Studio or Outdoor Maternity Session? Which is best? | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Congrats Mama to be (or mama to be again!) I’m so happy you’re considering a maternity session! Maternity sessions are such an amazing way to capture this part of your journey and look back at how badass you truly are! (and beautiful!!!!)

Now come the hard questions - Where do I wanna do the session? When should I do the session? What style do I want? I got you girl

Lets start with when. Maternity sessions are best at the end of your 2nd trimester or the beginning of your 3rd. I always say around 28-34 weeks is best! During the planning stages, I’ll make sure I know exactly what you’re looking for and the style/look you want. But what if you’re not sure? Let’s break it down!

Studio Maternity Session

In studio sessions are classic and timeless. They are elegant and a bit more “luxurious” as I like to say. My Franklinville studio is packed with a variety of dresses, gowns, body suits, etc to use for your session. Worried about variety-I got you! There are so many ways to express yourself and there are so many different ways to customize your session in studio. Want something more casual? Let’s pull out the jeans or Calvin Kleins. Want glamour and to feel like a princess? Let’s put on a poofy dress of your favorite color! Want to feel sexy and show off that body? I’ve got tons of sheer, more skin tight dresses along with body suits and fabric. Here are a few of my favorite studio looks before we move on to the outdoor options!

Outdoor Maternity Session

If outdoor, family sessions are more you’re style-don’t worry, I still got you! Outdoor sessions are more laid back and documentary. I like to capture real life moments in a more casual setting, and capturing that golden hour sun is just absolutely my favorite! I’ve still got a variety of dresses that my clients like to use for outdoor sessions as well. Outdoor sessions allow for more options for location, and also make it a lot easier to include families and husbands (although they can absolutely be included in studio as well). Kiddos seems to do much better outdoors! If this is more your style, we’ll chat about the type of location you are envisioning (beach, tall grass, open field, etc). Here’s a few examples of what an outdoor maternity sessions can look like!

Whether to decide on studio or an outdoor location, I am here to make your vision come to life. I am here to help you see how truly beautiful you truly are! This is such an important moment in your life and I am honored that you chose me to document it! Still unsure which tyle or style is best for you? Let’s chat!

Mommy and Me Maternity Session | South Jersey Family Photographer

Mother’s and children share an indescribable, special bond. A feeling of warmth and comfort in your arms, no matter how old they may grow.

Why Are Are Mommy and Me Photoshoots so important?!

So many times, us mamas tend to be behind the camera, capturing our littles, and we often forget that WE need to get in these memories too.

As a mother myself, I know how fleeting time can be. One minute your baby is swaddled in your arms, and the next they are running around the house in a princess/super hero costume. Mommy and Me sessions are a chance to freeze these moments in time and capture those unseen, in between moments.

What Is a Mommy and Me Session?

During your session, I will work with your little one in a calm, fun atmosphere to create and capture these memories. Everything is completely candid, and your littles can just be themselves. Hug on them a little tighter, tickle those little toes, and I’ll take care of the rest!

Let me slow down time, for just a little while, and capture these moments for you to keep for a lifetime.

Here are a few of my favorite images from last week’s maternity session. Callie is going to make such a great big sister!

Maternity Session For Maria -South Jersey Photographer

Another gorgeous mama came into my studio last week! Maria came in ready for all my crazy ideas! We got super creative and tried some new techniques!

We started off in the studio and then made our way down the shore to capture some images of Maria and her husband together on the beach! Did you know that your maternity session can include both studio and outdoor portraits in one?!

I love being able to capture the beauty and strength of the woman’s body during pregnancy. Take a look at some more of my favorite images from this session and reach out if you’re ready to schedule your own maternity session!

Honoring your Rainbow Babies | A story of Hope

The Rainbow Project

The loss of a pregnancy or child is a feeling that no mother (or father) should ever have to experience. It brings anger, and emptiness that is incomparable to any other feeling I've ever experienced.

I'll spare everyone the sappy, long story, but I suffered a still birth almost 4 years ago now. Our son, Aaron, was only 21 weeks when he took his last breath, and since that time, I promised myself I'd never stop talking about him. I'll never stop bringing awareness to infant loss and how I cope. I never want another to mama to feel alone through her own experience and I continue to spread the story of hope and joy that can be experienced after loss. Whether you have suffered a miscarriage, experienced a still birth, or have lost a child in any way, this gut wrenching experience is no doubt the most devastating event of your life...but you're not alone mama...and there's hope!

So...What is a rainbow baby??

A rainbow baby is a baby born after miscarriage, still birth or infant loss. A rainbow baby is that precious miracle a family receives after the "storm" they've just weathered.

They are your tomorrow, your hope.

Pregnancy after loss

When you finally fall pregnant again it can be scary. "What if something happens?" "What if we lose this baby too?" "What if I forget Aaron?" These are all thoughts I had after getting pregnant with my rainbow son, Jason.

In my experience, and I know every parent will see it differently, your rainbow is not a replacement baby. This beautiful new life was sent here to comfort you and offer hope after the storm. This new miracle doesn't replace what you've lost- it brings joy and comfort to you and your family. Your rainbow baby brings a sense of beauty that wouldn't be there had you not experienced the storm. Pregnancy after loss is hard. It causes anxiety that can feel overwhelming at times. These emotions can feel like a lot to take in. Feel them mama. They are intense but they are a part of your healing. 4 years later, I still feel these things. I don't think it'll ever go away, but you're not alone.

Every milestone you experience with your rainbow will be bitter sweet. You're so excited to celebrate these milestones with your baby, but they can be hard as it is something you never got to experience with your angel. It's okay to cry when your baby learns to walk. It's okay to be happy and sad all at once. Lean into those feelings and know you're the absolute best parent this baby can have.

If you've stuck with me this far, I appreciate you! If you're going through a loss, experiencing your first pregnancy after a loss, or if you just wanted to hang around and get in my feelings with me, I want to say thank you for listening and going through this journey with me. I put together this event to show other parents that they are not alone. Every pregnancy, and every child should be celebrated, of course, but there is just something so special about that rainbow baby. 1 in 4 women experience a miscarriage in their life time, most suffer silently alone. But you're not alone mama.

You'll get through this.

There is hope