You might remember Ryan and Kate from their session last fall. And if you know them, you know that their love for one another is closely matched — and often exploited — by their sense of humor and creative flair. So when I came across this video on Kate’s Facebook page, I just had to share (with her permission, of course).  Ryan is traveling and Kate is missing him. So, she’s done what any technology-savvy gal would do …  put her loneliness on YouTube.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

This is the session I’m currently post-processing and I’m loving that they wanted non-traditional and traditional shots because it really gave us a chance to play with composition, expressions and truly capture the love and excitement they’re both feeling.

Our session was a fun mix of  “boudoir” and “urban”  maternity all rolled into one. As with any session, but especially with maternity sessions, we discussed beforehand the vision, including how much of her belly and body she wanted to show (or not). There are so many approaches to crafting creative, beautiful images of a pregnancy, and they can be achieved with as much or as little clothing as moms and dads-to-be are comfortable with. I often tell clients to send me pictures from magazines or websites that they’re drawn to so that I get a better sense of the style of imagery they see themselves in. And, as in the shots below, even with natural light (and no off-camera lighting), a more formal studio look on black background can be achieved in the right circumstances. We got so lucky in the baby’s nursery thanks to a big north-facing window, my black backdrop and stand.

In just five short weeks, they’ll meet their son. Soon after that, you’ll meet him, too, through his newborn session images. In the meantime, enjoy some of the favorites I’ve tucked away during editing. There will most likely be more later this week as I’ve only just begun!

I got a little lost on the way to their house and ended up passing this old country road leading up to a farmhouse. If you know me, it won’t surprise you that we ended up back in that very spot to grab a few midday shots in the sun. We both had previously seen and loved the idea of the jean jacket … her expression makes this priceless and definitely one of my all-time favorite belly shots!

The swirly background here is the baby’s nursery bedding. The cute blocks were custom-made by mom-to-be.

She rolled from belly to back for the first time during our session and also discovered her toes … something mom tells me she’s been fascinated by ever since. I, on the other hand, discovered a deep little thinker with a penchant for big belly laughs and a disposition that would rival the sun on its brightest day. (If only we knew the thoughts she doesn’t have words for yet!) Watch for more this year as Lauren grows. In the meantime, here are several more favorites from my session with the beautiful Miss Lauren. Enjoy!

I think she looks like she’s about to give me advice in the next shot …. it’s as if she’s saying, “Well, as a matter of fact, Kami, I do have a story about that …”

We wore her out. I love the next two shots, and something tells me this isn’t anywhere close to the last time she’s going to seek refuge on dad’s shoulder.

This is how I spent last Saturday morning.  And, really, can you blame me for loving my job? (And, yes, Leah, apparently they do all have big blue eyes lately! I swear it’s not a requirement for a session.)

Just a quick peek of little Lauren’s session. There are many more to come, including some fabulous shots with mom and dad, so keep watching the blog for more of this sweet girl.