There is something so special about being an expectant mama. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, the excitement of knowing that you’re protecting and growing a bundle of joy never goes away! 

After having Ruth, I have such a special place in my heart for all of the mothers-to-be. And I love getting to capture such an important and anticipatory part of the journey for them. 

I’m so ecstatic that I was able to do just that for Liz and Cal in their Bartlesville outdoor maternity photos!

 

 

Scheduling Liz and Cal’s Outdoor Maternity Photos

Liz and Cal found me through my Instagram page and my website, and I am so glad they did! They live in Tulsa but decided to make the hour’s drive down to Bartlesville for our session together. 

I may be biased, but I think it was the best choice, especially with what they were looking for! Bartlesville has the small, hometown feeling to it that is so charming in photographs. And their’s looked the part!

 

 

When is the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos? 

The best time to take maternity photos is between 28-34 weeks. I always encourage my expecting mamas to aim for that timeframe because, at that point, they’re fully showing their beautiful baby bump, but not quite to the point of being too swollen or uncomfortable! 

Of course, that’s not to say that pregnant mothers can’t wait until later. But, ideally, I want you to feel confident and comfortable so the photos reflect that!

 

 

Choosing the Location for Their Bartlesville Outdoor Maternity Photos

When I originally spoke with Liz, she said they would love to have a location by a creekside. There’s just something about the charm of an Oklahoma field with a running brook right next to it. 

Since Liz and Cal drove from Tulsa to Bartlesville for their maternity photos, I wanted to make sure we got the location perfect.

I scouted a wonderful family park in Bartlesville that had the creek they were looking for. But, as family parks go, there were a few obstacles we had to work around. 

When we arrived, kids were running around (as kids do!) enjoying the warm, summer evening. So, we improvised and found a more private corner of the parking lot that was perfect! 

That’s one of the incredible things about investing in an experienced photographer. We’re seasoned enough to find the most would-be-missed locations and opportunities and make something amazing out of them! 

We, of course, did go into the park and I captured plenty of photos there. But all three of us loved the parking lot spot so much that at the end of the session, we went back to it! At that point, the sun was shining through the trees, creating the most breathtaking glow.

 

 

Helping Liz Choose Her Maternity Dress to Look Amazing and Feel Confident

Something else I often hear from my clients is how they’re not sure what to wear for their photography session with me. 

I completely understand. Everyone wants to look amazing, but they want to feel comfortable and confident at the same time. And, of course, we want to make sure your outfits photograph well. After all, these are moments that we want to cherish forever – not just for the time being! 

So, when Liz and Cal reached out about their Bartlesville outdoor maternity photos, I sent them my signature style guide. In it, I walked them through what to wear, including how to choose the best dresses, and how to coordinate with one another.

Want a sneak peek of what’s in it? I’ll send a copy to your inbox! 

 

 

 

Liz chose a beautiful square-neck, smocked dress with a lovely light blue pattern. It was the perfect complement for the greens of the park field and came from one of my favorite brands – Nothing Fits But. I have several of their dresses in my client closet that full lifestyle session clients can borrow from!

 

 

Guiding Liz and Cal Through Poses for Natural-Feeling Photos

It’s something that many of my clients tell me when they first reach out – “we aren’t comfortable in front of the camera, and we don’t know how to pose.” 

But I always tell them about my process and how I never leave them with that awkward, “I’m not sure what to do with my hands” experience. 

With Liz and Cal, I guided them through gentle posing techniques for natural-feeling photos. Honestly, the poses I use for any of my maternity photography sessions are the same natural touches a husband and wife share daily. From holding hands to touching her baby bump, nothing ever feels out of place!

 

 

Liz and Cal were such a wonderful couple to photograph, and I can’t wait to see them become incredible parents! 

Find more Bartlesville maternity sessions on our blog!