I absolutely adore these late summer/early fall maternity photos. I vividly recall the immense challenges even my most comfortable pregnancy presented, yet I also cherish the incredible feeling of contributing a new life to our family. It’s an extraordinary experience, and amidst the whirlwind of finalizing our birth plan, packing our bags, and ensuring we have everything we believe we’ll need for the baby, we often overlook the sheer beauty of this final phase of growing a life.
Maternity photos serve as a refreshing break from our routine, allowing us to truly connect with the changes our bodies have undergone. They capture this fleeting moment of pregnancy (typically taken at 8 months) and provide us with a moment to pause and reflect before everything changes.
Kelsey had a clear vision for her photos from the outset. She envisioned them at their Michigan home, on the lakefront beach, IN THE WATER. I must admit, I was nervous about having a very pregnant client in the water, especially in mid-October, when the forecast predicted cold and rainy weather. However, the day turned out to be perfect. It was even better than I could have ever imagined. The water was warm, the sun alternated between shining and hiding, the fall colors were breathtaking, and Kelsey, with the assistance of her husband and sister, laughed and truly embodied the ‘pregnancy glow.’
I hope these photos, perhaps years from now, serve as a nostalgic reminder of a time filled with love, joy, anticipation, excitement, and the shared laughter of making fart noises to make Mom laugh. Kelsey and Jared could recount to their daughter how thrilled her aunt was to meet her and how she did her Mom’s hair and helped her with every photo. I hope she looks at them and realizes how loved she is before anyone even saw her tiny, squishy face.
