Sometimes you have clients that can only best be described as your “muse.” Ashley is one of these clients for me. Not only is she the absolute sweetest person you’ll ever met, but she just inspires me to go beyond the box to create something magical and unique for her. I first met her when I had the pleasure of photographing her and her now husband, Javier, for both their engagement session and wedding day. Having the opportunity to work with her again for maternity portraits for the impending arrival of their beautiful baby girl was such a rewarding experience. Ashley put her full trust in me and when I came to her with this idea for water portraits, she didn’t even hesitate to say yes. I knew that Ashley was having a natural home birth and I wanted to convey a sense of peacefulness and calmness for her maternity portraits. Bringing her session directly into nature; into one of the most powerful elements within it, water, was the perfect way to convey the amazing process of childbirth and also add an element of drama.

A little behind the scenes and info for photographers:

• I did a lot of research on location before this session, selecting a spot I knew was 1.) public property and therefore up for grabs to photograph at 2.) quiet and secluded so we wouldn’t have to deal with other people 3.) shallow enough to wade in and work with, but also deep enough to create the look I wanted 4.) easily accessible – after all, I was bringing a 30 week pregnant woman here! We didn’t want to go on a full fledged hike for the shoot!
• Most of the aerial shots were taken up on a ladder. Ashley did an amazing job balancing and floating on her back, which I know isn’t easy when you’re 7 months pregnant!
• Safety was of course my number 1 priority. Her husband was with us the entire time and we made sure that as she walked/waded through the water, she had helping hands so as to not fall.
• The dress is by Sew Trendy Accessories! I’m in love with their beautiful maternity gowns and this flowy one was perfect for the water.