Lyndon Ray Film Newborn Session

If you told me 10 years ago that I’d still be doing photography alongside Nancy in our post-college years, and that I’d be regularly documenting these fleeting days in the life of her growing family, I don’t think you could have made me a happier camper. I cannot adequately put into words what a gift it has been to do sessions for this family.

Let’s talk about Lyndon… I don’t know her yet like I know Milly. She hasn’t said anything to me or asked me for a hug or given me side-eye or jumped up in my lap just to sit close. I think back to when Milly was this little, and how much we didn’t know about her when she was brand new, and I can’t wait to see Lyndon’s little spirit take shape as it grows. And here’s the thing – it already has a defined shape; Lyndon is hardwired with a sweet personality already, we’re just waiting to see it unfold day by day.

One noticeable thing about Lyndon: she stares intently. Not kidding, she stares into your soul. You’re kind of not ready for it in the very best way. It’s the ‘Whoa this girl’s gonna be a world shaker’ feeling, though all she’s doing is starting into your eyes.

And Milly. Every time I see this child, I just want to squeeze her. As a big sister? She nails it. Sure, she’s 2, so Lyndon’s newborn session was not without a Milly meltdown or two, but nothing that a little extra attention and cookies couldn’t fix. Overall the love that pours out of Milly so naturally anyway seems to land right on her baby sister in such a tender way, and it’s precious to watch.

Last thing — I gotta talk about Nancy’s mom, Mama Debs. Every time I walked in the Ray house the first few weeks that Lyndon was around, Mama Debs was graciously serving, mostly cooking something glorious in the kitchen and BOY did it smell good. At one point during Lyndon’s newborn session, she whipped up a huge plate of spaghetti for me, just to make sure I was getting enough to eat and feeding my babies while I was working! I said, “Oh Deeebie you don’t have to do that!” and she said in that Clinton country accent, “Well I did and I did it just for you so you have to eat it!” What a Mama!

Film Processing: Indie Film Lab