Life's Greatest Adventure | Jami | 36 weeks | Anchorage Maternity Photographer

Last fall I found myself posting about our photography on the Bump message board. A day or two later, this really sweet gal contacted me all excited because she was expecting, loved my photography, and wanted a session with your truly.

And that was the start of a beautiful friendship.

Jami and I have sent sooo many emails back and forth since then, I know that our poor inboxes feel downright abused. It seemed as though her maternity session would never get here (and I know it seems even longer for Jami!), but come Sunday, we finally got to meet and have this much-anticipated outdoor maternity session!

For the session, I scouted out a new location: Taku Lake Park here in Anchorage. Just so you know, it's my favorite new location for Anchorage maternity photography or any type of photography for that matter! I would love to see a family session here. There is a huge open lake, and although it's covered with ice right now I can just imagine how beautiful it is during the summertime. There are grassy hills and open fields, a lovely pathway with trees and lamp posts lining the side, benches galore, and even a sweet wooden footbridge by a little creek. I've even heard rumors that during the summer there is a dock set up on the lake!

So we had the perfect location for the perfect couple, for the gal with the perfect baby bump!But don't just take my word for it, see for yourself!

This first image has found a special place in my heart. Just something about it is so beautiful and stirring to me. I can't wait to hang this one up as a large canvas in the studio!

Torn apart by rival teams... how tragic.

Seriously.. so the sweetest and funniest couple. They are going to make amazing parents.

Pregnancy very much agrees with Jami! She is so fun-loving and absolutely glows...

See? I told you.. beautiful!

I love including the Daddy-to-be in our maternity sessions. It's so touching to see these big, strong, tough guys act so tender and gentle.

One of the things I love most about maternity photography is its ability to convey emotion. Joy, happiness, anticipation, wonder, hope, amazement.. it's all here.

The time frame of the session was perfect as it was entering the "Golden Hour" right as we were wrapping up. Turning around, I saw the sun, which had been hiding for most of the afternoon, peek through the clouds to light the entire scene on fire. Instantly, I had an image in my head and Joe and Jami were great enough to go along with it.

So congratulations, you guys! I can't wait to meet Mac in a few weeks. Truly this is going to be life's greatest adventure yet...

(I think they're excited....)

Cynthia | 35 Weeks Along | Anchorage Maternity Photographer

One of our favorite types of sessions has to be maternity sessions as there is just something so beautiful about seeing a glowing mommy-to-be and a proud daddy-to-be. These two were no different. Cynthia was absolutely beautiful and for being 35 weeks along, we couldn't believe what a tiny, adorable bump she has! And Matthew started out the session wearing his Air Force uniform and we all know that there is just something about a man in uniform.... These two have such beautiful chemistry together and it was so sweet to see them care for each other.

See what we mean? Absolutely Beautiful. The look in their eyes makes us tear up every time. That's what a maternity session is all about... the emotion, the bond, the love between two people that shows itself in the form of a precious little baby.

Ahh.. this is one of our new favorites for the classic belly pose with mommy & daddy's hands. Just everything about these two had such a beautiful quality to it.

See what we mean? Isn't her bump adorable?

This little guy will be our first "Blaine" and we love how fun and modern the name is, and we can't wait to see who he looks like more: Mommy or Daddy!

This one will be for our Before/After Baby Shot that we've started doing for all of our moms-to-be. I can't wait to see how it turns out!

Now this is sort of the grand finale! In preparation for her session, Cynthia and I talked about some of the things that she's been doing and reading throughout her pregnancy, one of which was the Twilight series. Now right away I had an idea for a scene and when I shared it with her, Cynthia was all for it! So here is a sneak peek at the Twilight-themed portion of the session.

Congratulations Cynthia and Matthew! Thank you for all the laughs and for such a fun and easy-going session... We can't wait to meet Blaine!

Crystal | 23 Weeks Along | Anchorage Maternity Photographer

Even before Wednesday's session, we knew that that we would have such fun photographing Crystal and Warren... and we weren't wrong! These two kept us laughing for most of the session, coming up with some of the most hilarious poses and ideas! Since Warren is often out of town due to his job, Crystal wanted to make sure to have him here for some of the photos. Which means, session #2 come January! And then we'll all get to meet "Little P" come February! I know Mommy and Daddy can hardly wait!

We had to coach Warren a little on how to dip-- but the look is all his own!

The fun and funky of Downtown Anchorage perfectly fit this fit this fun and funky couple!

"Little P" will be showered with love when he/she finally makes their arrival!

This shot was totally Crystal's idea but I could barely snap the picture but for laughing so hard!

I love their mix of classic and modern, and of course, the way that they would share those secret glances.

Believe it or not- Crystal made these shirts for Halloween. Aren't they absolutely adorable?!

As soon as we stepped outside the doors, I knew that we had to get this shot. Still.. I'm kind of surprised that Warren managed to hold still that long!

There's the preview! Thank you, Crystal and Warren, for braving the cold with us! We loved getting to know you better and can't wait to see you (and Little P) again!

Jennifer | 33 Weeks Along | Anchorage Maternity Photographer

This past Saturday's session was a photographer's dream. A stunning mother, beautiful lighting, and a little girl that is photogenic from the very (very!) beginning!

Throughout the entire session, I was amazed out how absolutely serene Jennifer was. She had such a peace about her and this quiet connection between her and her daughter. I love seeing that kind of bond.

Jennifer requested this pose and I was absolutely thrilled! She and I seemed to have one mind as she was anticipating what I would say next and would do something before I even asked!

One of the things that I never want our moms to forget is what it feels like to be pregnant. It is an experience unlike any other, which is one of the reasons while Jennifer is very passionate about encouraging others to have maternity pictures taken. We're happy that others recognize that these memories deserve to be cherished and treasured.

Aaron and Jennifer picked out their daughter's name after watching "Lady in the Water" and I love it! It's so original and unique and has the truly timeless quality to it. Already we have some ideas for the newborn session going through our heads...  

These two are so in love and it was so beautiful to see that love unfold before us. 

Is it just me or are Daddy-Baby pictures some of the biggest tear-jerkers. Come to find out, Aaron is a former Coastie, just like Micah, but he wasn't the least bit embarrassed to show how much he loves his girls!

This shot is especially special to me as it represents something that I'd like to start offering to all of our moms that book both a maternity and a newborn session with us. The plan is to do a Before/After Baby diptic. Basically, that means that when Story is born in December, at her Newborn Session we will set up the exact same shot (same background, lighting, wardrobe, etc) but instead of Jennifer's hands being empty, she will be holding the sweet, sleepy Story! Then we'll put the two together and grab a box of tissues.

This was our first time introducing our new maternity wraps and already I'm excited at the possibilities! Jennifer modeled them beautifully and put up with me as we decided the best way to do the wrap. In the end, the wrap ended up being tucked in at about a dozen different places, which lead to quite a bit of laughter.

 Micah and I agree that this is our favorite image from the session at it perfectly captures the anticipation, joy, love, and thankfulness that these two are feeling for their baby.

Congratulations, Jennifer and Aaron! Story is one much-loved little girl!