Maternity sessions hold a very special place in my heart, it's like the beginning of a new chapter in a couple's life. Instead of shooting this session in-home, we decided to take it outdoors! This maternity session took us to downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Honestly, Norfolk has so many hidden gems to see and explore. With a vibrant art community, even just an evening stroll downtown can bring you breathtaking historic architecture, art, stunning views of the Elizabeth River, great food, and incredibly diverse neighborhoods.

We decided to stop for coffee and tea at The Cure in Norfolk and then take a little stroll. Nothing was really planned, you know me, I just go with the flow. I shoot what I see and I don't typically guide poses. This couple had no fears about being in front of the camera and let me capture some super sweet moments. They shared stories about how they met, how they got together, and how part of their relationship was long distance. But now, a whole new adventure is beginning and they have no idea the way their hearts will expand and grow with undeniable love once their sweet baby boy is born.

We left the coffee house and strolled down to the riverfront. They love taking walks downtown and taking in the city (and I have a feeling baby boy will love it too!) Dad is a fellow photographer and videographer, so he brings his camera along on all of their dates and documents a lot of their daily lives. It was important for them to have me capture that aspect of their relationship.
We walked, we chatted, we drank fantastic coffee, we watched the sunset over the river, and even saw the cutest 3-legged dog out for his evening walk with his owner!

Stay tuned for their newborn shoot coming soon!
Also, if you're in the area, stop by The Cure- the coffee and tea was absolutely fantastic.
If you'd like to schedule a newborn session with me, use the contact tab above and let's get something scheduled for you!

A few weeks ago, I was invited into this couple's home for a photo session. The reason? Only the best news ever! They are expecting their first little one and I am so excited for them. I'm so grateful they trusted me with their memories and to keep this little secret.
​I can't wait for them to experience the pure joy of seeing their baby be born or the experience of falling more and more in love with a little human with each breath it takes. And for them to realize just how good newborns smell. And how they fit so perfectly in your arms. And in your heart.

I shared this photo above on my Facebook page. I walked in their kitchen and somehow knew that's where their sweet little film strip of their baby would be. Where else would it be? It's right at home in between a to-do list and a receipt. It's such an iconic, yet subtle image that represents pregnancy to me. That little ever present reminder that, yes, there is in fact a little human doing flips and summersaults in your belly- even if you can't see them or feel them yet.

We chatted about all things baby, played with the dogs, and took some pictures. Then, we headed to that the store we all know and love-Target. We cruised down baby aisles, compared the differences between diaper brands, and test drove some strollers. Daddy to be even found a what we dubbed as a "butt spatula"- because I guess putting diaper rash cream on your baby's bottom with your own hand is sooo 2007. (pictured below)

Oh, how life is going to change for these two (in the BEST way possible!)- and I'm so excited to be along for the ride. I'm excited to play one, tiny little part in this little one's history.
Target runs will never be the same. Now, instead of just impulse buying that one cute top you spotted and that new delicious smelling candle, they'll also be buying another baby outfit they can't resist. Or wipes. Or diapers. Or baby food.
​And it'll be the best thing ever.

Somewhere in Suffolk, Virginia there is a family in waiting. Waiting for an event that is sure to come, for an once in a lifetime event that has been occurring since the beginning of time. A family of 6 is waiting to become a family of 7.
The birthing space is prepared, the supplies are gathered. The midwife is ready with skilled hands and generations of knowledge. A basket of snacks and juice sets beside the bed waiting to replenish mama after labor. A hand painted rug with the tree of life is placed in the middle of the birthing room, the leaves painted to represent the 4 seasons.
A bassinet that has held 4 sleeping babies before, now awaits the 5th baby it will hold. A special blanket made just for their arrival waits to provide comfort and warmth.
Change is coming so, so soon. And yet, the only thing left to do is wait patiently and pray. To be still.

Motherhood is an incredible journey. One where every single passing day builds a phenomenal amount of anticipation for this one moment- that moment when baby decides to join us outside of the womb. We know our baby. We feel them move, we talk to them, we sing to them, we dream of caressing their velvety soft skin and smelling their intoxicating scent. And yet, we wonder... who are you little one?
What are your dreams? What is your little personality like? Are you serious and logical or are you funny and spontaneous? Will you have a dimple or curly hair?
But the answers to our questions will have to wait. We have to be patient, be still. Baby knows when their birthday will be, our job is to wait, love, and pray.

Whether you are a mother welcoming your 5th baby into the world or your first, sometimes it can be easy to overlook these little moments. But, let me let you in on a little something. This statement rocked me to my core. It has fueled my passion for documenting family's stories- recording their history, if you will. Marie Masse, one of my favorite photographers, said this (or something to the effect of this):

You don't realize the significant moments in our lives until they've passed by us.

Do you ever find it funny the things you remember and the things you've forgotten? Lots of times, it's these little moments that happen in between the big things. And then in 10 years, we realize that thing, whatever it was, was actually a really important moment in our lives! One day in the future, we will all wish we had one more day of something...
And to me, that's what this waiting period is. It's important. It's significant. These last few days before this sweet baby makes their appearance. The last few days of this mama nursing this one baby. Soon, she'll be nursing two. These memories are worth preserving. Your story deserves to be told.

Do you want to have your family's moments preserved? Are you ready to capture the beauty of ordinary days? Contact me to book, let's talk about what's important to you and how we can document those things for you and your family. I promise, this will be one of those things you'll never regret.