While I was still taking my photography class at the KIA in the spring of 2016, I was so filled with this wild idea of starting a photography business that I felt inspired to reach out to a good set of friends of mine who happened to be expecting their third child. I asked if I could take maternity pictures for them, and they said yes! I'm telling you, the thrill of going over to their house to photograph them was something I won't soon forget. Although I was nervous, had little to no idea what I was doing, and literally only had my Canon Rebel with the kit lens, I had the best time ever, and I was just thrilled with the results. The entire process was so fun for me, and I think they had fun, too. I loved putting them at ease, talking them through the posing... and their natural chemistry created some (in my opinion) stunning photos.
Here's a little secret: I loved being pregnant with my daughter. I loved my beautiful growing belly, the thrill of anticipation, feeling her move around and the general glow of pride that came from the fact that my body was creating a human! Ever since having my own daughter, I feel an elevated sense of happiness for women who are expecting, because I myself have fallen so deeply in love with the whole process. So for my first photo shoot to be a maternity shoot was just perfect, because I still relish that amazing time for myself and I think I brought that joy with me to the session.
My friends already had two other children, a girl and a boy. Photographing the whole family was an interesting challenge, as I tried to get them both looking, both smiling... but in the end, I began to learn that not everyone always has to be looking or smiling, and it still turns out okay. This is a lesson I'm still working on, by the way. Instinctively, I want everyone posed properly and paying attention to me. I'm practicing letting my clients interact naturally as I photograph them, and the results are improving.
My absolute favorite part of any photo session is that moment behind the camera when I feel my heart flutter and I just know I captured a beautiful moment. That happened during my first session with my friends at the very end, when I was just photographing Mom and Dad. We had finally all warmed up to each other, and this pose they struck was completely natural. As Jake reached forward to kiss his wife on the forehead, with that beautiful new baby growing between them, I knew the moment was entirely theirs and I felt honored to be present for it. There was so much tenderness, so much love, I could hardly take it. My breath caught in my throat and as I pulled the camera back to glance at the result on the little screen, I felt a thrill of emotion. I knew then beyond any doubt that I loved photographing people and that I was going to try to make this dream of mine happen.