Michelle. {Maternity Shoot}

It is very fun to shoot with a friend. It is even more fun when that friend is a talented photographer. Who knows all sorts of cool tricks with lighting. And brings along a big giant reflector for you to practice with. And shares lots of tips and teaches you things.

Yeah, you can pretty much say I was thrilled to bits when my friend Irene Jones invited me along on a maternity shoot she was doing for Bump magazine. And brought along the cutest mom to model for us. After three girls in a row (including a set of twins!), she is expecting a boy in just a couple of months. So exciting.

We started out by capturing a few shots in the baby's nursery. I was trying my best to be "eager assistant" during this portion, and didn't get a whole lot of shots in. We were using 2 off-camera flashes and a gigantic scrim (Seriously. HUGE.) to mimic window light. Both Irene and I were on the same group and channel so we could just share the flashes, but that meant I couldn't shoot at the same time she did ... and since I was just tagging along, I also couldn't hog the flash. So I snuck a few shots in here and there whenever I could. Here are two of my favorites:


Then it was off to the beach for some natural-lighting shots. This is when Irene pulled out her big ol' reflector for me to play with. And let me tell you, it was fun! I loved being able to direct the light onto Michelle's face. Definitely going in my shopping cart next time I go wild at B&H.

And can I just say ... I really love all of the beautiful beaches we have near my home in Washington ...







I am absolutely, completely, head-over-heels, in love with this last shot of Michelle with her girls. Is it okay to love your own photography this much?!

This was my first maternity shoot I have ever done, and I have to say I had a ton of fun, so thanks Irene and oh-so-cute-mom Michelle for the great afternoon together!

(Want to see Irene's shots from this afternoon? Visit her facebook album {here}