How to get the best maternity pictures

I wanted to share some wordrobe tips I've learned over the years while photographing maternity pictures.

1. Wear something fitted, it helps to show off your beautiful baby bump!

2. Bring two outfits one formal and one casual.

3. Dress in layers. This helps you transition between looks easily during the portrait session.

4. Don't forget the accessories! Earrings, neclaces, shrug and scarves are a great way to add some drama to your look.

Kick Ball Game

 “The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” - Jimmy Johnson

Children play with all their might. Why? Because they have no reason not to.
~This Image was taken at the annual YMCA camp reunion in Ann Arbor Michigan.

Magic Smile

“Children see magic because they look for it.”

― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

I took this image at a recent baby shower. There were children of the guests just playing in a side room, while the adults attended to the festivities. The sun was reflecting off the back of the house spilling into the room, lighting up the kids faces. This little girl had a particularly angelic look and smiled quite naturally. Children have a graceful ease about them. They smile because they can, because they still believe in the possibility of anything!

Siblings

I shot this picture in ludignton while walking with the kids out to the Breakwater lighthouse.

It really is a beautful moment when a mother sees her children interact as siblings and freinds. This made me reflect on my own relationship I have had with my 5 siblings over the years. Did you know, only one third of siblings remain close into adulthood.  

I admit I only speak to 2 out of my 5 siblings. Some part of me hopes my kids somehow beat those odds. If there ever comes a point in the future when they are not speaking to eachother I will send them this picture to remind them of when they did.

"From the time that they are born, our brothers and sisters are our collaborators and co-conspirators, our roll models and cautionary tales.  They are our scolds, protectors, goads, tormentors, playmates, counselors, sources of envy, objects of pride. They teach us how to resolve conflicts and how not to; how to conduct friendships and when to walk away from them.  Sisters teach brothers about the mysteries of girls; brothers teach sisters about the puzzle of boys.  Our spouses arrive comparatively late in our lives; our parents eventually leave us. Our siblings may be the only people we ever know who truly qualify as partners for life.  Siblings are with us for the whole journey."

Katherine Conger - University of California, Davis

St. Patricks Day

For the first time in my life I officially celebrated Saint Patrick's Day.

I am part Irish (just ask my grandma). I'd never really seen the novelty in the holiday, I don't drink beer, so the thought of trying to choke down GREEN beer sounds even worse!

But this year my friend Jen said she was having a divorce party on St. Patty's day! Now that's a good enough reason to celebrate! So I met up with her happy crew downtown Ann Arbor. I was happy when she asked me to take pictures of the group of girls. To my surprise a large part of the group was from a facebook group for mothers of twins. How cool is that?? I didn't even know such a group existed.

 

I have tried to dress my daughters (who are 2 years apart) identically for years now, and they refuse. 

So, no twins for me.

I did get a change to visit with my favorite little leprechaun Saturday morning before the festivities got started. All he was missing was a little green hat, lol.

P.S. I'm well know for studying the origins of holiday and was asked several times during St. Patty's to explain. I have included links in this blog post from wiki for all you curiosity seekers.

Novi Bridal Show

The experience of the Novi Bridal Expo was amazing. Each year exhibitors from Michigan gather at the event to provide brides with one stop shopping for all their wedding day needs. This year myself & Steve, my business partner in He Said She Said Photography were in one of the booths for photographic services.

We met some super cool vendors & played nice with everyone except the balloon guy (who shall remain nameless). One would assume that a balloon vendor would have the pleasant disposition of a daycare worker, after all balloons are happy & I am happy, but he was not. As you can see from the photo below I am happy, so very happy, because I have the best job in the world!

The very best part of the weekend was the brides. We met amazing women (and a few men) from all over the country.
What is the best thing about meeting new brides?
They are in love. They have found someone that they love so much they want to spend the rest of their lives together. Love is the most beautiful, flattering feature from a photographic standpoint.
  Love is the purest form of happiness. I could photograph happiness every day for the rest of my life and die with a huge smile.
I could go on and on about love, but I wont.
I'll just say "I love love".
There is something very genuine about the way a couple looks into each others eyes when they are in love. These are the stories I want to tell with my camera.

I have an amazing story from Cassie coming next week, so grab your camera & tissues because this is a good one. Not only is she a future bride but she is also just starting out in photography and her engagement story touched my heart.

Happy Halloween

Photojojo tutorial: Wanna make one?