A Documentary Newborn Session in Taipei

I recently made photos for a wonderful, love-filled family in Taipei with their newborn baby. I loved documenting what their new life looked and felt like because I know all too well how these details will become hazy once the fog of sleeplessness has lifted and that baby is running around at the playground, going to school, and in the blink of an eye, going to college.

When people hear “newborn photography,” many of them will automatically think of a baby wrapped up tight with their little, sleeping head poking out and carefully placed on a faux fur rug. Many people adore these sorts of images, but for those who are looking for something different, I’d like to present an alternative and let people know that there is more than one way to do “newborn” photography.

Why do I have newborn in quotes? It’s because when I say “newborn session” I’m talking about documenting the newborn phase, which in my mind encompasses the entire first month of a baby’s life. As a documentary photographer, I actually prefer baby to be a bit older; closer to 3 or 4 weeks old. By this time, baby will be more alert, their personality will be emerging, and you’ll have had time to settle into a new routine as a family. I’m not wrapping up any babies and I don’t need them to be squishy and sleepy. What I’m interested in capturing for posterity is your life with your baby, not just your baby sleeping in a basket. But I’ll also make photos of the baby sleeping in a basket, swing, or arms that are cramping up and feel like they’re about to fall off because who can resist?

The new addition to the family is the star of the show, of course, but that's not the only thing I focus on. I'm interested in telling the larger story of how your family has changed and made space for its newest member. How are you different now? How are you and your partner different together? Your life has undergone a seismic shift; in another month or year, it'll be different still. We can't stop your life from changing or your baby from growing, but we can capture important moments from this time so that you'll be able to remember what it was like to hold your newborn baby when you're holding your newborn grandchild.

I don't just make photos of your baby, I make photos of who you are with your baby as well. I make photos of the new shape of your family.