Being a long time family photographer in the Fremont and Sandusky, Ohio area and a mom myself, I always love seeing women as they start the journey of creating a family. Some may be just announcing their pregnancy and others are just weeks away from welcoming their first bundle of joy. The excitement is seeing those two pink lines and sharing the news to your family and friends. As you’re preparing the nursery, you feel those tiny kicks, and start counting down the final weeks before meeting your baby. Every growing family has a unique beginning, and I loved capturing the different stages of motherhood for these two families.

A Wet and Cold Pregnancy Announcement at Tindall Bridge

As it happens in my photography business, couples from my past weddings start having children some time after getting married. It’s such a blessing when they reach out to me again to document their new families. Jacob and Lauren loved working with me on their wedding (check out their blog!) and asked me to shoot their pregnancy announcement.

I have known Jacob for five years (we work together at Sunrise Cooperative) and it’s been lovely watching him begin and continue his life with Lauren. I’m so thankful that they chose me to capture these “big life moments”. Their session at Tindall Bridge in Ballville Township was very cold, but we managed and the excitement out blew the weather! The water was very high due to the heavy recent rainfall. However, we got some really good images on the bridge and on the path down to the water. We even included some pictures with their dog, Ranger. This photoshoot was WELL worth the cold! All of the giggles, laughs, and the conversations made this photoshoot really fun!

While Jacob and Lauren were just beginning their exciting new chapter, another couple was already soaking in those final moments before becoming parents.

A Foggy Maternity Session at Lake Erie

Paula and Austin have been together since high school, and Paula is actually a distant cousin of mine. I shot their COVID wedding back in 2020! Their maternity session is definitely one for the books! The drive to Lake Erie in East Harbor State Park for all of us was spooky and eerie (no pun intended!). There was a dense fog over the lake and you couldn’t see past 100 yards. East Harbor State Park is normally PACKED with people because it’s a highly trafficked tourist spot, but not that evening! We all got out of our cars and thought we would have to reschedule. The weather was definitely not what we expected, also given that it was unseasonably chilly.

We decided to stay and make the most of the session. If it was going to be foggy, then we were going to embrace it. Paula and Austin were completely chill and trusted my judgement. It all worked out because because we got the PRETTIEST sunset EVER! It was foggy for a little while, but then the sun set, peaking through the clouds and we ended up getting some really nice portraits.

One piece of advice I tell my clients is that it’s best to schedule maternity sessions around the 35 to 36 week mark. It’s far enough along that the bump is very prominent, but it’s not too far along that you are ready to deliver (although some moms do have their babies early).

I love capturing the different stages of motherhood through photography. The beginning of growing your family is such a special season of life, and it deserves to be documented so you can always remember the moments before your baby arrives. From exciting announcements to showing the beauty of pregnancy, I’m here to help capture every special moment. Inquire today to reserve your session!