If you're close to me, you would know that I have been wanting to shoot a cultural celebration for quite a while. I have a bucket list of shoots of sorts, maybe I'll share it with you guys some day, who knows maybe you can help me cross another item off my list and we can have some fun together! *light bulb moment!*

Well, I'm a big believer in energy, and I believe that the thoughts that you put out into the universe have a way of making their way into their lives. Which is why, the phrases "be careful what you wish for" or "your thoughts become your reality" ring loud and true to me.. negative thinking be gone! It's hard sometimes, but once you put a conscious effort into "thinking positive" with time, it becomes second nature.

Well, the energy of the universe has listened, and I got an enquiry from a lovely young lady, named Rukayya, expecting her first child. Rukayya was based in Abu Dhabi, and was looking for newborn baby photography in Dubai or Abu Dhabi to capture a Fresh48 session for her baby girl while she was still in the hospital, followed by coverage of a celebratory lunch a week later in honor of the baby girl, a naming ceremony of sorts. The twist? Rukayya is from Nigeria, and this was going to be my very first time shooting a Nigerian celebration. You can image just how excited I was about the prospect (still am!) 

When I showed up on the day, it was Rukayya and her husband Sufyan, their sisters Munira and Amina, and Sufyan's lovely parents. Nadine was just the sweetest sleepy little newborn baby, although she gave us glimpses of her beautiful eyes throughout the session, which I absolutely love! And when we met up a week later, I couldn't believe just how much she had changed in just that one week, and you will see from the video.. she's already quite the stylish little baby. Well done Rukayya and Sufyan, Congratulations on her safe arrival, I'm so excited for everyone for beginning such a beautiful stage of life, and I can't wait to see you all again!

I'm going to leave you with the video from our collective sessions together, and a handful of photos below. Enjoy!

I love shooting first birthdays. Babies start to show so much of their budding personalities and some begin to acquire more independence, resulting in so many funny moments! They move about and add so much dimension to a shoot, and you can just play, play play. 

Idrees turned one this past December, and we had so much fun together. The session was very colorful and full of energy and laughs. I always tell my clients, you don't need much to have a great session, you don't even have to make sure every piece of furniture in your home is exactly where it needs to be. All you need to do is focus on your family, focus on the fun you want to have together, and allow the moments to unfold naturally. 

Here's a look at Idrees' first birthday shoot. Happy birthday little man. May you continue to shine and fill your parents' and family's lives with so much love and sunshine.