After having shared my birth story with you, I also want to share one of my first studio photos of Ciara. I had made a belly cast of my bump when pregnant with the idea to use it for her newborn shoot.

I had done a pregnancy cast of my bump with my first pregnancy but never placed my baby back inside the cast. I wanted it be a family experience so we made the cast all together with my two children and husband which was quite fun, although a bit stressful for my husband I think (too much mess!). We ended up with a lovely belly cast and I was hoping Ciara would like to be photographed back inside it. For now the cast needed to dry and I needed to be wait patiently for Ciara to arrive. To read my birth story click here.

The moment I put Ciara back inside the cast was actually a very beautiful moment. Not only could I now clearly see how she fitted so nicely in my bump, with plenty of space left, but she also seem to really like the shape. I had already tried to photograph her that particular morning and it hadn’t been easy at all!.

Basically it’s very hard work photographing your own newborn baby so close after birth. Not only are you still somewhat uncomfortable, but with the feeding, settling, posing, cleaning and everything else that comes with taking a beautiful studio shot of a newborn baby it’s just too much to take the photographs as well. I wish I had found another photographer, but the only other photographer I liked wasn't able to guarantee a slot within 8 days of birth so I had decided to do my own.

But after it had been such hard work that morning, Ciara settled straight away in the belly cast and looked right at home. With her looking so beautiful and happy I must admit I did feel quite emotional and did have a tear or two.

I am pleased to let you know I am now adding the option of a bump cast to my newborn baby portfolio and hope to photograph many other newborns in their mums belly casts. For my belly cast pricing, please click here.