My latest Maternity session was special because the subject is a friend of mine. Molly is also a photographer, so no pressure huh? Most recently she was at the Tri-City Herald for most of the time I was at the Yakima Herald-Republic. Even though our newspapers were in direct competition, I had long admired her work. Sadly, we didn’t actually meet until almost two years after I left my newspaper to get married and move to Eastern Washington. I was covering the Washington state track meet in Pasco for the Seattle Post Intelligencer when we finally met. There are so few women newspaper photojournalists that I knew right away who she was. We’ve been friends ever since.

It’s no surprise that Molly chose a gorgeous location for her photo shoot. It overlooks the Yakima River near Benton City. She and her husband, Gary, are adorable together. They’re waiting till the birth to find out the sex, too. How romantic!

Say hi to little baby Max. I photographed his mother, Corie, for her maternity session just a few weeks ago. I love getting to document both sides of the equation: belly and baby. He’s a lucky little boy because he was born into such a loving family. I really like the photo of his dad soothing him after he was a little fussy. Sleeping babies are beautiful in their own right, but it’s always nice to have a slice of reality in there too. An image that shows the connection between parent and child is precious, and I’m honored they invited me into their home to capture those moments.

After my latest album was delivered today I was inspired to start a new feature here on the blog. These gorgeous, hand-made albums are meant to be family heirlooms. When they arrive, I check them over to make sure they are perfection, and then I send them on to their new home. I know they will be lovingly cherished there, but I wanted to document them before they left, so I too would have something to remember them by.

This beautiful leather-bound, flush-mounted album is little Allison’s baby book. I was going for a “Pottery Barn” look when I designed it to compliment her parent’s stylish home. I know it’s going to look awesome displayed in their living room. Enjoy!

I’m super excited to be showing my latest maternity session. Meghan was a dream to work with. She has a classic beauty that translates so well in pictures. I joked with her that I think she looks like the way she decorates her home: very European with a Parisian or Italian Renaissance flair. In light of her decorating style, it wasn’t surprising she was also interested in going for an artsy and sophisticated look for her maternity photos. I can’t wait to do the newborn photos in a few weeks!

Sweet little baby Braeden was just over a week old when I photographed him this week. So new he still had all of his peach fuzz…I love that! He also had the most perfect ears and lips. The girls will probably be so jealous, and I bet he gets the long eye lashes too. His parents were also lots of fun and so lively considering how little sleep they’ve probably been getting lately. I adored all of the bright colors in their house, and I had a blast incorporating them into the photos. In the end, I actually had a hard time picking out my favorites for this preview. So enjoy, and I can’t wait to show you the rest.

Meet handsome Beckett and his awesome parents Shannon and Seth. Beckett is almost one, and his startling blue eyes and happy-go-lucky personality where charming. I loved spending the evening in the park with his family capturing photos of them together. The portrait session was a birthday present for Shannon from her son and husband. Way to go guys!

I love Maternity Sessions. It is right up near the top for one of my favorite things to photograph. I feel honored that I’ve been chosen to document such a momentous time. These women are on the cusp of bringing new life into the world. Their bodies are powerful and beautiful, and I want my photographs to reflect that. I also find it a quiet and introspective time as they get ready for what’s to come, and I think it’s important to capture that too.

Meet Corie and her lovely family. Her husband, Ryan, and son, Tye, where so loving. I was really looking forward to her session because she wanted to be outside for it. It was a beautiful summer day and the sunlight-kissed meadow near the river was lovely.

Enjoy.