When Laura reached out to me about doing her maternity session back in March, we chatted on the phone for a bit and I knew right away we were going to make some beautiful images together! She knew she liked my style, and she trusted that I would give her guidance on what to wear and how to prepare for her session. (PS I do have a selection of maternity gowns, dresses, and tops for mamas to borrow at no additional charge – for in-studio or outdoor sessions alike). We decided on an oceanfront location on the coast of Maine and we got so lucky with a beautiful evening sky and good weather considering it was mid-March! I brought along a white long-sleeved, button-down top for her to wear with her jeans, and the dress she wore looked amazing on her! I love when mamas are open to an outfit change; just a different color or texture can change the whole mood of the portrait. I always check in to see if mama wants to show her belly – not everyone does, but I mean it when I say that someday in the future, no matter how you feel now when you’re pregnant, you will see that bare belly and realize just how incredibly beautiful it is!! You will even miss it! (I swear!).

Here are a few favorites from their maternity session. I just love the way the soft colors of nature complement Laura’s skin tone! The sky was so stunning!

Later, in the end of May, we got to meet again, this time at their home in Dover, New Hampshire, for their baby boy’s newborn session. As you can see, he’s not exactly a teeny fresh newborn just days old, and that’s ok! In fact, I love working with babies that are a few weeks older! It gives me the chance to see them with their eyes open and even capture a smile. Sometimes mom just needs more time to be nested in with her babe or more time to heal, sometimes it’s a rough delivery and she asks for a later date. No matter what, I always make room in my schedule for newborn sessions as they are my absolute favorite session to do! Most often I suggest that mama reach out as soon as she can to get a date on the calendar (for some that’s in the first trimester, for others it’s the last trimester!), that way I set aside the time – but if the time comes and mama needs to wait, I can do that. We all need flexiblity and I am here to support moms in their postpartum time as much as I can – and that means taking the pressure off.

My best advice when it comes to deciding on whether or not to invest in your maternity and newborn photos: might you regret not having them? Yes. Yes you will. Were your wedding day photos important to you? Then the start of a new family should be documented with the same intention and purpose. I promise a positive, calm flow of communicating and creating, and you will love your photos – all of them! I can’t wait to hear from you! XOXO – Tara