SD Photography by Shannon Dodd ~ Iowa & Wisconsin Newborn & Baby Photographer

I have a deep passion for newborn photography.  I can’t really explain it, but it keeps me up at night sometimes, thinking of ways to pose, accessories, props, etc etc etc!  I can truly say I have loved every.single. newborn. session I’ve done.  But there are just a couple of things that make me feel like my job is surreal.

1.  REALLY sleepy babies {they *ALL* sleep}

2.  REALLY relaxed babies {you know, the kind that squish when you put them in your arms, not an ounce of tension or worry in their bodies}

3.  Unique features {for sure a head full of hair, thick eyelashes, or cute puckered up lips, etc}

4.  When parents appreciate the ‘little’ things {like shots of those 10 perfect fingers and toes, or eyelashes and lips!}

Meet little Anthony- he came to his session and he fulfilled my every wish!  Super sleepy, super squishy and relaxed, a beautiful head of hair and adorable tiny little features, and his Mommy told me that she loves the shots of feet and toes!!  He was 5 days new at his session, and was 7 lbs 5 oz and 21 inches tall at birth! (the PERFECT size in my very humble opinion…)   I hope you’ll all enjoy a little peek into his gallery of images- a big thank you to his Mommy for brining him to his session- I had a Great time!!!

Meet Sweet, squishy little Charlie Sue!  She was 7 pounds and 8 oz at birth and just 20 inches tall!!!  Loved having her in my studio and I hope you’ll enjoy a quick little peek into her gallery of images!
Big thank you to her Mommy and Grandma who brought her for her session!
ENJOY!

Meet River- boy do I have stories to tell about his session!  He was 7 pounds, 15 ounces and 20 1/2 inches tall at birth- the perfect size and he has the most perfect features too!  I was MELTING over his kissable lips and adorable nose!  I’ll admit- I LOVE shooting newborns on creams and light colors- but something about the Fall day made me want to stick to more warm colors and tones and I love the feel of River’s images!
Story 1–  when his Mommy and Grandma came in his Mommy said to me:  ”Good Luck- he hates being naked.”  Well, he loved being warm and snuggly in my studio and I don’t think I saw his eyes one time!
Story 2– the vintage suitcase is a family heirloom from (I Believe) River’s great grandma!  LOVE all things vintage but they are even more special when they have sentimental value!
Story 3–  the vintage brass bed is also a family heirloom that River’s Grandma played with when she was a little girl (given to her by another relative!!)

Needless to say, I was excited and ready to shoot when I saw how cute River was and that I had fun new AWESOME props to play!  Super sleepy, relaxed and squishy baby boy and I think you all will enjoy a little peek into his gallery!

Big thank you to his (Mommy and Grandma too) for bringing him for his session- I totally enjoyed it and I hope you’ll love having these images!  :)

***Story 4–  As River was sound asleep on his lil’ bed, I took a moment’s break to just LOOK at him- he was sooo cute up there!  (alright, maybe it was also because my pregnant body was cramping up from laying in some awkward position to get the shots……) Anyway- I said aloud to him, “Alright River, I’m going to count to 3 and then I want you to smile.”  NO JOKE- he did it IMMEDIATELY!  ;)

Have a great day everyone and thanks for peeking!

Oh what an absolute TREAT Kaitlyn’s session was for me.  Not only did she arrive completely sleepy, but she was truly one of the most beautiful newborns I’ve photographed!  Towards the end of her session, THEN the second treat arrived, her proud big sister McKenna!  I often tell parents who want to attempt a sibling shot to have little expectations and to not put any pressure on older siblings to perform.  Then, I cross my fingers and get manipulative!  Everything worked perfectly for these beauties and I hope I’ve captured the new bond they have!
BIG thank you to their parents for choosing me and trusting me with their most precious baby girls!

I totally LOVE my new yellow peanut butter bucket….  just the cutest!

Annnnd….  a second sister shot almost NEVER happens!  You better believe Miss M got a Tootsie Pop when she was done!!  :)

Meet sweet Evelyn.  I’m not going to lie- I feel a little bit more pressure and worry when a baby is coming two+ hours to see me for their newborn session.   I wonder if they will sleep once they arrive after such a long, deep sleep in the car, but … {knock on wood} … every traveling baby has been FANTASTIC and Evelyn was so sleepy sweet!

Evelyn was 8 lbs 3 oz at birth and 20 inches tall and she was six days old when I photographed her!  She is beautiful.  She is squishy.  She is relaxed.  She is GIGGLY She is just perfect.

You know what else is fun about my job?  Seeing brand new families and the instant bond  they have- I LOVE when parents come to see me because the understand how precious the gift they have been given is.  They want to capture this time in their lives so they can help jog a very foggy, tired memory!  Evelyn’s parents are involved, loving and EXCITED to have such a beautiful little daughter!

ps- sorry for my serious blog neglect.  I couldn’t even remember my login information (blush!!!)  I promise I have a fairly good reason (one being super busy with sessions now that the beautiful Iowa weather has been around!) and I will elaborate more on that probably next week- so stay tuned!!!