In the Garden of Eden

My sister in law Vanessa is VERY pregnant (due any moment) with her third (count it - that's 3) little girl. I'm ashamed to say I've never taken a photo of her while she's expecting and since there's a chance this could be their last - I knew I had to get her out of the house for some unique maternity portraits. Their new baby girl is named Eden Christine. It was only apt that we went to an apple orchard for the photos. We headed down to West Fork completely oblivious to the flash flood that was taking place just 15 minutes drive below us. We kept commenting on how wet and green everything was. It felt way more like Hawaii than Arizona. Among these shots are some of my very favorite photos that I've ever taken. Here are some of my favs from the session!







We dragged mimi along for the ride (my mother-in-law) and my daughter Lydia (far left). She is SUCH a wonderful woman who is selfless and truly lives for others. Can't you see the kindness in those eyes? Anyway... loved the shot to the right of her and the girls in this DARLING apple tree.


So as a prelude to this last shot I'm going to say a few words. It was taken at West Fork. This is about a 10 to 15 minute stroll from the parking lot. It is a MAGNIFICENT place. I was shocked to hear that Vanessa had never been and yet when I expressed my astonishment to other friends who were locals I realised that lots of people had lived in Flagstaff their whole life and had no idea that such a perfect paradise exists just a 25 minute drive down Oak Creek canyon from downtown. If you haven't been GO! It's a really awe inspiring place. I digress... where were we? Oh... the photo below... it's one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. For those who know Vanessa she is the quintessential mom. Even before she had her own kids, children flocked to her instinctually. Her long hair and natural style and long flowing feminine dress just embodies everything I think of when I think of "pregnant". In this spot - I saw also mother nature. I saw the rocks sheltering her and the tree limbs reaching for her and I saw the light of God that is near all new little spirits. And then there is that amazing curved rock wall that follows the line of her belly. I think I'll frame it. :)