My Very Own Wild Flower | Orange County Maternity Photographer

Being a mom has been by far the greatest gift of my life, and the thought that I am going to get to have another child to hold again is a dream come true. At 30 weeks pregnant the reality of it seems to really be hitting me lately, especially as I feel her karate chopping inside me each day. ;)

I really wanted to make sure I documented this pregnancy as I didn’t with my first two and greatly regret it. I told my husband we should go head over to this field that I thought was turning green and he agreed. But by the time sunset rolled around I felt tired and nothing like dressing all up. I’m so glad my husband encouraged me to just go and take a quick few photos though as I will treasure these forever now. And oh my gosh, this field!!! It doesn’t last long here before all turning back to brown, so only fitting it decided to bloom right in time for my own special wildflower. <3

There is definitely going to be an age gap between her and my “big kids.” My daughter almost nine years older, and my son seven, but love really does know no age. As we were walking to school the other morning Boston told me she couldn’t stop thinking of all the great places she’s going to take her sister to someday. And I know this baby girl is going to be crazy lucky to have such an amazing human to look up to as she grows. My son doesn’t go to bed without kissing my belly and telling his baby sis good night. And first thing in the morning he asks her if she slept good. My heart is beyond full, anxiously counting down to the moment I get to see her wrapped all up in their arms.

When Is the Best Time to Take Your Family Photos? | OC Newport Beach Photographer

I get asked sometimes when is the best time to have family photos taken. And I totally get what they mean by the question. Is the warm summer best when you can really play in the waves? Or the still warm but less crowded fall to double up with the Christmas card? Or maybe bearing the crispness of the winter with its low tides and stunning skies. Or is Spring the ideal with its still empty beaches but warmer temps and golden light? All seasons have their pluses and minuses. All seasons are honestly unpredictable weather as well. Honestly though my answer for the best time is simply “right now.” So often I have women tell me their going to book me when they loose more weight, and I get that. I really do. Your kids, though, they don’t care about a few extra pounds, and they won’t later on when their looking back at memories of their beautiful mom. Others tell me when their schedules slow down, but let’s be a bit of realist—its most likely not slowing down till your kids move out someday.

And so my first answer for the best time is simply now. When it is still today. When your family is just as it is, perfectly imperfect. With all the love and chaos that means life with kids. Because today comes and goes before we blink, and pictures are the most tangible memory we will have to look back on.

The “recommended” time to have maternity photos is between 30-35 weeks. This mom was only 17 weeks, but her husband’s job has all kinds of unpredictable hours and if they waited until the “right” time the chances were slim they could make it happen. He happened to have a random couple of days off and we set up this shoot in less than a week’s time. We made it happen and they now have these sweet memories of their growing family together.

Don't Skip the Maternity Photos | OC Newport Beach Family Photographer

I may or may not be guilty of saying this about every genre of family photography. I mean, what’s better than capturing people who love each other, right? Add one of our gorgeous Orange County landscapes to this mix and who am I to complain? BUT, maternity sessions have and will always hold a very special place to me. There is just something so unexplainable about this moment is our life as a new mom. This special place where it all began. Where we anxiously were awaiting this new life growing inside our own body. Worries, fears, hopes, joy—the beautiful unknown.

I know what it’s like to be pregnant, I had two babies of my own. We don’t always feel gorgeous and most days the thought of glamming up can easily be shot down with some sweat pants instead. ;-) But if there is one thing I will never regret having done is maternity photos with my first child. To this day I have a large canvas hanging in her room and she loves to mention how it is her inside of me. We often think we will remember exactly what it felt like, how we looked, the moments that happened. But life has this way of turning the past into fuzzy memories. It’s the beauty of photography though. It helps bring back some of those hazy scenes.

Such a gorgeous evening we had for this sun soaked maternity session last week! After what seemed like an endless eternity of SoCal’s “May gray/June gloom” it seems that those summer skies are finally gaining the upper hand! And I just love the way the colors complimented this momma’s blue dress too! The sweetest people you could meet, these two are going to be the best parents. I cannot wait to see them with their soon to be here little guy.

Fire Breathing Girls | Newport Beach Orange County Maternity Photographer

“As for my girl, I’ll raise her to believe she breathes fire.” ~Jessica Kirkland

I love that I live in an age where I can run this business of my own. I love that behind my lensI get to capture women who encompass all different avenues of strength. I love that even in the middle of this time of female CEO’s and entrepreneurs, the raw beauty of motherhood is not lost. That she is everything and enough. No matter if she returns to work or stays home, breasts or bottle feeds, co sleeps, crib sleeps, no one sleeps... She simply tries her best, day in and out. It is enough, whether she feels it or not. Eventually though, she will, and in turn be able to pass this same message down to her own girl, “Breathe fire little one, it is what you were made for.”

Believe it or not we were considering rescheduling this beach session as the entire day was gray and dreary. SO glad we decided to go for it though as while the rest of Orange County remained dark, the sun decided to peak through the clouds right over Newport’s shoreline, leaving us with such soft pretty colors. The perfect compliment to the sweetest spirits of these parents to be. Maternity sessions are one of my very favorites. A time filled with all these unknowns and wonderings, excitements and anticipations of what’s about to me. Moms are so strong, and to show them their strength, mixed with so much beauty, is everything to me.

Irvine's One and Only Forest | Orange County Maternity Photographer

Besides the beach the number one request I get asked for is somewhere green. And believe me, that is one very tall order here in Orange County! ;-) Sometimes when driving through the neighborhoods we see palm trees and grass and and just think that this magical little forest is around the corner. But reality, around the corner are brown fields and some cacti. And not that I don’t absolutely love their own look at sunset. I actually do a whole lot! But still, I understand that want for a little extra color in your backdrop sometimes. And with that there is just one little tiny spot of forest I have found here in Irvine. One where the sprinklers must run all night every night long. And luckily no one minds if we walk on it either. :)

Also how adorable are these parents to be?! Maternity sessions will always be one of my very favorites and they were no exception. They are going to be the best parents ever. <3