Is this personal work or client work?

These are from a personal project I have been working on called the Postpartum Project. I’m trying to capture mothers during their first year postpartum to get a real glimpse of what life is like after baby is born. The good and the bad.

What about this session was most memorable?

Mama was sitting right next to a huge window, so the light streaming in was just beautiful. The shadows on baby’s face while he nursed happily in his mother’s arms were perfect.

Were there any hurdles?

At one point, I saw a ring sling lying on a chair and suggested maybe getting a few baby wearing shots. Baby boy was not happy about this idea at all and the mother quickly took him out again and went back to snuggling her little one in the chair.

Your best photographer/session advice?

I mainly shoot indoors and the best advice I have for indoor sessions is to not be afraid to push your camera to its limits. Don’t fear high ISO and shoot wide open if you have to. Get the light in any way possible.

What gear was used to achieve these?

Camera: Nikon D750

Lens: Sigma Art 35mm f/1.4

About the photographer:

Vivien Stembridge is a documentary photographer in the Manchester, CT area. She specializes in maternity, birth, newborn, and family photography. She is a mother of three beautiful children whom she homeschools.

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