I still clearly remember the very first time Katrin and I spoke on the phone - I was on call in Abu Dhabi for a birth at Danat Al Emarat hospital, waiting for a call from my client to let me know she had gone into labor. Her call added so much joy to my day because of her warmth, her easy laugh and her over the moon excitement for welcoming her newborn baby! We were meant to shoot a maternity session together prior to the newborn session, but low and behold, little Finn had other plans and came Earth-side before his due date! This isn't the first time this happens to me, and it always makes me laugh from the depths of my heart - we can plan and anticipate, but our babies, and most importantly, God, may have other plans. 

One of my biggest lessons as a Birth and Family photographer has been to have Faith; that things work out for the best always, that if things were to happen they were meant to be, that God is in control of everything and always has my back. I didn't want this blog post to take a religious/spiritual turn, but I can't deny that my A-type personality that LOVES control didn't struggle (and sometimes continues to struggle) with these types of issues.

Alas, people come into our lives for a reason, and the day Katrin called me gave me a tremendous burst of energy that I was able to carry into my birth session with my client later on. Thank you Katrin!

I love shooting first birthdays. Babies start to show so much of their budding personalities and some begin to acquire more independence, resulting in so many funny moments! They move about and add so much dimension to a shoot, and you can just play, play play. 

Idrees turned one this past December, and we had so much fun together. The session was very colorful and full of energy and laughs. I always tell my clients, you don't need much to have a great session, you don't even have to make sure every piece of furniture in your home is exactly where it needs to be. All you need to do is focus on your family, focus on the fun you want to have together, and allow the moments to unfold naturally. 

Here's a look at Idrees' first birthday shoot. Happy birthday little man. May you continue to shine and fill your parents' and family's lives with so much love and sunshine.