Celebrating the chaos that makes your family yours 💖

May 15, 2025

Today’s imperfect moments are tomorrow’s favourite memories.

Dear Builder of Blanket Forts and Keeper of Chaos,

Try taking a family photo. Someone blinks. Someone else runs. One parent forgets to smile. The baby sneezes. The toddler’s upside down.

And yet somehow—it’s perfect.

Because families aren’t made to fit neatly in the frame. They spill over. They wiggle and wobble. They giggle at the wrong time and blink in the middle of the flash.

That’s the beauty of it: the blur is the bond.

Today is International Family Day, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years behind the camera, it’s this:

The best family portraits aren’t the most posed or polished.
They’re the ones that feel like home.

Here’s to the tickle fights, the photo fails, the warm squeezes and wriggly giggles—to everything that makes your version of family uniquely, beautifully yours.

With love, light & all the beautiful mayhem,

**Suchanda**

Niddledy Noddledy
Bumps to Babies Photography

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy 📸 — pictured here mid-giggle, mid-cuddle, mid-chaos.
(Because real life is a little messy, a lot magical—and always worth remembering.)

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

From all the babies: sorry about your tea, and also—we love you 👼🏻

May 10, 2025

This Mother’s Day, we put their feelings into words (because they’re too busy giggling).

Dear Giver of Cuddles and Midnight Snacks,

If babies could talk, here’s what they might say (in between drooling on your shoulder and demanding snacks for the fifteenth time):

👶🏻 “Thanks for letting me sneeze in your face and still call me cute.”
☕️ “Sorry about your back. And your sleep. And your once-hot tea.”
👃🏻 “You’re not just my mum. You’re my soft place, my safe smell, my everything.”
😶‍🌫️ “I know I won’t remember this… but I hope you never forget.”

You show up every day, hair a mess, heart wide open.
You laugh when you're exhausted.
You sing when no one listens.
You love in a way only you can.

And though the babies might not say it with words, they say it with sleepy sighs, tight finger holds, and that sparkly-eyed look that says, you are home.

This Mother's Day, here's a little love note from the tiniest hearts in the house:
You're doing magic. Even when it feels like mess.

With all the burps, giggles & squishy love,

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy 📸 — seen here with my best little adventure buddy.
(She keeps the giggles coming. I try to catch them with my camera.)

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

☀️ Catch the golden days before summer sweeps in

April 26, 2025

A little window of sunshine, slow giggles, and lingering magic — before summer comes knocking.

Dear Keeper of Everyday Magic,

Right now, Kolkata is holding its breath.

Winter has tiptoed away, and summer is standing in the wings, ready to take centre stage. But today — today is something special.

There’s a hush in the mornings, a soft golden glow in the afternoons. Tiny hands explore sunbeams spilling across the floor. Sleepy yawns stretch a little longer. And for a moment, the world feels wrapped in a warm, gentle sigh.

It's that beautiful in-between. A little quieter. A little sweeter.

These golden days won’t last. Soon, the streets will shimmer, mangoes will reign supreme, and we’ll all be chasing cooler corners with endless glasses of nimbu-pani in hand.

But right now? It's the perfect time for slow stories, sticky kisses, and tiny adventures that deserve to be tucked safely into your heart forever.

Here's to catching the golden light while it's still dancing around us.

With warmth, sunshine & a few mango-stained memories,

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸
(with my hubby and baby, and a barrel full of laughter!)

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

🥭 The Great Mango Countdown Begins …

April 3, 2025

Before the heat sets in, before time speeds up… a season worth treasuring.

Dear Keeper of Sticky Fingers & Sun-Kissed Smiles,

It’s that time of year—when the air smells like summer thinking about arriving but hasn’t quite figured out what to wear yet. The mornings are still kind, the afternoons are testing boundaries, and mango season is just around the corner. (You can almost hear the Alphonsos warming up backstage.)

For little ones, it’s a golden hour of sorts—lazy mornings, longer playtimes, and just the right amount of breeze to ruffle their curls. A season of sticky hands, sunlit giggles, and moments that feel like childhood. The kind you’ll want to bottle up forever.

Right now, the world is still gentle—before the sun turns fierce, before everything speeds up again. Tiny toes still curl up in sleepy warmth, arms still stretch in that delicious newborn stretch, and the days are just right for lingering cuddles.

These golden days won’t last forever, but right now? They’re meant to be treasured.

With love, light & a little mango madness,

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸

(OK, okay … that's my Studio Ghibli-fied version, but based on a true story!)

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

Psst… there’s a secret Mother’s Day this month!

March 27, 2025

Because motherhood deserves more than one day… 💕

Dear memory-keeper, storyteller, and keeper of cuddles,

You know Mother’s Day, right? The one in May?

Well, here’s a little secret—some parts of the world celebrate it much earlier!

In places like the UK, Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, 30th March—a quiet little celebration before the rest of the world catches up in May.

And honestly, parents deserve more than just one day anyway.

Because parenthood isn’t just a day—it’s a thousand tiny moments.
The sleepy snuggles, the sticky little kisses, the way those little hands reach for yours.

One day, these will be the memories that matter most.

So, here’s to you—the heart of your little one’s story.

Whether you celebrate this “secret” Mother’s Day or wait till May, know this: every day, you are loved beyond measure.

With love, light & the magic of everyday moments,

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

One day, they’ll ask… ‘What was I like as a child?’

March 18, 2025

Today’s little giggles… tomorrow’s favourite stories!

To the storyteller of an absolutely incredible childhood,

This week is all about stories—World Storytelling Day and Absolutely Incredible Kid Day (though, let’s be honest, every day should be about celebrating your little one!).

One day, they’ll ask you, “What was I like when I was little?”
And you’ll tell them—about the cheeky grins, the belly laughs, the way they fit perfectly in your arms.

But wouldn’t it be wonderful if they could see those stories, too?
Because childhood is a collection of once-upon-a-time moments—tiny, magical, and gone too soon.

So here’s to your absolutely incredible kid.
May their story always be full of love, adventure, and moments worth remembering.

With love, light & a heart full of stories,

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

More Colour, More Chaos, More Love 🌈

March 4, 2025

Because childhood should always be a little messy…

Dear maker of magical, messy memories,

Holi is almost here, and with it comes a beautiful reminder: life is better when it’s colourful, a little messy, and filled with joy.

From tiny hands smeared with gulal to wild giggles in a burst of colors, this festival brings out the purest, happiest moments—the kind we wish we could bottle up forever.

And maybe, in some ways, we can.

So let this be a celebration of colour, laughter, and the fleeting magic of childhood. Because the best memories aren’t the cleanest—they’re the ones where we lived (and loved) a little louder.

Wishing you a season filled with colour, laughter, and love!

With love, splashes of colour & happy moments,

Suchanda
Niddledy Noddledy

Ah, that's my daughter Arya, enjoying a different festival of colours, and making her very own rainbow-hued memories. 🌈

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

A little note, from my heart to yours… ♥️ Thank you

February 25, 2025

Dear storyteller of your little one’s life,

Some moments in life are too special to let slip away. The soft sigh of a newborn, the wild wonder of childhood, the quiet glow of motherhood—these are the stories we hold closest to our hearts.

And I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. 💛

Thank you for believing in the magic of memories. Thank you for cherishing the little things—the sleepy snuggles, the giggles, the way tiny hands reach for yours. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey, for trusting me to capture these fleeting moments before they become memories.

Your stories, your love, your beautiful chaos—it’s what makes Niddledy Noddledy what it is. And I’m so grateful to be here, telling these stories with you.

Here’s to more love, more laughter, and more moments worth remembering.

With warmth, soft light & endless gratitude,

Yes, that's me, Suchanda 😂 Professor Trelawney for my daughter's Harry Potter party, and the heart behind Niddledy Noddledy.

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

How to pick the perfect newborn photographer

January 22, 2025

From safety to style: 10 things to look for in a newborn photographer

Your baby’s first photo shoot isn’t just about pictures; it’s about freezing those precious, fleeting moments.

From their teeny-tiny toes to that adorable yawn, you want a photographer who can capture it all with care, creativity, and a dash of magic.

Here are 10 tips to help you choose someone who’ll make it happen effortlessly.

1. Stalk their portfolio like it’s your favorite influencer’s Insta feed

Scroll through their photos. If their work doesn’t make your heart melt faster than a gooey chocolate fondant, keep looking.

2. Check reviews, because fellow moms don’t sugarcoat

Read testimonials from other parents. If they’re raving about the experience, that’s your sign.

3. Look at their editing style—is it elegant or over the top?

Subtlety is key. You want timeless, beautiful photos, not something that looks flagrantly fake.

4. Do they look like someone who loves babies (or just tolerates them)?

If the photographer seems more excited about their lens than your baby, it’s a red flag.

5. If they offer too-good-to-be-true prices, run faster than a toddler with a cookie

Quality matters. Photography is art, not a discount rack. Cheap rates often mean they’re still learning—or their editing software is Paint 3D.

6. Props are great, but avoid a circus

Props should enhance the moment, not steal the show. A tasteful blanket is better than a life-sized stuffed giraffe.

7. Are they flexible enough to handle nap time shenanigans?

Babies run on their own schedules, and a good photographer works around that without batting an eye.

8. Location matters: Is it cozy and well-lit?

Find out where they shoot and if the space is baby-friendly. Bonus points for comfortable seating for sleep-deprived parents.

9. Can they handle fussy babies, or the inevitable baby pee/poo incidents?

From outfit changes to extra props, a good photographer is ready for all the messy surprises your little one can bring.

10. Trust your instincts: Do they feel like the right fit?”

At the end of the day, you need someone you’re happy and comfortable with. If it feels right, go for it.

Choosing a newborn photographer is about finding someone who understands the beauty of this fleeting time.

With the right person, you’ll walk away with beautiful memories that make you teary-eyed … even years from now.

Take your time, trust your gut, and let the magic happen.

Hi, I’m Suchanda, the heart behind Niddledy Noddledy.

As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.

My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.

Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.

A New Year Fairy Tale

January 2, 2018

"So, Arya and I were having this little chat around the campfire…”

“What campfire?” I was immediately suspicious.

Arya had just dozed off after a hectic day of fun and frolic, and her dad seemed to be getting into the storyteller mode.

More to the point, we lived in the midst of a bustling metropolis. Campfires don’t casually pop up around here.

“The campfire in the enchanted garden, of course…” He seemed flabbergasted with my question.

“…where she plays with the magical creatures of the forest. Don’t tell me you forgot!"

“OK, here we go again… so what’s the story this time?”

“Not a story. Just a chat, around the campfire… with a big, red balloon and a crazy lantern.”

Arya New Year 2018 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 01.jpg

“Interesting setup, I must say. What did you chat about?”

“About her new fairy friend.”

And there it was... the quick dive into the depths of mystery and magic! I valiantly tried to hold on to a semblance of reality.

“Ummm, by fairy friend you mean a pretty little girl?”

“No, I mean a flying fairy, literally.”

Arya New Year 2018 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 02.jpg

“Now you’re starting to lose me. Can you give a bit of background before launching straight on into the ‘fairy’ tale, so to speak?”

“Well, I chanced upon Arya in the enchanted forest while she was sitting on a tree with a lantern, and enjoying a hearty laugh with someone. That’s when I found out about this friend.”

Arya New Year 2018 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 03.jpg

I was pretty convinced that this magical enchanted garden—where Arya and her dad seemed to be regulars at—had no particular coordinates in reality. I decided to dig a little deeper…

“So there’s where you met her friend?”

“I’m not sure…”

“Huh? You either met her friend or you didn’t. Where’s the ambiguity?”

“Oh, that’s because it’s a semi-invisible friend,” he replied with a perfectly straight face.

And steadfastly continued with the “reasonable” explanation, “She even showed me where to look, but naturally I couldn’t see much.”

Arya New Year 2018 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 04.jpg

“Naturally!?! Of all things in this universe, that’s what strikes you as natural, an invisible friend?”

“Actually, yes. You see, children see magic because they look for it.
We as adults have stopped looking. Naturally, we see less.”

I thought it better not to press the point. I was still intrigued by what discussion they had around the campfire.

“What else did you learn about this fairy friend?”

“Apparently she was one of Santa’s emissaries. The ol’ bearded fellow had sent across some more gifts post-Christmas… A magical shapeshifting lantern that glows of its own accord, and a red, round forever balloon that’s always trying to touch the sky.”

“Suspiciously weird gifts. And I’ve never heard of this post-Christmas gifting tradition!”

“That’s only for kids who are very good, you know.

And these are really mystical messages from the magic realms… reminding us to shine brightly and always fly high, no matter what.”

“I’m sure you have photographic evidence for all these claims, as always?”

“Of course, Arya prettily posed with the gifts from her new friend, and the fairy even zipped around in the air writing Happy New Year with golden dust!”

Arya New Year 2018 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 05.jpg

“So very convenient… Do you reckon we’ll ever get to meet this little lady?”

That was a strong enough hint for a long overdue invitation to the enchanted garden, but Arya’s dad had other ideas, and waxed lyrical…

“Simply follow the threads of your imagination… who knows what magic you will stumble across!”

Foiled again! Anyway, when you cannot beat them, join ’em.

“Well, why not? Here’s to more magic in 2018!”

And for some strange reason, even in her sleep, Arya rolled over and smiled.

❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com

Santa’s Secret, and a Christmas Story

December 23, 2017

Sometimes I don’t know what to believe.

“Arya told me a Christmas story,” began her dad.

“Really? I thought you were the storyteller in our family!” I countered, clearly not planning to believe a single word he was about to say.

“Yes,” he continued, ignoring my retort… “that evening while we were at the enchanted garden.”

Wait a minute. “What enchanted garden!?”

“Our private magical hideaway, of course,” he looked at me as if he couldn’t believe the IQ standards he had to deal with.

“Anyway, she whispered this story to me, about the time she met Santa.”

Arya Christmas 2017 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 02.jpg

It was getting out of hand… fast.

“Look,” I replied with utmost restraint, “Santa lives at the North Pole. There’s no way she could have met him.”

“Oh, she met him at the mall.”

This was too much. “Aren’t you being patently ridiculous? Santa was gleefully prancing about at the mall and nobody saw him?”

“Of course not!” Arya’s dad seemed to be getting exasperated with my obtuseness.

“He was in disguise. In a snowman costume. With a crooked nose. The carrot is the clue. All children know it.”

Arya Christmas 2017 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 05.jpg

I decided it was best to simply play along.

“Don’t you think the snowman suit would be a bit too tight for Santa, considering his considerable girth?”

“Oh, dear!” Wrong question, again. I could see he was trying his level best not to roll his eyes.

“The snowman with a crooked nose is just a portal. You twist the carrot, and if you’ve been a good kid, you’re whisked away straight to Santa's Grotto… in a red, button basket.”

“A red button WHAT!?” I could barely keep my wits together.

“Not a red button,” he calmly replied. “A red, button basket. The official mode of teleportation in Santa’s kingdom.”

Arya Christmas 2017 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 04.jpg

“So,” I took a deep breath, “If I understood correctly so far… Arya travelled to the magical kingdom of Santa and his elves… in a red, riding basket. And then?”

“She met Santa. They had cake… and marshmallows… and hot chocolate. Santa gave her a couple of gifts right away, for being extra good!

Then he lightly kissed her on the forehead… and hey, presto! She was back at our enchanted garden!”

Arya Christmas 2017 Photoshoot ❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com ~ Bumps to Babies Photography, Kolkata - 01.jpg

“And you have photographic proof for all of this?”

“Yes, of course. Santa can’t go anywhere without a bunch of paparazzi at his heels. It’s all there. Incontrovertible evidence.”

“You know, if you look closely, there does seem to be a continuity lapse…”

“Sheer nonsense! Stop imagining things, and let’s get Arya ready.”

“Ready, to go where?”

“To go to the North Pole Express Mail Post Office, obviously! Christmas is coming, and Santa needs a list of all the gifts for Arya.”

He leaned forward and whispered conspiratorially, “Why your mom asks such common sense questions I’ll never understand!”

Arya smiled and nodded happily.

She was super excited to post her first letter to Santa!

❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com

Baby Photography = Olympics Training + Meditation

May 31, 2016

Photographer. Mother. Nurse. Gymnast. Doctor. Counselor. (and that’s just the beginning!)

A good baby photographer is not just a capturer of memories and an artist of expressions, but her role includes all of the above, and so much more!

Babies don’t care who you are, or what you plan to do. You turn up with your camera, photography gear, props, lights and the whole shebang… and they just turn up your nose at you and get busy in their own world. Throwing toys, running away, bawling their head off, playing with dirt, asking to be fed, going off to sleep, almost falling and causing mini heart attacks, and everything that can make your life difficult as a photographer. You almost wish you were a nature photographer… at least mountains and trees don’t run away, or make faces, and definitely don’t kick you. :)

In baby photography, one perfect shot can take hundreds of clicks, as kids are never still and you never know when you might miss the perfect moment. At one time I was clicking my daughter’s picture right after the Durga Puja bisarjan, and I wanted her to pose with her toy lion. Well, she of course had other ideas and simply refused to be in the same frame with the soft toy. Every time she would throw it away, run off or cry if it was brought near her. I kept trying, kept clicking, to no avail.

And then fortune smiled for just a moment, when my husband handed her the lion and she held it close for just a fraction of a second before flinging it away, and I clicked right then… lying on the floor to get the perfect expression from her level, tired and perspiring, and almost at the limit of my patience... but delighted to have got the perfect shot to wrap up my puja album.

With tiny babies, you are not just being super careful (as newborn photography has to be done within 10 days of birth), maintaining optimum room temperature, playing ambient heartbeat sounds to calm the tiny tot, and also training the new mother on baby handling basics that hospitals don't exactly prepare you for… at the same time you’re changing lenses, changing props, sometimes changing baby diapers, and in all that madness, capturing precious moments that will melt the mother’s heart and become magical memories to be treasured for a lifetime.

On the journey of photographing babies, you learn humility, patience, lightning reflexes, keeping others calm when your plans go out the window… and not only do you bring your skills as a photography artist and editor, you come as a mother who knows exactly how to handle and take care of a baby, through smiles and poops, tears and laughter, through mellow sleep and manic madness.

Baby Photography is not a profession. It’s reveling in the adventure of life, and being in the present moment. It’s flowing with what is, and capturing moments that take your breath away. Being with babies teaches you what life is all about, and I wouldn’t exchange that for literally anything in the world!

❤ NiddledyNoddledy.com

No Adulting!

November 8, 2015

Photographing my little cute "monsters" is a revelation. Children are veritable powerhouses of emotions, each lasting for less than a second. They laugh wholeheartedly, cry inconsolably, and switch from one emotion to another in the blink of an eye. Capturing all of that is both a challenge and a delight.

Then comes the task of making a pick: which one or ones should I give to the parents? Because as a mother I know they will treasure them all.

Until I started photographing these transitions I didn’t realize how much goes on in that little human being... how magical they are! Not just in terms of cuteness, but how they always live in the moment with no attachments, no judgements, no expectations, with nothing to hide. They just are BEING themselves, shining their light, making everyone happy around them.

Adults, starting with ME, are different. We love to linger, over-analyze things, dramatize life, and marinate in all sorts of things that bring you down. We get caught up in these nitty-gritties and forget that ‘it really is a Happy Day.’ It always is. We just need to stop adulting and move on... in the blink of an eye.

So, how many should I hand over? The adult in me rations, “Give only the very best.” The child in me says, “Hand me over to my Mommy, all of me.” I know that makes no sense. Then again, who am I kidding? Tomorrow when a mother is tired with a truckload of concerns preying on her mind, just by flipping through these pictures she may also see the light, as I see it today!

Moral of the story? No more adulting!

The first time that we said “Hello”

October 2, 2015

My world changed the day she was born.

I was so happy when I first saw her. I knew what falling head over heels in love meant. What love at first sight meant. What unconditional love meant.

When she was brought to me—all bundled up in a warm blanket—I thought I could never forget the moment. Never forget that tiny little face, the baby smell, the tiny hands… I took it all in. Old habits kicked in, and I took out my phone and took a picture. Thank god I did. Because now, a year later, when I try to think of that moment all I can remember is this picture, how she looks in it, and my eyes well up in tears… taking me back in time, filling up my senses with her smell, her touch, the first snuggle.

