Studio? or the great outdoors?

I've long had arguments with myself over studio or outdoors for maternity sessions.

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.

Candace, Dwight and Austin

There are certain shoots... certain people, that just stick out as down right incredible. To me, this was one of them. I'm not sure if it has something to do with growing a little one myself, but this shoot had me fighting back tears, overwhelmed with beauty, and absolutely in awe of the human body. Specifically the amazing female body. Truly, indescribable. This shoot, will forever be etched in my memories as a favorite. As, will the people. Thank you guys for your trust, your understanding and your ability to be flexible, warm and simply beautiful! Not to mention thank you for driving all of the way from Port Alberni!! Don't these just make you want to be pregnant? Pretty sure this is my favorite.

Full of Life...

Thats how I would describe Brooklyn!!! Full of life. Absolutely!!!

The first time I met Brooklyn was at the ice arena (she was watching her dad play hockey). It did not take long to realize that she was someone with a whole lot of energy! Within moments of our first meeting she was sitting on my knee, telling me all kinds of stories.

I have known both parents for a long time, (in fact in high school I seem to recall driving around with Michelle singing Pam Tillis' "spilled perfume") When Michelle asked me to capture her family with an energized Brooklyn and a baby on the way, I was in. Their session took less than an hour, and in all honesty I felt like I had it after the first 10 minutes... it was effortless.

I look forward to meeting the little one tucked inside Michelles belly very soon! (Brooklyn announced during our session that it was in fact a boy, although she has always just said previously "well.... girl or boy") I'll keep you posted to what they welcome into the world!!!

This first image, may just be my favorite. The light was perfect, the wind was blowing... gives me goosebumps still! A rare, still moment with Brooklyn.