The Nelson household is preparing for the arrival of our second daughter, Anne. I took some time to squeeze in another short Spring session for my eldest daughter, Olivia, this past weekend. She’s grown so much and looking through all of the tiny newborn clothing really reminds me of how much she’s grown and changed over the past 2 years. The time just flies by way too fast for us parents!

I’m due very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for the first shots of Anne!

Let me start by saying how hard it is for me to get in front of the camera. I’m not really the kind of person who enjoys being on the receiving end of my art. Personally, I’d be happy hiding behind the lens for all time, but one thing I whole-heartily regret not doing with my first pregnancy was getting maternity portraits done. Anne is likely to be my last child, and I wanted to document my pregnancy in some manner much like I do for my clients. It isn’t about “oh look at how horribly fat I have become.” No no. I try to impress on all mothers-to-be that it is about highlighting the beauty and miracle of pregnancy. Sure, your ankles swell, you get stretchmarks, your thighs pack on a little cellulite, and your balance is off starting around 6 months, but you’re gorgeous! All mothers-to-be are!

So I suppose my lesson here is, if I can get in front of the camera, you can too!!!

{ Northern Virginia Maternity Photographer }

I was super excited to get a chance to take a friend’s maternity portraits this past week. She is 38 weeks along at the time these were taken, so pretty much done for the pregnancy. Usually I do portraits between 28-34 weeks depending on the size of the baby and mother. It really varies client-to-client. She’s gorgeous. Doesn’t even look a day over 32 weeks pregnant if you were to ask me! We decided to do studio work, since snow was expected that evening and the skies were dreary and overcast most of the day. It didn’t help that the weather around here has been mostly frigid with a side of “ouch where did I put those gloves???”

Newborns are always an adventure! I never know quite what to expect, because they really are unpredictable little things when you first get a hold of them. Some are sleepy, others are alert. Some like to be swaddled, others not so much. Miss E was very sleepy and very much into lying on her stomach, which made for some great posing opportunities!