Ok, I have a bit of a confession to make. It's something that's bothered me for some time now, and I think it's time to be honest about it. No more sleepless nights! No more anxiety when a mother-to-be asks about family sessions!

You ready?

Here goes.

I don't shoot that many maternity sessions.

Well, okay, not compared to most folks. I've shot several between working in a photo studio years ago and running a business full-time now. But still, it's never been my area of expertise. I love working with families, couples, kids, and weddings because they all have a very energetic, almost playful element to them. It's fun! Tender moments abound, intermingled with spontaneity and laughter. 

Maternity sessions are different. They tend to be very calm, relaxed, and dramatic in their lighting and posing. For years, I tried to get this look at my day job, in a tiny portrait studio, using what lights and props I had available. The results weren't bad, per se, but they weren't the kind of beautiful photos I had seen and admired from other professionals. So, after leaving the portrait studio and starting my own business, I never made a big push to reach out to clients looking for maternity photos.

That may change now.

This last Sunday, we had scheduled some maternity photos for a client up in Bremerton. The original plan was to meet in Lakewood at Fort Steilacoom Park, but the weather prevented any outdoor options, so we instead drove up to their home to do some indoor photos.

The first thing I discovered? Natural light from large windows is THE lighting to use when working on a maternity session. We had picked that up as a piece of advice long before the session, but had never realized what a difference it makes. We shot almost the whole session indoors, using natural light. Take a look and I think you'll see what I mean.

Now, we eventually did move outside. No use letting a good rainy day go to waste, right?

I'm thrilled that Bethany invited me to come to her home for her maternity session. Not only did we get some great lighting, but we also were able to capture her and her family where they are most comfortable, most themselves. It was an honor.

If you have a baby on the way and would like to set up a maternity session, contact us today and we'll plan it together!