Emily. Maternity Photos

I just love that gorgeous maternity glow! And Emily should double as a super model, don'tcha think?

Ashley Maternity Photos. Lake Stevens, WA

I'm not sure it is possible to get any cuter while pregnant! Loved having the opportunity to do these maternity photos for Ashley. I can't wait for her sweet little girl to arrive.

Waiting on Sophie

I had a truly amazing experience at the beginning of June. I was able to fly to St. George, UT to be with my sister when she welcomed her third child (and first baby girl!) into the world. I truly felt like there were so many mini miracles that made it possible for me to be there. I owe a LOT to my friends and husband who helped take care of the 4 kiddos that I left at home so I could go and be with my sister. I showed up the night before her scheduled induction. When I originally decided to go, I was certain that the baby would already be there and I would just be taking newborn pictures. How fun that it turned out that I was able to do maternity photos AND birth photos too ~ it was a pretty jam-packed 3 days full of a LOT of photo taking. So glad it all worked out :). Here's my gorgeous sis, about 14 hours before her little girl made her appearance:
 

Waiting on Baby

Did I mention that we are about to welcome baby #5 into this crazy household? I am 38 weeks today. I'm a mixture of emotions ~ a combination of excited mixed with quite a bit of nervousness. Hoping it won't take me too long to find balance after he gets here ... I've been slowly ticking off a massive "things-to-do" list hoping it will help me feel "ready". And accepting the fact that it is never all done. :)

I have tried to make a real effort this pregnancy to document each stage ~ and embarked on a self-portrait project several months ago that I'm finally sharing on this blog!







Now if we can only come up with a name that my husband and I both agree on ...

Waiting.

3 weeks to go. Doesn't she look fabulous?! I'm quite positive I never looked that good at the end of one of my pregnancies. I can't wait to get that little baby girl in my studio when she arrives ~ I've been planning the photos in my head for quite some time. We'll see if big brother Brixton gives me a chance to get near her. I have a feeling he's going to be a protective one :).

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}