This Park Slope maternity session is one of my favorites of last summer. Shooting maternity sessions and family portrait sessions now that I have a child of my own is so different that it ever was before. I can remember the excitement and nervousness the mother feels as she counts down the weeks until she meets her new little bundle! From photographing my own son and his many first year milestones, I understand which feats are important to the family. I also know how it feels to be so large you can’t see your own feet! So I understand the urgency in booking a maternity session at the right time (and the same thing goes for newborn and child portrait sessions).

In my experience, maternity sessions are best done when you are in the earlier part of the 3rd trimester. You’re not too big to move, and still look good in your cute maternity outfits! You may be unable to walk more than five blocks without severe pelvic pain late in the 3rd, which doesn’t make it ideal for sessions with a few locations. However, any time before 24 weeks may be too early for some big bump pictures.

I had the pleasure of photographing Meg, her husband, and their toddler daughter at their home and in the park when Meg’s baby was 36 weeks gestation. She was starting to feel heavy and a little more tired than the first time around, this time she had a 2 year old toddler to chase while trying to get enough rest for the baby!

Meg’s background as a dancer shone through in the portraits I did of her solo. She exuded calm and grace, posed with her bump in the bedroom, and in Prospect Park with her family. Her bags weren’t packed, but she didn’t seem to worry! She had a laissez-faire attitude. I really admire this quality in a mom-to-be!