Capturing the journey of a family as they grow is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. I recently had the honor of working with this darling family, who entrusted me to document their beautiful transition from expecting parents, to welcoming their Snuggly Newborn, to their first official family photos as a family of three. Showcasing their maternity session to their newborn portraits and family photos, I’m excited to share the moments we captured together!

Their Maternity photoshoot was an unforgettable experience for them, Brittany looked absolutely stunning as she proudly showed off her baby bump in the gorgeous Rose Garden. She chose a soft, flowing dress to enhance her glow and we worked with natural light to create a feeling of warmth and enhance their joy.

If you are planning your Maternity Photos, here are a few of my best tips:

Why You NEED Maternity Photos: Capture the essence of pregnancy, your excitement, and anticipation! Being pregnant is such a short season of life, and one where you are glowing, joyful, and full of so much love and anticipation for your baby! I have talked to many mama’s that didn’t get maternity photos with their first, and absolutely regretted that decision…and very few that say they wish they didn’t AKA, none 😉

Timing: The ideal time is 28-32 weeks gestation. This gives you time to print them for your shower, and is generally before any swelling and uncomfortable stages of pregnancy kick in!

Outfits: Choose outfits that compliment your vibe, the scenery, your nursery, and your personality! I let my clients know that neutrals, earth tones, and jewel tones work best on camera for my style of editing and art! Flowy outfits are always flattering, and when pregnant, I often tell mama’s to choose two outfits. A flowy fit, and maybe a form fitted one if they are comfortable with that!

Capturing sweet baby Ellie in the first days of life was pure magic. We focused on soft, intimate moments to showcase her tiny features and delicate expressions. These newborn photos will not only showcase their love for one another and this precious season but will also serve as timeless memories for years to come!

Planning your Newborn Photos? Here are my best tips:

Why you NEED Newborn Photos: This season is so blissfully beautiful, and so bittersweetly fleeting! You want to capture your new baby’s perfect pouty lips, teeny fingers and toes, softer than ever cheeks and the love you are all bursting with! 

Timing: Ideal Newborn session timing is within 3-14 ish days from birth! This is because babies are still really sleepy, more easily put into womb-like positions- so it makes it easier to wrap baby and have a session where they are comfortable, and adored! This is also a great time before any skin rashes begin to show up, and generally when mom and dad are both on “leave” and have time home together to get the photos scheduled!

Style: I photograph more of a natural, lived in feel, sometimes referred to as lifestyle! This means that I do not have multi colored backdrops, or props like a tiny bed, buckets, baskets, etc. I do mix in a luxury feel to my lifestyle sessions by bringing my “studio to you” feel, with images of baby on a simple bean bag set up- where we focus on their little features and natural posing. This flows perfectly with the lifestyle images and creates a well rounded gallery where you can print the most beautiful gallery wall in your home, nursery or even as an album for you or your parents to cherish forever!

It was a joy to watch this family interact during their family session. From tender moments between parents to playful laughs with their sweet girl and their pup- who made it to all three photoshoots! The images truly showcase the love and connection between them. It was truly a Joy to get to see Ellie from bump to newborn to baby girl that is soon to be turning 1! 

Planning your First Family Photos? Here are my best tips:

Why You NEED Family Photos: This season of life is so much fun! You are out of the Newborn stage, and well into your groove of parenting! Your little changes SO often right now, and meets milestones, including getting their first teeth, slobbery smiles, chubby cheeks, roly poly hands… These are fleeting moments that you want to savor in your heart forever. Photographing them makes sure you have these moments as tangible memories that last a lifetime!

Timing: If you are wanting to use the images for your baby’s first birthday, schedule the session between 10-11 months of age, so that you have ample time to get the images back and make prints for the party or the invites! This is also such a fun age to photograph your sweet baby! 

Locations: Choose a location that fits what you are envisioning, and fits with the time of year! This could mean having a studio session if the weather is really hot, or really cold and rainy. Or having the photos in your home instead! If it’s a beautiful time of year, consider having your photos outdoors! There are TONS of options in Arizona, and you do not have to have desert/cati photos if you don’t want them! This family chose to have them back where they had their Maternity session, and it was truly SO SO special! 

Looking for a Full Bump-Baby-Beyond Experience?

Booking all three of these sessions allowed this family to document their journey from pregnancy to parenthood and beyond. With each milestone captured beautifully, they now have a full set of memories that tell their unique story! 

I offer a “grow with me” package where you pick and choose the amount of sessions you want captured, AND get first dibs on my calendar of dates! Some options include: Maternity- Newborn-Family, like this family! You can also focus on milestone sessions, such as Newborn- Sitter Session (when baby can sit all by themselves!)- Walking/First year (also include family here!). It’s a truly customizable experience to the stages and seasons you value most!

Want to know more:

Are you expecting or looking to capture beautiful moments with your growing family? Let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever. Reach out today to schedule your Grow With Me sessions- maternity, newborn, and family photoshoot! Get in touch with me here https://trisharosephotography.com/ and let’s chat more!

To see Brittany’s Full Maternity Session click here

To see Ellie’s Full Newborn Session click here