Maternity Session in Baton Rouge at Hilltop Arboretum.. and me 5 Months Preggo!

First Babies and making beautiful Maternity Sessions!!! 

Man, I couldn't REALLY know how exciting this aspect of Motherhood was until I became pregnant myself! I had done hundreds of Family Photography Sessions and Maternity Sessions since starting my business full time but honestly, I didn't understand the JOY behind this slot of time to really appreciate it all! 

Until now.... when I am almost 5 month pregnant! (Picture of me with Baby Charles in tow). Some people say I don't look 5 months pregnant but let me assure you, Natty is FULLY pregnant!! That tummy was non-existent till Baby Charlie arrived on the scene and I have 3 months of sickness to vouch for his growing little self as well! 

So when I photographed Karla and her hubby the other day it was so much more meaningful celebrating in their sweet joy that's on her way! 

Of course my sessions will always look very lifestyle and classic. I asked Karla what her desire were for their maternity session and she was all about the great outdoors and nature. This of course made me more than happy to accommodate! We went to LSU's Hilltop Arboretum off of Highland Road to begin.

We got some many precious takes with the three of them. I could not help myself but to of course utilize the Golden Hour. Did I mention how gorgeous Karla is and how impossible it was to get a bad photograph of her? Yeah... there basically was not one. And her hubs was such a nice guy- asking me if I needed help with my bags and always helping with the set up of shots. A lot of time guys are not the enthusiast ones with photography sessions so this is a real treat! 

We wrapped up the Maternity Session talking about potential names and finding the best spots for the end of their session. 

What even BLESSED me more than I have expressed is this sweet lady brought ME a GIFT!!! Do I need to remind you that this was the first time we met? She didn't know me from atom and she was so kind to think of me when we were there for her!!! 

Thank you Jesus for some of the best clients a girl can ask for!! 

Happy Motherhood, Karla!! You will be an excellent first time mommy, I am assured of it... 

Baton Rouge Maternity Photography

the Gallups. 

Am I the only one that loves a Maternity Session? This little family, being close friends, allows me to use my creative side! We started in our low light bedroom to try to capture some moody images of baby and Bailey. 

Next spot was our cozy little office with my beloved bookshelf. Ryan did give me many a great tips on posing options. A hidden talent if I do say so myself. 

Being that it was a sweltering Sunday, we hit the outdoors pretty darn early to try and beat the heat. I think the shots came out pretty dreamy. 

Happy Almost Baby Time, Gallups! 

Baton Rouge Maternity Photography in Destin

I suppose it was perfect that the first baby bump session I did was for my best friend for many years, Kristan Gallup. She was so darling and perfect for the shoot. We had a girls weekend scheduled in Gulf Shores and I knew it was going to be the perfect spot for her maternity session for her sweet little one! 

All I could think was that she needed to be in a JCrew magazine with her tiny, little waist line and perfect little baby belly. 

Her and Ryan are keeping everyone in suspense in regards to the gender reveal for Baby Gallup's arrival day. They do however have the names in place for either gender which would be Nathaniel or Cora Leigh.   

We had the perfect, overcast day for her session which lent greatly for lighting and sun reflections but not so much for the girls getting a tan however :) 

We practiced lots of laughing shots because those make the best shots. I said things like, "poot" and "toot" and "isn't Natalie so funny" and that got lots of laughs. 

Happy Baby Having, Kristan Leigh Bailey.