Just add [lukewarm] water
One of the absolute best parts about being a photographer is being able to capture the special milestones of my family members but especially those of my nephews. Ian was born in January and immediately had some heart issues leading to him having to be tube fed for several months of his life. To celebrate her journey of pumping consistently for six months and Ian's progression to bottle feeding, my sister wanted to do a little milk bath photoshoot of Ian in her own breast milk!
We selected a gorgeous pine tree backdrop where we set up the tin tub filled with water, breast milk, sliced lemons and oranges, and of course, Ian! After a few tough months Earth-side, Ian's super serious demeanor subsided and he finally began smiling a smile that truly lights up his entire face. But put him in cold water and surround him with sweet fruits to suck on - this kid did. not. want. to. smile. Or look at the camera at all really! He was sooo focused on those orange and lemon slices that he probably wouldn't have noticed if my sister and I were there or not! To an outsider, my sister would have looked like a crazy person dancing, singing, pouncing and making every odd noise she could think of to get this little guy's attention and pretty much nothing worked. It wasn't until we drained the milk water and just filled the tub up with whole fruits that we could finally get this kid's time of day hahaha
But when he did smile for us - boy did he show off some of his best grins and I am so glad we have those on camera forever!
Tip for next time - for optimum baby 'tudes, use the lukewarm gallons of water your brought first and don't accidentally pour all of the freshly cold gallons in first (:
