I love when I get an inquiry requesting a maternity session along with a newborn session, especially when it’s a new client. For one thing, it gives me a chance to get to know families a bit before the newborn session.  The days and weeks after a baby is born can be a very stressful and overwhelming time, and I think it helps for clients to know me at least a little bit before they allow me into that time in their lives.

Also, one of my biggest regrets is how few pictures I have from my first pregnancy. I learned my lesson afterwards, and have many pictures of my subsequent pregnancies, but I really regret not having pictures of that special time. Like many women, I felt like I looked awful, but now I know that I didn’t, and I wish I had hired someone to take pictures for me! While it may feel like you’re pregnant forever, it the grand scheme of life, it truly is such a short time. It’s absolutely incredible what our bodies do, and I love being a part of capturing that for my clients.

I’m excited to share their pictures, almost a year later. I love how this family’s maternity pictures came out. We had a beautiful fall evening, with gorgeous colors.

A couple months after their maternity session, Elijah was born and we scheduled their lifestyle newborn session! Lifestyle sessions are perfect for families who want a more laid back look to their session. They’re great for families who want their homes to be the backdrop. They’re also great for grabbing some shots of big siblings in their environment. I really enjoy them, though they can be challenging. I prefer to use natural light whenever possible outside of the studio, and this can be difficult. Luckily, we had a nice, bright sunny day for their session!