A bonding photograph session in nature

There's something about being in nature with your baby.  They are free, we are free.  Unburdened by fluorescent lights and painted walls.  Outside we're subject to the fluctuations of temperature and color, we see new and beautiful things with sincerity and surprise -- two deer skittering by, a white butterfly hovering in the warm spring air.  The ground is pricklier than we expected, and also softer underfoot. 

We slip down dry hills into a creekbed, and here we're kind of hidden from the rest of the world.  We are explorers here.  Just wandering in the morning light.

Mama began by nursing with her top on, but then discarded it as we walked.  It was covered in her baby's pee, she said, so what's the use?  I am a naked mom, she told me, smiling sweetly.  These are precious days, and we're allowed to be so free with our babies.  So connected, and so close.  Just nursing and bonding.  Just finding out about each other without asking any questions.

These are the moments I live to photograph.  That I gasp as I capture them.  I am in awe of this mother, just a few months into her new role, and wearing it with such divine simplicity.  Such ease.  This is where she wants to be -- with her sweetie.  Gently touching leaves and watching bugs.  Holding tightly to each other and holding loosely too.  These are the moments I want too.  They are timeless and perfect and filled with the kind of love you can't describe.