Twinkle Toes

[Mike Buckley]

My sister-in-law (whom I adore) gave birth yesterday, just a few weeks shy of 44 years old, to a very healthy boy. I was lucky enough to be available to photograph all of the obligatory combinations of mommy, daddy and son, and of course solo presentations of the little boy when he was barely 8 hours old.

As much as I'm glad I did that, the photo that I like best in how it stands on its own is the one shown below of the mother. She had explained a few days earlier that in her ninth month of pregnancy, she couldn't bend over to do her own toes. Considering all the people who were going to see her in a state of tiredness and with the hospital gown exposing her behind, she also joked that the least her visitors deserved was a decent presentation of her toes. So she got a pedicure. I loved the conversation and was especially thrilled to see her toes proudly sticking out from her hospital socks.

If you click the photo to view it in its larger size, you'll see that, indeed, her toenails really do twinkle.

[pnodrog]

Nice story and well taken. Cover of Vogue Magazine? Probably more of a family history shot. I assume you did remember to take some of the baby.

[Brownbear]

Congratulations Mike!

I think your photo is lovely and a great spa photo for esthetic services The lighting and focus are perfect as always... That said I hope you will be sharing some baby photos!

[ShaneS]

A great story and image to match Mike! I wonder if decreasing the contrast on the skin to smooth it out a bit (as I think they do in portraits) would take it to the next level? If I were her I would like a little 4X6 print of this possibly with the addition of my hospital bracelet (with the date) to put on my desk.

I too vote to see a picture of the little one

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, everyone!

Shane: I considered smoothing out the skin but decided instead upon leaning toward the style of realism rather than fashion. I may change my mind some day and rework the photo.

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks to everyone for asking to see photos of the baby.

[Karm Redland]

Creative image. Well executed.

karm

[terrib]

It's a unique remembrance of a special day. Great job!