I now realize I had created a powerful anchor, without even realizing its significance.

Children remain tiny for a very small time, and grow up with lightning speed. A year old now, she sits in her high chair next to me, and actually feeds me with her tiny fingers! When I return after a long day, she welcomes me back with a warm snuggle, takes my face in her palms and bites my nose. In the garden, she holds my hand and walks on the grass with faltering steps, and screams for Mamma the moment she realizes I’m out of her sight.

Seems only yesterday that she would fit in my hand.

Her face has changed a zillion times already. She is an ocean of expressions, and can go from tragedy to comedy in 10 seconds flat, firing a million expressions along the way. Such a difference a year can make!

Yes, I took it all in the first time that we said “Hello”. Like all mothers I thought I could never ever forget every tiny detail of that moment. But now when I look back and try to remember how she looked, what she did, all that comes to my mind are these beautiful pictures I clicked. How she looks in them, her face, her expressions, her fancy little poses. Everything else is lost.

No, not the feeling. That always stays.

So I am grateful that I took those pictures. A whole lot of them. And they take me back in time and let me relive the moments once again. These pictures have created an everlasting memory and this is ONLY the beginning as we step into Year 2.

I have my camera ready.

Bring it on, my little angel.

Go slow… or Why Niddledy Noddledy was born

September 20, 2015

"Smile, breathe and go slowly."
~ Thich Nhat Hanh

The pace of modern life can be quite hectic, especially for working women. Technology-enabled, notification-driven, and always on the edge — teetering between the personal and professional, never quite achieving the balance.

I too was just rushing through life, never really doing just one thing at a time. I was always on the go, until a life was born in me… my daughter. And that is when I discovered “magic".

The magic of slowing down. Of sinking into the comfort of a sofa, of losing myself in a book, of standing under the shower, of enjoying the sweetness of milk, the punch of a fruit, of rain on my face, of wind in my hair, of pausing for breath, of looking in the mirror, of doing nothing.

It’s as if I have been given a second chance… to match her pace, to follow her faltering steps, to know this world a little better, to live this life one more time. To be delighted with little things, to laugh wholeheartedly, to live freely, to love unconditionally.

That is the magic of “experiencing” life. Not just going through it, or struggling at it. Children can really make you stop and take a long, hard look at what you’ve been missing in life, while you were rushing through.

I thank my daughter for giving me the opportunity to really “live” my life. I’m so glad for this second chance, and I had the strong desire to capture the magic of this experience while I was living—actually living—in the Now.

And that is why I created Niddledy Noddledy… to collect memories, not just things.

Come join me on this beautiful journey. Take a look, and let me know how I’m doing.

And while you’re at it… "Smile, breathe and go slowly.” :)

Munchkin Memoirs

Celebrating the chaos that makes your family yours 💖

Today’s imperfect moments are tomorrow’s favourite memories.

From all the babies: sorry about your tea, and also—we love you 👼🏻

This Mother’s Day, we put their feelings into words (because they’re too busy giggling).

☀️ Catch the golden days before summer sweeps in

A little window of sunshine, slow giggles, and lingering magic — before summer comes knocking.

🥭 The Great Mango Countdown Begins …

Before the heat sets in, before time speeds up… a season worth treasuring.

Psst… there’s a secret Mother’s Day this month!

Because motherhood deserves more than one day… 💕

One day, they’ll ask… ‘What was I like as a child?’

Today’s little giggles… tomorrow’s favourite stories!

More Colour, More Chaos, More Love 🌈

Because childhood should always be a little messy…

A little note, from my heart to yours… ♥️ Thank you

How to pick the perfect newborn photographer

From safety to style: 10 things to look for in a newborn photographer

A New Year Fairy Tale

Santa’s Secret, and a Christmas Story

Baby Photography = Olympics Training + Meditation

No Adulting!

The first time that we said “Hello”

Go slow… or Why Niddledy Noddledy was born

Niddledy Noddledy: Bumps to Babies 📸