That was you in there

Let me start off by saying I wish I would have had some maternity photos taken. With each maternity session I do, I repeatedly kick myself for being so stubborn back then and not having any baby-belly photos taken. I think I may have a few images of my pregnant self somewhere, but none like the expectant mother/goddess photos that grace the pages of my website.

So when Seante mentioned that she wanted to have maternity photos taken, and that she had never done it before with the older children, I was so happy to do this for her. Years from now, she can pull these photos out, point to her baby-belly, and tell her little boy or girl, that was you in there.

Sugar and spice and everything nice

…That’s what little girls are made of.

Rachel and Javier are expecting their baby girl in just a couple short months...

As I photographed Rachel for her solo shots throughout the morning, Javier was just off camera in the backgroud, with a smile on his face as he watched her and continuously commented how beautiful she is.

Love & Baby

She was giving us the grand tour of their new home at the baby shower, when I noticed the book prominently displayed on the bedroom dresser. My heart skipped a beat. I shot their engagement portraits (during my portfolio-building stage) and created a "Words of Wisdom" book for their wedding guests to write something special to the bride and groom. I remembered how important it was to me to photograph their love as they began building their life together. I put all of my heart into their day of shooting. All of it.

It's 3 years later and I've got Tanesia and Bobby in front of the lens again, photographing this special moment in their life as they prepare for Baby's arrival. I'm so happy for them and excited to meet the new LOVE of their life any day now!

Over 8 months prego and still gorgeous...

It was such a nice surprise for Dad/Grandpa to come along for photos. Mr.P has always been like a second dad to me, although he probably didn't have much of a choice.... my sister and I spent almost every day of our lives in their home and vice versa. We've been friends with Nesi & Nary since I was 4 years old.

Saving the best for last.... This one is one of my favorites from the shoot. Love.

A Special Time

I've known her since she was an itty-bitty little girl, watched her grow up into a mature, young woman, and now I get to witness this special time in her life.... My sister-in-law Kisha is expecting and I couldn't be more excited!

Love you Kish! You will be a great mom and we can't wait til our little niece or nephew arrives!

It's gotta be one of the sweetest things

She has that beautiful glow about her and her happiness was so contagious... I got to spend the morning with Adrienne and Andre (who are expecting their baby girl weeks from now) and being in a little piece of their world was so much fun. The anticipation and the excitement of what's to come.... I remember all of those feelings of being anxious and wanting to meet my babies as their due dates approached.

Check out a few of my favorites from Adrienne's maternity session and you'll understand why...

Thank you for making that trip out here! Thanks Adrienne, for hiking through the rocks (with child and all) so I could get the shots I hoped for! Thanks Andre, for not sending me your laundry bill like you threatened for all the rocks I had you lean on in your white shirt!

It must be baby season.

She had been trying to set up family portraits since Christmas, but at that time my schedule was already jam-packed with holiday portrait sessions. It wasn’t until after the New Year that we were able to make it happen, and it was well worth the wait. The sun shined and the ocean sparkled, providing the ideal back drop for Carmel beach portraits.

Many months later, she texted me for another shoot, but this time of her baby bump! What a lovely surprise that was!

Her 2 youngest joined Mom and soon-to-arrive baby brother. So cute!

Itsy, I can’t wait to meet Maikel when he arrives!!!

A Sister's Reminder

The sister of an expectant mother contacted me to set up a surprise maternity shoot to (in her own words) “remind her of how beautiful she is.” It was such a thoughtful and sweet gift.

When I was pregnant, I felt anything but beautiful, and now I feel foolish for not having prego photos taken during such a special time. Every expectant mom I’ve ever photographed truly has a natural glow... a natural beauty that radiates in front of my lens. Maternity sessions have become one of my favorites.

Catherine and Ken own a nursery and this cute onesie was designed at Catherine's baby shower the day before…

Mary, thank you for coordinating this all the way from Chicago! Catherine, thank you for allowing me to capture your beauty! Ken, thank you for being such a great sport all morning in front of the camera!