I had a photo shoot with a small (and very new) little guy yesterday, and it reminded me again how special and extremely quick the newborn stage is. My own son is only five months old now, but already the wrinkly, blotchy skin, the dazed expressions and the squeaky cries are gone. So I made a point to photograph some of the more uniquely newborn details for this guy’s parents because before they know it those skins folds there will be filled in with all kinds of squishable baby fat. And I’m sure they’ll want to remember those arms in this very new state before that happens.

Amidst all the obligatory first smiles and laughs and baths that you’re sure to capture of your babies, don’t forget to shoot these kinds of details as well. Looking back on those rolls of skin months and even years later will most likely bring to mind tender memories of those first few sleep-deprived weeks. And then you can be thankful that they eventually grow up.