she was about 5.5 weeks old. She actually didn’t sleep the entire 2 hours she was with me – which was fine by me since she is a very chill, sweet baby. Even her cries had the sweetest, daintiest little sounds. Regardless of everything, I was able to capture beautiful pictures of sweet Aria awake that her family will be able to look back on for a lifetime.

Safety for newborn photographer: Due to Aria’s special circumstances, I do want to touch on safety since I know some newborn photographers may be reading this. I learned right off the bat that since she had casts on both legs – she was very top AND bottom heavy. I had to use my body and position one hand/forearm behind her neck and the other on her bottom/hips area to keep her comfortable when moving her…good thing I am tall and have long arms! Biggest thing to remember with a baby that has corrective casts when deciding on set ups is to keep it simple! I had her laying down on her back the entire time and it didn’t bother her at all. I know I would have been able to lay her on her side a little more or possibly on her belly for a modified chin on hands (maybe) if she had fallen asleep, but I was happy with keeping her on her back since she was awake the whole time. Just changing out the background, wraps, and headbands will create variety. The crate that I put her in – it was the longest one I had and her legs rested comfortably on the edge of it…she was actually being fed by a g-tube during that set up and was completely content. I did have her grandmother help spot her while in the crate, but with her movement being slower she was very safe laying in the crate with the extra padding I had around her body.

Another photographer tip that is key (and kind of obvious): be sure to communicate with baby’s parents and ask a lot of questions. As soon as Aria arrived I laid her on my lap and asked a lot of questions to her mom before I started the session (what makes her uncomfortable, can her neck move side to side, etc…). I remember just letting Aria lay on me for a bit as I moved around her little limbs a bit to get to know her….and she sure did capture my heart starting at that moment! Mom did warn me she may be in a little bit of pain due to having the casts put on just a few days prior, so I was extra gentle when moving her around her hips and legs.

I am looking forward to seeing how Aria grows into a beautiful little lady! To chat with me more about safety or about scheduling a newborn session, contact me here.