I know.. here we are getting into the greens of things as spring takes over the city. But I'm taking a trip down memory lane today (the beauty of photography!) and backtracking a bit to a couple ofmonths ago when I had the pleasure of shooting this gorgeous maternity session on a chilly winters evening.
Winters already seem so long here in the city of Calgary, I couldn't imagine awaiting the arrival of a brand new little family member to add onto an already snail-paced timeline! I remember that time seemed to go by so quickly, and yet so slowly, while I was pregnant with my babies. But my longest-feeling pregnancy by far (even though it was technically the shortest) was with my third daughter; I was pregnant through the winter and due in the Spring, and I remember the anticipation paired with the long months of winter made it seem like that pregnancy lasted for forever.
Back in 2016, I was so lucky to have met this momma and her husband as they welcomed their first, beautiful baby girl. I remember back to when I used to haul all of my "portable studio" around in my tiny little car, and set up in families' living rooms and photographing their little ones as they watched from the comfort of their couch. A lot has changed since then.. for the better, I might add. But it's been a wonderful couple years since that first interaction with this gorgeous family and I was completely honoured to have the privilege to meet and photograph not only their second daughter's newborn session but the maternity session leading up to, as well.
It no surprise that we had a really, really cold February this year. Luckily, we had gone out for a sunset maternity session the day before things got especially cold and nasty, and even though it was an evening of cold fingers and goosebumps the photographs that we captured leave me feeling warm and toasty on the inside.
I always love seeing Mothers-To-Be in my gorgeous red gown by J&L Designs Boutique. I call it my "Goddess Gown". I love how it makes my mamas glow with pride and walk with an air of elegance and poise! It's flowy, it's gorgeous, and even though it's a bit of a hassle to walk around in, it's a ton of fun to flip and pose and take photos in!
This gown is one of many in my Maternity Gown Closet! I love giving my clients the ability to choose what they'd like to wear during their session and feel amazing for their photos!
I, regretfully, did not get maternity pictures done when I was pregnant with any of my babies. And while I do have a couple of selfie-mirror snapshots, I so wish I had gone out to have some professional photos done and just savour the moment of being pregnant and knowing that those moments could be mine to treasure forever.
Pregnancy is amazing. I know for some the experience is less than enjoyable, and for others, it's something they'd like to experience over and over again. I am one of those people. My husband and I are done having babies now, but I do miss pregnancy. It's truly an incredible experience.
It makes me excited to capture maternity photos for families who plan to capture those moments. While the pregnancy, in the midst of it all, feels so long, it's just a small blip; a minuscule 9 months of someone's life where they are not one person, but two (or three...or more...) I love how mamas gently rub the surface of and smile at their baby bumps while we pose and capture photos from all around. Sometimes I could just sit in that moment and watch for an extra moment or two. Maybe I'm just a big sucker for savouring the moment and soaking in every detail before the moment is done. Maybe that's why I just love my job that much.
I love the interactions of other family members, who have yet to meet baby. They don't know baby as well as mom does yet, but the curiosity of an older sibling always gets me right in the feels.
The love that this Mama has for her daughter, Jasymn, is incredible; she had the idea to have matching gowns for the session, and I jumped on that idea in a hot second! I knew exactly where I was going to find the perfect match to my gorgeous red gown for sweet little (big sister) Jasmyn, and found it at one of my favourite maternity gown sources, Chicaboo!
When our session was all done and we were heading back to our vehicles, we were watching Jasmyn walking with her daddy just ahead of us and we just started talking about how much we loved our kids. The things they do, the things they say, their sweet little expressions and fat little hands and feet. Baby dimples and chubby cheeks, things that just make you want to smother them in the biggest hugs, smooch with the wettest kisses. Little people, who you want to give the whole world to, just like you've given your whole heart.
Motherhood is amazing. And the love this mama has for her babies is nothing short of incredible; the way she would oogle over the photos off the back of my camera, and just say, "I literally can't even" made me laugh and feel so very, very good about being able to give her these memories to cherish forever.
Once we got into our cars and I warmed up my frozen fingers and got some feeling back in my toes, I hurried home to get a sneak peek out as soon as possible; I love when a session does that to me. I love being excited about my work and thrilling parents and families with their photos. These memories are just as important to me as they are to them; I get the craving in the soul to want to hold onto each slipping second as it escapes into the past. I am so blessed, thankful, and excited that, with my little time machine in my hands, that I can freeze time and hold onto a moment forever.
Tomorrow, I'll be posting the newborn session of the sweet little baby who was hidden within the bump. Stay tuned for Jade's newborn session! <3
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