Newborn photoshoot with 13-day Ima

When Ngozi was walking down the hospital steps after giving birth, she was delighted to see her son running towards her. Three-year-old Muna hadn’t seen his mum for a few days, so Ngozi was looking forward to reuniting with a big hug.

Ngozi had done her research and heard about the challenges of introducing a new sibling to the family. She was ready to give Muna lots of attention to make sure he didn’t feel left out.

Imagine Ngozi’s surprise, then, when Muna ran straight past his mum and over towards the car seat his dad, Kama, was carrying.

Muna peered inside and started whispering profound things, including, “Welcome, little one, I’ve missed you!”

On the journey back home, Muna gave a detailed account of all the preparations he and dad had undertaken ready for Ima’s arrival: air conditioning to help manage the heatwaves, and a range of balloons to show their excitement at welcoming her into the fold.

Indeed, all the challenges Ngozi had mentally prepared for simply haven’t materialised. Muna is besotted with his sister, and talks to his friends and teachers about her constantly.

Muna even has a special name for his little sister – Rosie – but no-one is sure where the name came from. Nevertheless, it’s a fitting nickname, as the flower for Ima’s birth month is a Rose.

Maybe Muna’s reaction to his sister isn’t such a surprise when you witness the family’s interactions. Love, family and kindness is at the centre of everything they do. For example, Ima and Muna’s auntie helped to booked the family’s Newborn Photoshoot with me, and Ngozi’s mum has moved in temporarily to help them get settled in with their new arrival. Ngozi’s sister, Chinekwu, is Muna’s Godmother. She has been a beacon of support to Ngozi through both births, even collecting the family from the hospital to drive them home despite living over an hour away. Everyone in the family helps everyone else as a way of life. It’s just the way they do things.

Ngozi told me that her favourite aspect of parenthood is having a blank canvas – a gift of life from God – to nurture. She said that putting in the work of guiding children to the right values by role modelling good attitudes and behaviours is so rewarding.

Over time, you see the outcome of your efforts as the children demonstrate those positive attitudes and behaviours themselves.

And it’s very clear to see that Ngozi and Kama have been fantastic role models, with how sweet and happy Muna is as well as his loving and welcoming attitude towards his brand new baby sister 🙂

After our photoshoot, Ngozi said:

“Our newborn/sibling photography session with Sarah was simply fantastic! She truly is a 5 star plus rated photographer. Very professional, yet kind, relaxed and fun to spend the hours with. This was crucial having a toddler and a baby on the shoot. On searching for the best newborn photographers in Oxfordshire I came across Sarah and after our experience with her, we can boldly say that she deserves all the awards she has received and more. I had wanted my pregnancy shoot with her but in the ‘busyness of life’ I just didn’t ring her up for it. So when the baby arrived I asked my cousin to ring her up to book a session. My husband working abroad meant we had a very limited time window for the shoot and therefore required a few tweaks to accommodate us. She understood this peculiarity and offered some personalisation. From accepting our photoshoot request at such short notice to ensuring we had a very sleek and enjoyable photo session, to her aftercare… Sarah is very good at what she does, we love her natural style and the pictures are outstanding!”

Ngozi, newborn photography client from Oxford

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If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in and around Bicester, Oxfordshire, please get in contact.

Sarah Plater LMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire. She is the Master Photographers Association Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).