I will always say “studio is my favorite” after a fabulous studio session… but then say “outdoors is my favorite” after an outdoor session. It’s painful really. The truth is, I love them both. What I love about outdoor images is combining the beauty of our world, with the incredible strength, power and grace of a woman growing and carrying human life. Outdoor maternity images are natural, authentic, loving and can have gorgeous natural light, they are full of endless possibilities.

Pregnancy is a very personal time. We all go through a pregnancy on our own. Yes, with help, support etc from friends and partners etc, but really it all ends up with you and that baby growing inside you. Personal, special, surreal. I love that studio images can capture and celebrate the best part about a pregnancy without seeing any of the not so pretty parts. Studio maternity images can be extremely intimate, personal, beautiful and are full of endless possibilities. What it comes down to? Your personal preference really.

Here is gorgeous Glynnis from our session yesterday. We were booked for a studio shoot only, but the light outside had me crazy, and I made her sneak outside for a few. Then back to the studio for more. I love the outdoor light, the glow, her glow… inside, I love the accentuation of her amazing belly and shape. I can’t decide what I like more. I love it all.

So, which do you prefer?

Glynnis is a fabulous yoga momma and wanted to celebrate her yoga momma journey as well.

I have known Maritte since before I was able to walk. We have gone through many firsts together… first steps, first grade, first peeing of pants due to hysterical laughter, first loves, first BAD breakups, first traveling experiences…. She in fact isn’t even a friend… she is family. She has been on more Wallis family roadtrips than anyone aught to, she gets all the really bad inside jokes, we know the same silly songs, I think she even held my baby sister before me (urg)… and according to my brother, she was way more fun to play with than me.

So, to my delight, on her wedding day (where I was not only her Maid of Honor, but also her photographer)… she married another very good friend of mine… (in fact, I introduced them when I told her ‘husband to be’ Eduardo, that Maritte would be walking down with us for our high school graduation) Eduardo has always been a wonderful friend to me, and in fact, we treat each other more like siblings than friends… Maritte has given up on trying to get us not to fight… we tend to be at each other frequently… But I love him like a brother none the less.

Fast forward to the birth of their first child.
I was working away with Princess Cruises, bobbing around the seas, attempting to quiet my restless pirate heart… Maritte was due soon…. I knew that… I was having pain…. cramping… couldn’t stop thinking about Maritte.. I looked at a friend on board the ship… ‘My friend Marittey is having her baby’, and she was… right at that very time. I felt so far away, yet still so purely connected to her and her family.

I couldn’t be happier to be able to be here, and capture these maternity memories with them, and really look forward to meeting the newest addition to this love fueled wild bunch.
I love you all so very much.
ox

Eduardo took this photo of Leola and I (which I love)

I do not believe you can NOT love this face!

and then we headed out for some outdoorsy fun images…
I love this image.

Just giving mom some snuggles

And who can resist the run away shot… look at her little legs!!!