There's something especially sweet about photographing first-time parents. There's so much anticipation, so many unknowns, and an entirely new chapter they're about to step into. As a mom of three myself, I know just how special this season is, and I get so excited knowing what's ahead for them! Megan and her husband are counting down the days until they meet their baby boy, and I had the best time spending a morning with them documenting this little season before their family grows.
This in-home lifestyle maternity session was full of good conversation, a very enthusiastic golden retriever named Levi, and plenty of excitement for the little boy who's about to make his debut.
Starting the Morning with an In-Home Maternity Session
I arrived at Megan and her husband's home just after 10 a.m., coffee in hand (a little shoutout to Cenezio in Austin, which I highly recommend!). Before pulling out my camera, we spent a few minutes chatting and getting to know each other a little better.
I always build this time into my sessions. Being in front of a camera can feel a little awkward at first, especially if you're not used to having your photos taken. I'd much rather have my clients feel like they're spending a morning with a friend than feel like they're being directed through a photoshoot.
We also got to meet Levi, their golden retriever and arguably the biggest love bug of the morning. Naturally, he made his way into a few photos, too! I love when families choose to include their pets in their sessions. They're part of the family, too, and deserve a spot in the memories we're documenting.
One of my favorite things about in-home maternity photography is getting to move throughout a family's home and use the spaces that are already part of their everyday life. We photographed in their bedroom, living room, and the nursery they've been preparing for their baby boy.
Documenting Pregnancy with a Little Variety
Before her session, Megan and I had gone back and forth about outfit choices. She knew she wanted to wear a classic white button-down with jeans for her first look but wasn't quite sure what to do for her second.
My usual recommendation is to choose two outfits that feel noticeably different from one another. If you're going with something simple and classic for one look, the second is a great opportunity to play with color, pattern, or something a little more lounge-inspired. A matching bralette and underwear set is always a beautiful option, too.
Megan ended up doing exactly that, pairing a matching set with a sweater for her second look. I loved the variety it brought to her gallery!
Because she was so easygoing and up for trying different things, we also had fun experimenting with posing. We captured plenty of the more casual, affectionate moments between the two of them, including some with her belly exposed, but also played around with a few more creative, editorial-inspired portraits.
I love having that balance in a maternity gallery: images that feel intimate and effortless alongside portraits that are a little more artistic and unexpected.
The Magic of Becoming Parents
One of my favorite questions to ask expecting parents during a session is what they're most excited about once their baby arrives. I love hearing the answers because they're almost always different from family to family.
When I asked Megan, she said she was most excited to see the world through her child's eyes and get to experience the magic of holidays all over again.
She remembers how special and magical the holidays felt growing up, and she's excited to create those same memories for her own little boy. There's something about getting to experience those traditions all over again through your children's eyes that I think is so special.
And speaking of holidays, their baby boy is due on Christmas Day! Megan did mention that she's hoping he arrives either before or after his due date. She'd love for him to have a birthday that's all his own, separate from Christmas.
Another fun surprise? Megan was convinced she was having a girl. When they found out they were expecting a boy, she couldn't have been more surprised! They've narrowed down their name choices to just three or four, so I'll be especially excited to find out which one they ultimately choose.
Next Up: Meeting Their Baby Boy
One of my favorite parts of photographing growing families is getting to document more than one chapter of their story. I get to see these two again for their in-home newborn session once their little guy arrives, and I already can't wait.
There's something so special about documenting both the anticipation of waiting for your baby and those first few days after they've finally arrived. The nursery that was once being prepared, the little details you've spent months choosing, and the home that is about to feel entirely different with a new little person in it.
Megan and her husband, thank you for welcoming me into your home and making the morning so much fun. I can't wait to meet your sweet boy and find out which name you chose for him!
