Newborn photoshoot with two-week-old Jenson

I’ve known Ashley and Jo for long enough that I should’ve anticipated that their newborn photoshoot with me would be unlike any other…

Indeed, within a few minutes of them arriving, I found myself giving the camera to Ashley and talking him through how to get the right angle for our next shot.

His love and adoration for every part of his new son was clear to see, right from Jenson’s perfectly shaped face down to his teeny tiny toes.

Indeed, Ashley got so into his role as a professional photographer that I ended up with about 50 different images of Jenson’s feet to choose from, all of which – Ashley assured me – were award-winning images. 😆

“I know I’m biased,” Ashley said, “but he is perfect, isn’t he!?”

The morning that Ashley and Jo came into the studio was 14 years to the day that they met, which made the day even more special: this anniversary would be the first one celebrated as a family of three.

I met this awesome couple about five or so years ago, when my husband Jon worked alongside Ashley in Milton Keynes.

For a while they both commuted together and Jon would arrive back home still laughing at the conversations they’d had in the car. Indeed, the 40-minute drive soon became Jon’s favourite part of the day, as well as the lunch breaks they spent together, too.

Outside of work we started meeting up as a foursome: having fish and chips, going for walks and days out together and generally enjoying each other’s company.

They’ve been big supporters of my photography business for a long time, popping in a couple of years back for a couple’s photoshoot shortly after their wedding (see the photos here), and with Jo regularly liking my work on social media.

Of course, being close friends means there’s also a big dose of teasing involved, with Ashley regularly giving me advice on how I can take better ‘snaps’… hopefully these ones are up to his high standards! 😆

Our relationship has been characterised by a very light-hearted tone throughout, but it’s also been an honour to watch Ashley and Jo grow as a couple, from attending their wedding day to helping them settle in to their new home just up the road from ours.

Now Jon and I are enjoying watching them take on the joys and challenges of parenthood and listening to the two very different sides to every story they tell: Ashley’s version and Jo’s version!

Jo hopes that Jenson will inherit his dad’s confidence and ability to talk to anyone (indeed, Ashley even got a Christmas card from the checkout staff at Tesco in December just gone!).

Ashley hopes that Jenson will get his mum’s patience and loving nature, as well as her attention to detail.

Whichever traits he ends up with, one thing is for sure: his days will be full of love and laughter, and we can’t wait to see how much mischief he will cause his wonderful mum and dad! 😆

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If you’re interested in newborn portraits or family photography in 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).