Focus Solely On The Couple
There is something magical about photographing a maternity session. The joy, the promise of tomorrow, the love that is ever-present. This session was all of that and held a special place in my heart. Years prior I photographed Jamey for her high school senior portraits and had also met Owen when he was in high school. I was thrilled and honored that they wanted me to photograph this special occasion, furthermore, they drove from La Grande Oregon. (no small feat for a pregnant woman).
Since they are planning on returning for a newborn session and are wanting to display their images we were very intentional about how the images would be photographed and the styling involved with the clothing. Like with the rest of my clients we discussed what type of decor they have in their home such as color palette and style.
Why is that important? Because we want the images to be part of the decor, not an afterthought. The images placed in their home should complement the design and not fight against it. We decided the session should be my "Simply Pure" photography line, where the session is photographed on a white background with most white or neutral-toned clothing. The beautiful thing about this session is that it strips away all of the distracting elements and puts the focus solely on the couple. This type of session also lends itself to every type of decor style but really shines in modern minimalist-style homes.
Enhance Jamey's Natural Beauty
Since the couple traveled around four hours to get to Pullman for the photo session and stayed the night in a hotel. I wanted to make sure Jamey felt pampered and stunning in the session. So I hired a makeup artist for Jamey it was my first time working with Brenda, and both I and Jamey loved the final look. I wanted Jamey's makeup to be beautiful with full lashes and a mauve lip. To just enhance Jamey's natural beauty not take away from it. I wanted Jamey to feel as beautiful as she is.
I Wanted Him To Look Great And Also Feel Relaxed
Before every photo session, I do a design consultation in their home where we go over places in their home they would like wall art. I take photographs of the walls and a measure if need be. I also go through client wardrobes and pick out the best clothing for everyone to wear. Clothing is the most asked question we as photographers face.
I take that stress away from my clients by going through the items they already have, and making sure the clothing that is worn is going to compliment the design of the home, not compete with it.
Since Jamey and Owen don't live locally we had a couple of options, 1. I offer zoom calls so we can meet virtually or 2. Have clients text me or email me clothing items they are considering, take photos of their walls and send them via email.
Jamey and I spoke via messenger and I showed her images of the type of shirt I wanted Owen to wear. She had one on hand and decided to purchase other colors. The jeans were easy nothing ripped just nice dark denim.
I asked Jamey to have him wear a long sleeve shirt without a collar but with buttons so It didn't look like a t-shirt. The reason why I wanted him in this style of shirt instead of a traditional button-up was that button-up shirts tend to shift and look uneven when couples are asked to embrace. The collars can get flipped up as well. Plus making Owen as comfortable as possible was a high priority since he doesn't particularly love getting his photograph taken. (Let's be honest men, in general, can be reluctant). So I wanted him to look great and also feel relaxed during the session.
Little Humans Have Their Own Personalites
I was so excited when they brought sonogram pictures with them to the session. In one of the images, I couldn't tell what I was looking at and Jamey explained that their baby boy was poking himself in the eye. OUCH! but man what a unique story. I love how little humans have their own personalities before they are ever born. What a huge blessing!
I also loved that they brought the sonogram because I was able to scan the images. Making it possible for me to put the images into one of my customs albums along with quotes from Jamey and Owen and many other personal options. For example, I asked Jamey and Owen to write a note to their little prince telling him how they are feeling in this moment in time. ( BTY I teared up asking them this question). Jamey said...
“We are so excited to meet you, baby boy. I never knew how much one could love someone they’ve never met until I saw you on that screen and felt you move around in my belly. There are no words to describe the love that we feel for you already. Your dad and I are so excited to watch you grow into the amazing man that we know you will be.”
Owen said..: “I am so excited to get to meet you! I can’t wait to see what characteristics you get from your mom and myself. I look forward to growing with you and re-experiencing life through your eyes. I love you.”
The Most Beautiful Blue Eyes
After the white and neutral-toned clothing options, I wanted to photograph Jamey and Owen in blue because they both have the most beautiful blue eyes. This flowy blue dress is so elegant I couldn't wait to put Jamey in it. She is tall at 5'9" and towered over my 5"2" self. So she could wear this dress and not be consumed by it.
It looks so beautiful and pops right off the page with the white background.
Graphic And High-Contrast Nature of Black On White
I love the graphic and high-contrast nature of black clothing on a white background. So even though she is wearing black it still works within the "Simply Pure" line. Since shades like white, Cream, soft grey, charcoal, and yes even black are neutral, meaning most home decor will work well with all of these colors but most will. So that's where an in-home design consultation helps take the guesswork out of what works seamlessly in the home.
Fine Art Painterly Style
So disclaimer on this next part. This session type isn't available yet but I've been toying with the idea of offering it in the future, that is if there is enough interest.
It falls under a totally different look and comes from the work that I submit for photo competitions. The style is a fine art and has a painterly edit to it. but I thought I would share so you too can enjoy it.
This type of look takes a lot of training, skill, and time to create.
I can't wait till their little boy is born, and I get to see his cute little face in the studio for his "Simply Pure Baby" photography session!
Stay tuned!
Interested in a Simply Pure session message me here.
My make-up artist Instagram profile
Curious why you should print your photos read this blog post.
wondering about interior design and your photography session read this blog post
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