These two found out Tara was pregnant shortly before a trip to Spain that they planned just because they’d never been there. Rob said the timing was no bueno. Now that they’re past the first trimester yuckiness, they’re very eagerly awaiting the birth of their son Lukas, due to arrive in a few short weeks.

I haven’t been to High Falls since my husband and I walked there the morning after we got married. The adventurous city feel was a great fit for Tara and Rob.  If you’re location shopping High Falls is a great option (hint hint wink wink).

We’d initially planned the session for Saturday, which was rainy and cold. We discussed indoor locations but after a winter of them (see wanderlust comment above) I was kind of eager to be outside again. The weather was serendipitously planning on being beautiful the following day, so we scootched the session over, which paid off!

Rob played football before he had to start adulting. Stay tuned for some football themed newborn images coming up soon.

It was lovely to spend the afternoon with both of you. I’m so looking forward to meeting Lukas! I hope your delivery goes smoothly!!

In years past January has been a slow month for photography, but recently a few adventurous individuals have come my way including Amber and Braden.  While they may have preferred to have a summer baby for future pool birthday parties (because they have an in ground pool!), this baby is planning to arrive in early February.  So don’t be deterred by cold weather – winter photography is a thing!

This particular day was a balmy 18 degrees with a hint of wind to take the feeling out of your cheeks. For the second time in my life I wore snow pants to a photo session (the first time was for this winter session, interestingly that family ended up moving to a warmer climate!).  If you don’t live in the tundra – snow pants are like coats for your legs and very useful for situations such as these.

Braden works in heavy equipment rentals and I’m guessing spends a fair amount of time outside, and Amber brought along a personal space heater in the form of a baby-in-utero.

Amber is a pharmacist and works with Tracy, Betsy and Jaime. Interestingly, she came across my website first and then saw their photos.  Usually it’s the other way around!

When I started asking Braden if anyone can dig a hole in their backyard with heavy machinery like my pillow fighting plumber friend (blog post to come!), he said yes and he happened to know him too.  I learned that plumbers typically own and rent heavy equipment.  Who knew?  He said it was for any outside work and my mind was expanded.  The thought that plumbers work outside was new to me.

Do they know the gender of the baby? They do not! It will be a surprise, so stay tuned. A friend of mine says it’s one of life’s few great surprises. I’m looking forward to finding out – and to hear the name they’ve picked out (it’s secret for now, and maybe not quite decided).

For their session they chose Shetler Tree Farm, a beautiful Christmas tree farm in Brockport that is owned by a friend of theirs.

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful baby-to-come with me! I wish you a smooth and peaceful labor and delivery.

They said that it was really nice to sleep in without the dog jumping on their face and waking them up.   We don’t have pets, but our kids fill in and I almost asked if I could stay in the extra bedroom.

Two months to go until this little one is welcomed into the world – newborn pictures to come!

I live in Rochester, but am in love with Ithaca as a location.  These photos were taken at Taughannock Park, Northpoint in Ithaca.

If your stomach is anything like mine, it may soon resemble a deflated air mattress.  Before that happens, be sure to create some photographic memories so that you can relive your taut stomach and perfect skin while forgetting the waddling and grape sized bladder.

When should you schedule?  Maternity sessions are typically scheduled in the third trimester with at least a little wiggle room before your due date.  You can also purchase a Baby Bundle (3 to 5 sessions) for additional savings.

1.  Wear a belly hugging shirt.  Cameras love to imply weight instead of shape, so snug clothes are definitely better to clarify that it’s a baby and not Christmas cookies.

2. Pick a location that’s meaningful to you.  It’s even better if there is some variety with regards to nature and architecture so that you have plenty of options.

 

 3.  Bring a few different clothing combinations.  Similar to the above tip, it can give you quite a lot of variety in your images with minimal effort.

4.  Alternatively, you can also remove some clothing to capture your superhuman capabilities.  This isn’t for everyone, but I know for me personally it’s the only time I’m really captivated by and not particularly self conscious about my body.

5.  Include your family.  Big brothers and sisters capitalize on the cute factor.  Having dad participate is also a bonus.  You may also want to think about other people who have supported you – like your own parents or close friends.

6.  Include an object that’s meaningful to you.  You can include an ultrasound picture, a special gift such as a blanket for the baby, shoes for the baby, etc.  Some families even have sessions in the baby’s future nursery.

We also took a bunch of belly shots that I love, but are most definitely private.  Kara inspired me to take some similar photos of myself, which are also private.

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