The newborn phase can fly by in the blink of an eye, and that's where Kak Shida comes in, preserving these fleeting moments with her expert touch. She was inspired by the stunning images photographer Saiful Nang captured of his own baby, as well as the work of European photographers. At that time, newborn photography was a relatively new field in Malaysia, but Kak Shida's passion for the art drove her to delve deeper into this delicate craft.
Interestingly enough, she revealed that the Gadis Kebaya theme was first requested by a foreign client who wanted to incorporate Malaysian traditional attire into their newborn's photoshoot. This theme now features , adding a rich cultural and historical touch. "Dressing newborns in Baju Kebaya not only pays homage to our heritage, but also captures the essence of Malaysian culture in a heartwarming way," she shared with SAYS.
"Ultimately, my inspiration comes from a desire to create images that are both visually stunning and meaningful to families. I believe that these themes offer a unique and memorable way to celebrate the arrival of a new life," she added. Since newborns can't follow instructions like adults, their comfort and temperament are crucial.
If a baby is unwell on the day of the photoshoot, the session may need to be postponed. "Posing a newborn requires patience and attention to detail, as we must carefully position their head, hands, and legs. Some babies may resist certain poses, making it necessary to approach them with gentleness and understanding," the photographer explained.
The limited availability of props and wrapping cloths in Malaysia sometimes requires Kak Shida to source supplies from overseas, which can be costly. Jaundice can also be a concern, but she assures parents that there are software tools to create beautiful portraits even in such cases. "The opportunity to interact with newborns is another cherished part of my job.
Holding these tiny bundles of joy is incredibly soothing and calming," she shared, adding that newborn photography offers a canvas for creativity, allowing her to experiment with different themes, props, and poses. Looking ahead, Kak Shida hopes to explore new themes, such as a rockstar theme that adds an edgy twist to her usual style, and a series of newborn photographs to commemorate Malaysia's National Day. "It would be a meaningful way to celebrate our nation's independence and showcase the beauty of Malaysian culture through the lens of newborn photography," she remarked.
After this period, babies may be less flexible and more prone to staying awake, making certain poses more difficult to achieve. Therefore, early booking is recommended, she explained..
