Daulton Family (+one on board)

Jimmy and Brynne were my debut blog post with their first maternity session. It's amazing to see what a long way I've come since then. Practice may not have helped me reach perfection yet but I think I've matured a little in my imagery since then. Brynne breaks every rule of regency being an awkward, bloated, less than attractive time in one's life (like a lot of us feel right there at the end). With just weeks to go I think she was at her most beautiful ever. So a little trip to the creek was in the works. Much to my surprise - even Ember wanted to smile at me this time. :) Ironically.. my favorite photo of the session is one of her not smiling. Go figure!

Can't wait to meet little Sawyer (who seems to need a little more time to cook - I look at Facebook every day to see if he's arrived yet...but alas... no luck yet!). UPDATE: He arrived right while I was posting this blog:)

Bekah and Brandon's Maternity Pics

Bekah and I are three weeks apart on our due dates... which means she is now past due. I chose off-the-beaten path spots to photograph her because I thought it would probably be hilarious for strangers to witness one waddling pregnant lady attempting to photograph another one. We've swapped notes all the way through our pregnancies - and we celebrated finding out we were both having boys very close to the same time. Since we spend a lot of time in the same circles it means that I could have been photographing one of my son's future best buddies before I've met him. That's pretty incredible to think about. Blessings to this wonderful couple who totally light each other up (and are just adorable to watch together - they compliment each other in so many ways and Brandon really brings her out of her shell) and a safe and wonderful delivery for baby Brayden. P.S. does she have the most beautiful hair you've ever laid eyes on...?

My Sister

My sister Naomi is a proverbs 31 woman. She is without question one the most honorable, kind, hospitable, hard working people I have come across on this earth. She is really good at a lot of things (though she'll humbly deny this) - but of all her talents - mothering is her strongest. She is almost ready to pop with baby #3. A boy this time after two beautiful little girls. I can't wait for little Jonah to get here!!!!! :) She came out for a few days a month or two back and we did a few photos of her and her belly. We had planned on doing photos in Phoenix that evening (picture cacti and wild flowers and a field) but it turned out to be freezing and far from any such destination. Lucky for us we spotted this amazing scene on the way down and decided to jump out for a couple of quick ones on our way through Sedona.





When we got to the hotel it had a great little pool area that was full of the most beautiful warm light. It was really chilly so we had to keep the kids moving.


These photos make me remember the uninhibited joy of childhood. It was so great seeing all the cousins together playing!


My sister grabbed the camera for a portrait of me and the girls. I'm glad she did - it's such a cute picture!!! Wish she lived closer... we could be a good team. :)


Love you Omi!

Neta's Maternity

"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before
you were born, I loved you. When you were born, I saw your face and
knew I was in love. Before you were an hour old, I knew I would die for
you. To this day and until i take my last breathe I still will."

Beautiful photography doesn't take hours of preparation. It takes a person who is willing to be genuine. These were done totally last minute in a whirlwind run around town after church one Sunday. Ofcourse Neta doesn't really take a bad picture... so maybe I should judge my experiences on her.

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. :)

Donald and Susanne's Maternity Pics

I think I'd be considered these two's "life photographer". I did their engagement, wedding, maternity photos and yesterday their first child's first professional pics. How lucky I am to share in so many of their important moments of life? That's why I LOVE doing this. Anyway... Usually I'm swift about posting people's blog preview... but in this case it took a few weeks. Amongst shooting weddings, a vacation and a few other crazy events in between - I delayed editing these (and thus posting). I took so long that Aiden (the baby in the belly) arrived... and Suzy probably has already forgotten what she looked like pregnant (but probably not how it felt). I spent yesterday shooting his pics (he's a doll!) but I thought before posting those... they'd probably like to see these! Congrats Donald and Suzy.... you will make WONDERFUL parents.



You can't see Suzy's belly in the above pic - but to me there is a glow to a pregnant face that's undeniable and I really think that this photo shows it. I think she looks GORGEOUS in it! And that little piece of hair that we kept trying to shift out of her eyes is the part!



I love Donald's "italian mobster" expression in this picture. haha... he's a HOOT!

The Couple with the Africa Connection

Bryan and Anna came over yesterday to do some maternity pics. The second they walked in we discovered that we had some things in common. They love to travel (and have done even more globe trotting than us), they got married in South Africa (where I grew up), and their soon-coming daughter's middle name will be Bryanna (our daughter's middle name is Brianne).They were so much fun and you didn't even have to ask to get a smile or giggle out of them. By the way Anna... I think you do "pensive" very well too! Here are my favorites from the shoot.

Preparing for Your Maternity Portrait Session

Moms-to-be often ask how they should dress for their maternity photography session. Although there are some simple rules to abide by for best results - I always advise that you wear what makes you feel beautiful because when you feel confident it shows in photos. Here are some examples of things that I would suggest doing whether you visit my home or we do the photos on location:

1. Wear clothes that compliment your pregnant body. Whether they flow or fit... make sure that it is very apparent that they atleast pronounce the top of your belly. Maternity dresses or high waisted shirts often do a great job (see below). I also provide fabrics which we can "wrap" you in and clothing that is "See-through" also work well. Avoid bras and underwear that can been seen or lines that are obvious. Victoria's secret sell seamless, strapless bras if you're looking for something that doesn't show at all.

2. Wear clothes that coordinate with your partner. They don't have to be the same color... but they should not clash (i.e. one of you is in plaid and the other in formal silk). You may bring multiple changes of clothing so that we can alternate for different pictures.

3. Bring along some of your baby's special items. These are a great addition to your baby books.

4. Do your hair and makeup. I always think that hair down looks most soft and feminine, but it's again up to how you feel best. I recommend that makeup be as natural as possible... but some blush to enhance your cheekbones and a little lip gloss through the session will go a long way in improving the images. Curls always come out beautifully in black and whites. If you have a pimple, scratch, birthmark or imperfection that you want removed in your photos - please let me know. I would not risk offending anyone by automatically taking it out.

5. Make sure your hands,finger nails and rings are as clean as possible. Men, especially in some professions, may not be able to avoid some dirt - but hand/belly photos are generally a must-have in maternity sessions. Likewise, think about areas that need to be shaved or plucked - or if you like your hair - by all means... LEAVE IT THERE! :)
6. Wear Jewelry if you please... it can be a pretty side note to an image and makes an image even more sentimental if it's a piece from a loved one.
7. Last but not least... try to relax. My "studio" is my living room. It is not a place to be intimidated or scared. I expect no-one to be a supermodel and I do expect them to need direction on where to look, how to pose etc. I am a very casual photographer. I will have coffee, tea cookies and water available for your hour of photos. Ultimately I want you to feel like you can really be yourself and have fun with your photos and I LOVE hearing your ideas of what you envision for your pictures.