The magic of motherhood and the first-time journey
Capturing the Magic of First-Time Parenthood: A Maternity Session in Punxsutawney, PA
As a maternity photographer based in Punxsutawney, PA, there are few things more rewarding than being a part of such an intimate and joyful milestone in a couple’s life. It’s even more special when I have the privilege of photographing a couple I’ve come to know over the years. I truly get so excited, especially when it is a couples first baby.
This lovely couple is so sweet, so in love, and filled with excitement as they prepare to welcome their little one. Their journey together has been nothing short of heartwarming, and getting the chance to capture this moment as they embark on the incredible adventure of parenthood is an experience I will cherish forever.
Before our indoor portion of the session, we headed outdoors to embrace a historic area of Punxsutawney that we first used for their engagement photos. I'm always a big fan of redoing photographs in certain locations and posing over the years. If you know this family personally, you also know her big sister has a photo we do every single year and it really shows how her boys have grown!
You could feel the excitement and the love they have for each other, as well as for their baby. The air was chilled and the breeze was blowing, but it added the perfect touch of flair to her flowy dress and whispy hair at times to show movement in the photograph that I always like! And, of course, their smiles were absolutely contagious—the love between them is so apparent, and it was such an honor to document their journey in this way.
The Joy of First-Time Parenthood
What struck me most during this session was the undeniable sense of excitement they have for their first child. As a first-time mom and dad-to-be, the anticipation is palpable in every little moment. There’s a magic that comes with knowing a life is about to change in the most beautiful way imaginable. I can’t wait to see them embark on this new chapter as parents.
I ALWAYS welcome your ideas for your photos. These are your memories here to last a lifetime! Your personality, your clothing choices... everything you want makes you, YOU and that is the most important thing to me when you come for a session. I of course always have my own ideas, but I open up the discussion before and during your session to make sure we get everything that you dream of! So, this mama-to-be wanted indoor casual photos as well and we made it happen! I think the indoor photos ended up being my favorite as they felt more comfortable and really showed the beautiful side of pregnancy like this sweet blessing of a bump that she will cherish photos of forever!
As a maternity photographer in Punxsutawney, it’s a privilege to be invited into such a personal moment in a couple’s life. I’ve had the honor of watching this couple’s relationship grow, and now I get to witness their excitement and joy as they prepare for the arrival of their first child. Their maternity session, both indoors and outdoors, captured their love, excitement, and deep bond with each other and the new life they’re about to welcome.
To this sweet couple, thank you for allowing me to be part of such an intimate and beautiful moment. Your love for each other and the anticipation of your baby is inspiring, and I can’t wait to see you both become the amazing parents I know you’ll be. Here’s to the next chapter in your story-- see you soon for your newborn family photos!
Lifestyle Photos: Your Family, Your Photographs, Your Home
So many of us are sitting at home, wondering what to do with all this free time that was thrusted upon us.
We are thinking and worrying and enjoying and the list goes on... we weren't supposed to be home today. We were supposed to be at work, although work goes on for MANY (and we are so very grateful for all of their selflessness and dedication to their jobs to serve and protect us)! This time isn't much different for myself and my kiddos. We miss visiting our friends and family. Today we finally took a drive to get them out of the house. We talked on the way about how we didn't remember the last time we all left the house as a family... I honestly think it was 3/7 when we went to my nephew's birthday party! I hope you are getting out, yet social distancing. I hope you are able to find some fun as a family, or couple, or individual person. We don't want to be stuck inside <3
So I am going to share some tips to help you document this time on your own. I wanted to do a class this winter, and my business got busy. What a good reason to not be able to, right? These are just simple tips and suggestions of some things to do with your family, though. Maybe more on the in depth tips later.
1. Look for the light. [What a metaphor, right?]
Where does the light shine into your home? Does it beam in through your side windows in the morning or afternoon? Does it come in through your door? Place your kiddos there. Turn off all your other lights. Capture their smiles and giggles. Back up and capture how small they are in your room... this is the season of life you are in right now. Or, are they big? Is your teenage son almost as tall as the door? Use that self timer on your camera and jump in the photos, too!
You can also use that same light to create silhouettes. This is easier if you understand how to use manual controls on your camera, but if you have a simple phone editor you can bring the exposure down, bump your blacks up, and add contrast to do the same thing.
2. Go outdoors.
Of course there is the 'ideal' light outside, but don't let the noon time sun scare you away. Look for the shade. Turn them so the sun is hitting their back and block it with their bodies or something in the environment. Chase them around the yard. Draw a scene with sidewalk chalk and take the photos from above. Catch them as they jump off the swing. Go for a walk in the woods and look at all the new spring growth sprouting from the still cold soil. Plant seeds to keep indoors. Draw messages on the sidewalk. Draw letters and shapes in the sandbox. JUMP. IN. PUDDLES- and then come in to get warm.
Do you want the "creamy" background? Don't place your kiddos right next to something. Leave distance between them and the background. The focus will fall more on them and leave whatever is behind them slightly [or more depending on your camera/knowledge] out of focus.
Look for bold colored buildings, old weathered wood, murals... all these things could make a fun background for impromptu photoshoots on a walk. Watch the shadows on their faces. If there are shadows, turn them around until there aren't.
3. You don't have to dress perfect. They are perfect how they are.
Your hair is a mess and their clothes are un-matched... but that just further documents how crazy this time is, right? We have to find the joy in a time that is causing anxious thoughts. Remember the fun playclothes that have been passed down, the crazy bold jackets and the dirty shoes. It is playtime at home.
4. Get on their level.
Really. Squat down and take photos directly in front of them, or get on your tip toes if they are taller ;) Angle really is everything and photographers move about during sessions to get different perspectives all the time. Make it a game. Give them something to sit on (if they are younger toddlers) so they have a more defined space. My mini chairs are magic for my sessions for the kiddos that just won't stay still.
5. Don't worry if things aren't perfect!
The point is just to document your family during this time so these memories can be shared for generations. You were stuck in your house, on your porch, in your yard, etc. If your house wasn't clean? So what. Shove stuff out of the way if you want to! ;)
I have hope you can find something that brightens your day when things seem dim. I have hope you'll stay safe.
-Kim