Welcome to the World - Obie Smedley

"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities." - Eda J Le Shan

It's no secret that I love a newborn shoot. In all honesty, I go a bit mushy. I always hope that I will get a chance to have cuddles amidst the making of those sweet memories. And it's always extra special to me when I get to photograph one of my oldest friends' newest little bundle of love, like Obie.

Vlora and I have been friends for sixteen years. I've been fortunate enough to photograph every major event in her life for the past five or so years. I often joke that walking in to her home is like walking in to my own gallery or exhibition. It's an absolute honour to feel so trusted with her most important moments. And Vlora is always on board with my ideas, with my vision, which I guess is why we work so well together.

I have a thing about the way I photograph newborns. To put it simply, I am just there to capture the truth. Now don't get me wrong, I think those photographs of babies in plant pots and baskets are cute and all, but for me the real beauty is in the simplicity of the mother, father and their baby just being together, getting to know one another, nursing, sleeping. I try to interfere minimally and just capture what unfolds before me. I am never disappointed with the results. And Obie was a little dream.....