Heather Neal Photography

There are so many things I love about this maternity session that I have to share! First…the location. We did this session at Lake Jacomo and although I have done several sessions there, I have never done one at this exact location and I LOVED it! Not only was it scenic, but I love that it was a place that this couple spent time frequently. They bring their furry baby, who is included in this session, here to swim. I think this is why I didn’t last doing studio photography…not only did I feel confined and limited working in a studio, but it also didn’t feel like my client’s sessions were personal so I love when we can incorporate that feeling with a location.  I should also mention that it SNOWED the day after their session so we definitely lucked out there!  Another thing I loved was that they did include their sweet doggie, Daisy who I learned was actually an “engagement puppy” which I think is so sweet. She was such a good girl and model and they all were a dream to work with! Hoping they decide to do one of my “Lifestyle Newborn” sessions when their sweet little bundle arrives so I can see them again and meet him or her. 😉

Sometimes everything about a session just falls into place and this Maternity session was one of those times. The couple decided on Burr Oak Woods as the location which is one of my favorite places to shoot. It was a sunny day though which can sometimes be a challenge there, but I realized it was a blessing as we entered the deep woods and the sun was glowing through the trees on the other side. I also decided just before this session that I needed to make a flower headband for it. I don’t know why, it just seemed like the thing to do so I went to Hobby Lobby and picked some neutral fallish colors and threw it together. I had no idea what color this pretty mama-to-be was wearing at the time so this was pure “Happy Accident” which if you know or follow me at all, you know is one of my favorite things (and the name of my personal Blog). I so love the way this session turned out. I also can’t stop thinking about how great some of these images would look on my new Fine Art Wood Canvases. Hmmmmm.

I know I say it every time, but my absolute favorite part of my job is watching families and clients grow and change and being there to capture all of the milestones along the way for them. One of the most fun things I often notice is how sometimes at that first session they are unsure of how to stand, should they smile or not?, what should they do with their hands?, etc. After shooting this family for an engagement session, being with them all day for their wedding and now their maternity session…they are seriously pros. Especially little man who LOVES the camera (and it loves him too) and may have a future as an actor or model in my opinion. Can’t wait to meet the newest member of their beautiful family!

Congratulations to this wonderful couple on the arrival of their little bundle of joy, baby Beau! It was just a few weeks ago that I got to visit with them again for an “at home” maternity session and now he is here! Beau is one lucky little guy…not only doesn he have a wonderful mommy and daddy, but daddy can build really great things! Like the changing table and crib (that was still in the works) that you see below! So beautiful!