This photoshoot was done in a studio in downtown Los Angeles at FD Photo Studios. They have several different studios depending on the look you are going for. This white room is popular. Almost as popular as the green dress.

If you are in need of pregnancy photos to celebrate this wonderful season of life, send me a message and I will make it happen!

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So there I was in Fallbrook with my little wagon chalk full of lighting equipment and dresses. Trudging down the trail until the right location appeared, my beautiful clients had no problem helping me pull my wee wagon. Then we found the spot! A little creek–well a sorta big creek– shown like an oasis. It rained like a mutha the weekend before so it was nice and full. There was sandbar island in the middle. I debated with myself if I was going to crisscross the creek bringing my light, softbox and stand, but ultimately I decided since I brought it, might might as well use it! I think the pictures say it was a good decision!

The image below is the little sandbar.

Soon we decided to head back down the trail. The lighting was splotchy. Lots of trees, so lots of dappling of light. A photographer’s nightmare. Again, I debated over getting my light back out, but ultimately decided lets end this outdoor maternity session with a bang!

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The thing is, we are all beautiful. People fill our heads with negativity with out even meaning to. I have heard people say to me (when I was pregnant) “Oh my, you are so big”. “Are you feeling ok?” (As if I wasn’t??). “You look tired”. All of these little phrases equate into “I must not be beautiful”.

That’s all crap. If you look at my maternity portfolio, not a single woman is a “model”. These are all real women who are expecting a baby. That’s it. Yet, they are all beautiful–both in the traditional sense of outer beauty, but more importantly in the sense that they are a human growing another human. That in itself makes them beautiful. That beauty is what shines through.

Meet Ariel. She is a normal woman who really is extraordinary in every way. While she was comfortable in front of the camera granted many others who are not and that is totally ok. I just wrapped up photographing her birth as well as being her doula (more on that later) and have just got around to sharing some of her exquisite maternity shots.

These were taken at FD Photo Studio in downtown Los Angeles. Ariel wanted light and airy and classic images. I believe that is what she got. I hope you love them as well.

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What is maternity photography?

Maternity photography can be beautiful, uplifting and life affirming. It allows you to focus on the new life your body is working so hard to create. It’s an all too brief moment in time that can remind you of the excitement that accompanies having a baby.

Generally, maternity portraits are taken between 26-34 weeks. This is when your belly is nice and round and you are not too exhausted and uncomfortable.

These photography sessions can include a spouse or partner and even other children you may have. I always think it is super fun to get the whole family involved!

Nine months felt like an eternity for me. Time flies and pregnancy will be over in a flash. Having maternity photos to look back on will be a priceless part of your pregnancy journey.

I encourage you to look through my maternity portfolio and package options. If my style resonates with you, I would love to talk about your vision.

My Style of Maternity Photography

My concentration is on studio maternity portraits. While I like and understand the value of the natural outdoorsy, “lifestyle” images, my focus is more formal. I really don’t like the word formal, it makes it sound so stuffy! I am anything but that. Dramatic lighting with the addition of posing to accentuate a woman’s best features make my heart pound. I strive to make a product you want to see every day. A portrait you have in a beautiful frame on the wall. An art piece.

If I had to think of three words that represent my style, they would be dramatic, captivating and timeless. I at least strive for that.

Now, I realize this style isn’t for everyone. Even maternity pictures in general are not for everyone. Reading a blog post awhile back where the pregnant gal would no more get a picture of her swollen body than she would set her hair on fire, made me roll in hysterics! So I get it. My advice, if you are on the fence, is to look around and find a style that sings to you.

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As a maternity photographer, I strive for each woman to tell their own story through pictures. Molly was simply a happy go lucky woman who wanted images that showed that off. Her personality shone through with each click of the camera.

What to wear in a maternity photoshoot?

As I build my client closet, I look for items that are fun and unique. Items with texture or something unexpected. This red bodysuit not only looked stunning with Molly’s gold hair and sunkissed skin, but had a bit of flare, just like her.

What about nude maternity portraits?

I do nude maternity portrait sessions as well or at least a portion of the session nude. However, beautiful as it is, nude maternity photography is not for everyone. Often times I use beautiful material to cover the lady bits while still making beautiful images.

No matter what you choose to wear, your maternity session is uniquely yours. If I don’t have something specific for your taste, there are several vendors to choose from (even some rental places). If you think “I am only going to wear it once”, you can always resell it. Alternatively, if it’s something I am dying to have for my client closet, I can always take it off the price of your session and keep it. Among my favorite maternity dress designers are Sew Trendy, Silk Fairies, and Katharina Hakaj Couture. Ready to book your session? Contact me today!

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