This is a very competitive business, and many times we are so busy doing our own thing that we don’t get a chance to meet and learn from other photographers around us. Recently I was having lunch with Jillian Bickle and Katherine Honeybourne, two photographers that I greatly admire and respect. As the conversation turned, we decided that we were going to take advantage of the first opportunity we got to work together. This week, we got our chance. A client of mine had a brand new baby, and we had a very willing 3-day-old subject.
We converged upon the studio and spent a lovely morning with baby Marley and her family, working together and having an amazing time. Working with other photographers is an incredible way to learn and share, while at the same time getting a chance to hang out with great friends.
We were attempting to do a difficult shot that we were not even sure we could recreate. Jillian was keeping the baby in place, Kathy was on reflector/backdrop duty, and I was on the camera end. Jillian was all ready and gave the signal that she was going to take her hands off the baby for a quick shot. It was at that moment that the most amazing thing happened.
She smiled.
*CLICK!*
We were pretty excited. To have all of the elements come together AND get a smile? Perfection! We were jumping and squealing (quietly) in jubilation.
And how do we congratulate ourselves on such a fabulous moment?
We take a photo, of course! 
That’s Jillian and I, sweaty and triumphant, with baby Marley still sound asleep. 
Photo courtesy of the lovely Katherine.
This brings me to another important thought. It is so worth the effort to bring your newborn in as soon after the birth as you are able. Optimally, the first 3-7 days are best, and we can do some amazing things with a very fresh, sleepy baby!
Anyway, thanks so much to Marley’s mom, Sheila, and to my friends and co-conspirators Jillian and Kathy. It was a great time, and I truly look forward to our future collaborations!
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