Newborn photoshoot with 11-day-old Phoenix

May 2022 update: The above image has just won a Highly Commended in the most recent monthly competition run by the Master Photographers Association. Judge Sarah Tate FMPA commented, “To do this shot properly is hard and this one is lovely. The posing and finishing is beautifully done [and] I like the little bit of wrap showing so well done. Another lovely, lovely shot.”

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I first met the lovely Tenille and Damione at their maternity photoshoot with me (see the photos here).

They were both born in different parts of South Africa. Damione moved to the UK ten years ago for work. Tenille went to Canada and then arrived here in the UK seven years ago. 

One of Tenille’s friends put her in contact with Damione, thinking they might get along.

He invited Tenille to meet him at a BBQ, but she very nearly didn’t get on the train as she wasn’t feeling great.

In the end though, she’s glad she pushed through it and got on that train: Damione introduced Tenille to a lot of new friends, putting in the effort to make her feel welcome and making her laugh lots, too!

And now, five and a half years after they first met, they are about to embark on a whole new adventure together: parenthood.

Gorgeous little Phoenix ArcAngela was born early in the morning on 13 March weighing an impressive 3.96kg (8lbs 7oz)!

Her parents hope that she’ll inherit mum’s big heart and dad’s love of order and tidiness.

Indeed, both her parents are well-organised and love to plan ahead, but are looking forward to a bit of chaos that having a baby will bring to their lives!

Whatever traits she brings to the world she can be sure of one thing: she has been eagerly longed-for, anticipated and loved from the moment she was conceived.

Dad particularly loves her super-squishy cheeks, while mum adores her eyes.

She also has the most incredible newborn hair which is dark, thick and long and goes curly when wet.

Tenille and Damione can’t wait to take her home to introduce her to their friends and family in South Africa.

They plan to take a trip their later this year, and it will be extra special as it will be their first time seeing everyone in over two years, thanks to the pandemic.

And they will be very, very happy to be travelling as a family of three for the first time, too – knowing that all of this only happened because Tenille decided to get on that train to meet Damione five years ago. 🙂

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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).