Older newborn photoshoot with Israel

Ayesha and Chris used to see each other in the gym a lot. They started talking, started hanging out and a while later… Ayesha thought she better introduce him to her parents!

Her parents had been wondering all she’d been spending all her time with, so were really pleased to meet the mystery man from the gym!

Four years later and they are still working out together – they did plyometrics the day before I met them – only now there’s one additional logistical element to consider: dropping off four-month-old Israel at one of his grandparents’ houses.

Luckily, both families are local – in Bicester and Kidlington – so not far away from the couple’s home in Upper Heyford.

The couple had previously discussed moving away from the area, and are now so glad they didn’t, as their family have provided so much support in these first few months of parenthood.

Additionally, the whole family is besotted with their new arrival, little Israel, so the couple are never short of help with childcare.

It’s also good that Ayesha and Chris are keeping strong in the gym, as Israel is growing so quickly, and is starting to get heavy!

Israel absolutely loves people, and started smiling as soon as I made eye contact with him.

Both his parents are super easy-going and relaxed and you can see that Israel has inherited those great traits from them.

After all, not all – or even many – babies will accept the restrictions of a swaddle when they are more than a couple of months old!

However, waiting until Israel was a little bit older means his parents have got the best of both worlds in this photoshoot: wide awake grins and giggles as well as some sleepy newborn-style swaddled images.

The couple settled on the name Israel fairly early on in the pregnancy, with Menelik – the name of the Ethiopian emperor who resisted an Italian invasion – and Ayesha’s surname as middle names.

Ayesha can’t wait to take him swimming, probably in the same local pool that she splashed in herself as a little one.

Chris is looking forward to teaching Israel boxing. Chris’ family features a number of top sportsmen, including boxers and athletes, right up to Olympic standard.

Indeed, he was a highly performing footballer himself until a ripped achilles heel meant he needed to go to Plan B.

Luckily, Chris had put as much effort into his studies as his football practice, which meant he was able to go straight into a career in financial services.

He learned everything he needed to and more, before setting up as a self-employed mortgage broker. He is now the go-to for all his friends and family, as well as his clients, who he helps navigate the ever-changing mortgage market so that they don’t pay a penny more than they need do. Do give him a call if you are looking for advice.

Ayesha is a hard-working and dedicated letting agent who loves her work and is currently working towards her letting qualification.

Their careers mean both Ayesha and Chris help people to find a property to call home.

Now they have little Israel, who – along with their two dogs – has given their own home a whole new level of joy and happiness 🙂

“We had a wonderful experience with Sarah as she was lovely and accommodating for our family shoot with our 4 month old. We absolutely loved our pictures and Sarah’s photography style!! Highly recommended 🙌🏽”

Ayesha, newborn photography client from Bicester, Oxfordshire

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

Sarah Plater AMPA is an award-winning qualified, certified professional newborn and family portrait photographer based in Bicester, Oxfordshire.

She is the Master Photographers Association Young Families Portrait Photographer of the Year 2022 and Newborn Photographer of the Year 2019 for the Central Region (covering Oxfordshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire).