Maternity Archives -

Category: Maternity

August 18, 2018

Denver in-home maternity session

I think it’s been two years since I’ve posted a maternity session on my blog. I just don’t get around to blogging much these days, but I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to share this particular session. This sweet couple is expecting a baby at the end of the month. To top that off, they just purchased and moved into her great-grandmother’s home a few weeks ago. The home was built and lived in by her great-grandparents and so it remains in the family–hopefully for many many years to come. I loved the vintage, yet simple feel of this session as this couple showed me their garage with the old Thunderbird in it, unpacked boxes in their tiny kitchen, and made up the beds. It was such a sweet session all around.

August 30, 2016

The Harrison’s

Making a decision to have a child–it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

August 20, 2015

Rachel and Devin’s Boulder Maternity Session

April 9, 2015

Bailey and Brian’s Maternity session in Boulder

March 8, 2015

The Woodruffs on their farm

This is the second shoot of a series of three of this sweet little family. Bill contacted me about 18 months ago asking me to come document life with his little girls, Olivia and Sophia. No sit and say cheese–just honest, real captures of life in the day of the Woodruff’s. This shoot was done with both film and digital. You can see the difference. Can you tell which medium I love most?

February 23, 2015

Arlo Oak’s Journey

Oh my heart….This little family means so so much to me. I don’t even know where to begin…

I’ve been working with Katie and Peter since before they were even engaged. I got to photograph their engagement portraits, their wedding, some beautiful nudes of Katie… etc. It has been so incredible and they have become some of my favorite people over the years. But nothing has been as spectacular and meaningful to me as getting to be a part of Arlo’s birth. I was so extremely honored and humbled to be present at this occasion. There are no words… I will say this– Katie is forever my hero and I think she is superhuman. She rocked an all natural 24 hour plus labor and did it all with a smile (in between contractions). I also have the utmost respect for Peter for being the most amazing birth coach, EVER. Wow. He literally held Katie up for 8 of the 10 hours they were at the birth center and was just a rock–physically and emotionally. And the way that Katie and Peter looked at each other during the entire process was nothing short of a display of pure love and respect. I mean, this birth was so much more than a birth. It was one of the highlights of my life and career and has changed the way I see partnership.

On a more personal note, this birth was healing for me because I, too was supposed to deliver my first baby at the Mountain Midwifery. I had all these grand ideas and visions of how my birth plan would go and it all ended with every intervention that I didn’t want and ultimately a cesarean birth at a nearby hospital. People say, “Well all that really matters is that your baby is here and healthy”, and yes. This is true. But it doesn’t erase all the heartbreak of an experience that you dreamed of that went awry. I can only compare it to rain on a wedding day. Yes–at the end of the day you’re married, and that is what it is all about. But it can be such a loss when all those little details and all the fantasies leading up to the big day were drowned (quite literally). And It is strange, because 75 percent of all the other mamas I know who had the same intentions as I did to deliver at the Mountain Midwifery, ended up with a story much like mine–even most of them ending in cesarean births. I was starting to think that perhaps it was the Mountain Midwifery to blame, or that in fact maybe women’s bodies weren’t cut out for an all-natural home or center birth (at least not with their first delivery). I was starting to see this trend of hospital transfer, pitocin, epidural, cesarean birth, etc as the norm. But on December 5th, I got to watch my dream birth with my dream midwife, in the room of my choice at the Mountain Midwifery all unfold vicariously through my dear friends, Katie and Peter and their precious, Arlo Oak. It was truly restorative in my faith of the female body as well as the Mountain midwifery. And it was all so, so beautiful.

Thank you, Katie and Peter. From the bottom of my heart. Welcome to parenthood…

February 20, 2015

Denver Family Maternity

There is something about being pregnant while having children that just tugs at your heartstrings. When I was pregnant with Sylvie, I was flooded with different emotions and wondered how I could possibly bring forth a new life into what seemed an already perfect little family. I struggled with guilt. How could I possibly love Sylvie as much as I loved Ramona and would Ramona still know I love her when Sylvie came? Of course now I know that these things just happen organically. I love Sylvie just as much as Ramona and Ramona does know that I love her as I always have. But things do change. And guilt is still there–all the time. I think that’s part of being a mama. I loved this shoot because I loved the connection that unfolded in front of my camera between Stacie and her daughter. It made my heart throb a little.

February 16, 2015

The Quinns–featuring the expected “Kiki-Money”

I am so grateful that Aubrey and Kirk called me about 4 years ago asking me to photograph their pregnancy with baby, Jones. I fell in love with them instantly and have since then added this family to my list of very close friends. Aubrey and Kirk are my hero parents. The way they parent Jones, and still manage to get in a dozen concerts a year (sometimes with Jones) and throw back beers regularly… they make parenting look so fun. And there is never a dull moment with this family, so I’m not surprised that Jones has come up with the name “Kiki Money” for his new baby sister who will be arriving in March. Georgia will be her proper name, but I have a feeling Kiki Money may stick.

It isn’t work shooting families like these. I’m just so lucky to have clients like the Quinns who make my work feel like a mere extension of my breath.

October 27, 2014

Jennifer

August 17, 2012

Jenn and Bryant are expecting…

Jenn and Bryant’s maternity session had me missing being pregnant… Jenn truly embodies everything sexy and beautiful about pregnancy. I really connected with her and the way she is embracing her pregnancy. Jenn and Bryant plan on delivering at the Mountain Midwifery where I planned to deliver. I’m eager to hear their birth story as I anticipate it will be spectacular.

April 24, 2012

2 days in the life of the Roesche’s

I thought it would be fun to post these two sessions together. A before and after, if you will… Eric and Elissa have become great friend of mine. I met them when Eric hired me to photograph them paparazzi style when he proposed to Elissa at Chautauqua park. That was back in 2008. Here they are today, a beautiful family with two dogs and a sweet newborn named Shira. It is such an honor to get to photograph these times in my clients lives.. I really get to capture some intimate moments. And for those of you who are freaked out by breastfeeding shots, or who think that it should be private, get over it. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural aspects of motherhood. I’ve heard that it takes seeing a woman breastfeeding 6 different times for it to sink in and become “natural” to someone who has otherwise not been exposed to breastfeeding. So I’m determined to not only be the photographer who isn’t scared to post breastfeeding on my blog, but I also want to show it for what it is. Beautiful. Natural. Wonderful.

April 9, 2012

Andrea and Duane’s Maternity photos

I once again had the pleasure of working with this incredible couple. I shot Andrea and Duane’s engagement portraits and wedding back in 2008 and last Saturday, went to their home to photograph their maternity portraits. Not much changes–(expect for a new baby and all). Andrea and Duane are just as photogenic as ever and helped me create these fun, vibrant images with their sparkling personalities and hospitality. I really hope I will be vising over and over in the years to come. Andrea and Duane are a dreamy couple to work with and I am so happy and excited for the adventure they are on…

Congratulations, Andrea and Duane—It’s a wild ride, guys! xoxo

December 20, 2011

Jessica and Tim are expecting a baby boy…

I know, I know…. I said I wasn’t taking any more shoots until my little nugget arrives, but I met Jessica and Tim in my natural childbirth class and after getting to know them a little bit, I was really excited to get my camera on this family of 4–errr 5. Jessica and Tim are due a week after Jesse and I, and are having a little boy. The shoot was so easy because conversation flowed as Jessica and I shared our fears, excitements, and wonders over what the next few weeks will bring. It was nice. We did the shoot at their home Sunday morning over coffee (they own and operate CODA coffee and I was relieved to hear that Jessica also has been drinking coffee her entire pregnancy). I learned early on in class that Jessica and Tim’s pups, Whiskey and Boot are very important to them, so of course we incorporated them in the session as well. It was a perfect shoot of a day in the life of Jessica, Tim and their little baby boy in the oven.

September 21, 2011

Nicole and Eric are expecting…

I have a new found appreciation for maternity portraits. This time in a families life is truly a special one–there is so much excitement and anticipation around carrying a baby and then bringing one home. It’s also insane what the female body can do and photographing it is pretty amazing. Nicole and Eric were gracious enough to invite me to their home to photograph a “day in their life”. I approached this pregnant mama with reverence and asked a million questions, knowing that I too, will soon be experiencing what she is. It’s a miracle.

March 21, 2011

Aubrey and Kirk are expecting…

I can’t think of a better couple to be bringing a child into this world. Aubrey and Kirk are truly exceptional people whose joy is infectious and who are madly in love–with each other and with life. They were darlings to work with and I was reminded why I love what I do so much. I’m very excited to meet their little boy when he is born and am hoping to hang out with the three of them at Boulder cafe over martinis and crab legs. (Really, guys. I’m holding you to that!)

September 3, 2010

Erin and Joe (and Hudson) are expecting!

I met Erin Hornstein about 3 years ago. We met up for a pint at Mcloughlin’s and she brought her sweet dog, Hudson. It was friendship at first gulp! I loved that there was another dog-loving lady in the wedding industry who not only lived in my hood, but also drinks beer and can have a good time without always wearing the “business hat”. Erin is authentic through and through and truly one of the most incredible women I know. She just has that “special something” about her. I am lucky to call her my friend (and florist)! I got to know Joe when he was the selling agent for my studio 18 months ago—we got to work pretty closely there for a couple of long hard months. I adore him. Erin and Joe are a spectacular couple with the world’s cutest pink-nosed dog. They will soon have another little Hornstein in tow—and I couldn’t be happier for them! Congratulations Erin and Joe.

August 31, 2010

Amy and Matt’s Denver Maternity session

I can’t say enough about Amy and Matt. Simply put, they are outstanding individuals who make an even more outstanding couple. I absolutely can’t wait to meet the baby that Amy is carrying. Amy and Matt chose to keep the sex a surprise (which I love, by they way). Based on the genetics of Amy and Matt, this little person is going to have one big, fabulous personality. He or she will be adorable, smart, gregarious and beautiful! I have loved working with Amy and Matt since their wedding just three years ago—it’s so fun to watch them start a family and to get to be a part of documenting these landmark moments of their life. I’m really so grateful for what I get to do for a living…
Amy told me that since she has been pregnant, she has had outbursts of the giggles. I want that hormone!

August 16, 2010

Natasha, Sasha and Sebastian’s maternity

This shoot reminded me of of a mama dog with her pups… Natasha, even at 9 months pregnant was crawled on, wrestled with, and then slept on. It was beautiful to see these two little boys, totally comfortable with their mother, and excited about the new baby brother that is on the way. Wow–Natasha will certainly have her hands full. Sasha and Sebastian are little warrior wild children. I loved photographing their free spirits and can’t wait to come back after the baby is a little older for another family session.

January 17, 2010

Ashley and Joel are expecting…

These images feel a little voyeuristic to me, which is always a goal of mine–to remain invisible and capture life as if I weren’t there. Ashley and Joel are sweet, loving, and seem very private to me. I was so honored that they asked me to come document this pregnancy and stage in their lives. Ashley and Joel have three furry, and not so shy little friends who also participated in the shoot. Elmo, Henry and Lola are Ashley and Joel’s dogs who hammed it up for me, and made good distractions for Ashley and Joel, so that I could photograph this sweet time in their lives, as a journalist.

June 3, 2009

The Jacobs

I am head over heels for a new family, the Jacobs! I went over to their home to do some maternity photos for them last week, and had no idea that I would have so much fun! Sometimes work, isn’t work…. Abby and Chis were a delight and their daughter Tyler, to die for! She stole my heart, and while I can’t say enough about this threesome and documenting this pregnancy for them, I could have stayed with Tyler alone and documented her little spirit all day! What charisma!!! I can’t wait to meet the newest addition to the Jacobs family. If he has half the personality that Tyler has, I’m going to be in photographer’s heaven…

There is a story to this pillow case—-it’s actually Abby’s first “teddy bear”, homemade by her grandmother. Tyler had been holding her teddy for most of the shoot, and swapped it for Mama’s for a few minutes. I think this shot must grab Abby’s heart….

This was my favorite image from the shoot….. It will be priceless one day if Tyler ends up being a doctor or nurse!

May 22, 2009

Inroducing Taylor Ryan Siller

There are no words to describe how honored I felt to be present at the birth of Taylor Ryan Siller. She was born to Gino and Amber Siller on May 8th at roughly 5pm.

Gino, a good friend of mine and amazing photographer, asked me a few months back if I would photograph his wife, Amber’s labor and delivery. I was of course honored then, but had no idea that witnessing such an intimate and miraculous moment, would leave me spellbound and unable to blog it for days– and still, there are no words. I hope that pictures can speak 1000 words, because I don’t want to trivialize or spoil the beauty of this miracle with my poor writing. All I can say, is that I am so glad and privledged to have such amazing people, like Amber and Gino in my life, and I know that Taylor will always have a special place in my heart, as I watched her– a beautiful, healthy, 7.86 lb baby girl enter this world…..

What maybe struck me more than anything about this day, is just how intimate the experience of bringing a life into this world is. I was so moved by Gino’s tenderness and compassion for Amber, and by Amber’s appreciation of him…

Amber kicked butt—seriously, she is my biggest hero these days.

I lost it when I saw Amber’s pure amazement, and Gino’s tears at the first glimpse of their daughter, Taylor.

From the bottom of my heart—Thank you, Gino and Amber, and congratulations!

March 21, 2009

The Pearsons are awaiting another boy!

I had another great maternity shoot yesterday (there must be some sort of baby boom going on)! The Pearsons were super laid back and fun—as you can see by the body art! We tried to do some family portraits with the boys gazing lovingly at Momma’s pregnant belly, but there are just some things that one can’t fake… While the boys are very excited about a new baby brother, they weren’t as excited at the idea of sitting still and taking photos….how boring! So we did what we could, and because Brayden is a little Picasso, we decided that the only way we could get his attention away from his canvas was to create a new one on the belly of his Mom. What followed was fun family art time and everybody ended up with colorful bellies! It was a riot! And a fresh way for me to capture this special time in this family’s life.

I love this authentic moment of Owen loving on his Momma’s tummy….

March 11, 2009

The Wagners are expecting!

I’ve gotten quite the reputation for doing “racy” maternity shoots. And while I love doing them and love to glorify the pregnant female body, I also love a more journalistic approach to maternity sessions. Brooke, Jason and MacKenzie allowed me to document this stage in their lives and it was such a pleasure! I always tell my clients that even if we “go racy” that there should be a handful of images that are for the baby when she grows up—images that capture the life and times of her parents and possibly siblings before she was around.

There is a scene from The family Stone where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character presents her fiance’s family with framed images of their mother while she was pregnant. The image is of Diane Keaton fully clothed, sitting on a desk or table, laughing. The image is so striking in that there is so much joy and life captured in a single still frame. This is what I want to give my clients and their future children. And this is what the Wagner’s let me do….

If you haven’t seen The Family Stone, rent it and put it on pause when this photo of Diane Keaton comes on… It’s truly a phenomenal maternity photo.

February 13, 2009

Cindy and Brandyn—-more in love than ever!

I photographed Cindy and Brandyn’s wedding just two years ago…. and while I don’t want to minimize how in love they were on their wedding day ( they truly were smitten), I have to say that seeing them the other day, made me wonder if they haven’t fallen even more in love with each other since the pregnancy. When Cindy and I had talked about doing this maternity shoot a few months back, we both thought that we would do something cute and sweet…. but when I saw the passion between Cindy and Brandyn, the shoot took a turn to something far more intimate and sensual…. I waited to blog these images for a few days because I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make something so intimate, public—but then I thought about how beautiful pregnancy is, and about how Brandyn looks at Cindy’s pregnant body, and I couldn’t help but be moved by the connection and deep love that this expectancy has evoked….

I’m not always the best at articulating emotion—I’m better at photographing it, so I’ll let you hear it straight from Cindy: “I took some time this morning to go through your photographs and they brought tears to my eyes. I am positive it will be even more emotional to look at them once baby Kate has arrived. It’s hard for me to express my love for Brandyn or his for mine and his true excitement and love for the baby in words, but somehow you’ve nailed in it pictures. Thank you so much. And for some reason, I was thinking “cute” and sweet maternity pics. Meanwhile the pregnancy has been a sweet, loving and sensual experience for Brandyn and me. I’ve been amazed at how beautiful and sexy he tells me I am – and without you even knowing that – you got it!”