If you’re planning maternity photos along the Northeast Florida coast, one of the first things I’ll usually recommend is a sunrise session. I know the idea of getting up early doesn’t always sound appealing, especially during pregnancy, but for beach sessions, it truly changes the entire experience.

I absolutely adore maternity sessions and will never tire of them. Unfortunately, many women skip this milestone session and this is so very sad to me. Pregnancy is a time that is fleeting and that you will one day want to look back on. Whether this is your first baby or your last, you should definitely book a maternity session to document this special stage in your family’s journey together.

I have been photographing clients on the beach for a decade and I have live in Long Beach, NY for almost two decades. One thing I have learned during this time is that it is impossible to predict the weather. Beach weather has a mind of its own and during the Summer months, thunderstorms can appear at sunset without a warning. Many times, the storms are not even predicted on the forecast for that day.

Today is a mild Winter day here in Long Beach, NY. We are just a few short weeks away from the Spring season and I am ready for it. Spring is a busy time of year in the photography industry. Clients are looking for a portrait photographer for a wide array of occasions ranging from Communion portraits to Mommy and Me photos. I love this season because I capture a diverse range of clients and each session is unique.

Although I am a family photographer, I also photograph many couples. The couples maternity session is a popular session booked. While maternity sessions with a big sibling are structured much like a family session…first time pregnant couples are a lot different! I am here to share some posing tips from my years of being a Long Island maternity photographer.

Many women skip the maternity session and go straight for the newborn photos instead. This is a big mistake for a multitude of reasons, especially if it is your first child. Firts of all, pregnant women are absolutely gorgeous. Also, although it may not feel like it at the time, this phase passes way too quickly. You will want to remember these days when they are long gone.

Oh, how I wish more women would schedule maternity photo sessions for themselves during their pregnancy. There is nothing that can surpass the beauty of an expecting mother; as cliche as it might sound, the natural glow of a pregnant women is simply unsurpassed. Sadly, so many women do not see themselves as beautiful during this momentous time in life. Many women tell me that they just don't feel their best during their pregnancy and, consequently, shy away from the camera during those nine months. I completely understand and I too felt this way about myself during both of my pregnancies. Although I did not shy away from the camera and took my monthly photos of my bump, I never scheduled a photo session with a photographer and I still regret it to this day.

Summer is now in full swing and I have been busy photographing children and families down at the beach. I feel so blessed to be able to work in such a gorgeous and serene location. Regardless of the amount of families I photograph and the amount of sunsets I watch, I am always humbled and amazed at the beauty of the ocean.

I truly believe the the beach is the perfect backdrop for any family session. The clean and muted colors of the sand and ocean provides the perfect backdrop for your photos and allows me to focus one the love and bond in each family. The golden glow of the sunset provides ultra flattering light, but also enhances and highlights the love and bond of each family.

The weather in June has been spectacular! I am loving every second of this month and I am so excited that my session one beach sunset family photos sessions has begun. The beach truly is the perfect backdrop for any photo session; it provides a gorgeous natural backdrop and the ocean and sand seems to help facilitate the playful and interactive images that I love to capture.

I recently had the opportunity to work with this beautiful family again. I photographed them two and a half years ago in their home for a lifestyle newborn session when they first gave birth to their twins. I just love when families return for future sessions and I have the opportunity to see their children grow.; it truly is such an honor.  

Oh, how I wish more women would schedule maternity photo sessions during their pregnancy. The beauty of an expecting mother is simply unsurpassed. Sadly, so many women do not see themselves as beautiful during this momentous time in life. Many women tell me that they just don't feel their best during their pregnancy and, consequently, refuse to be in photos during those nine months. I completely understand and I too felt this way about myself during both of my pregnancies. Although I did not shy away from the camera and took monthly photos of my bump, I never scheduled a photo session with a photographer and I still regret it to this day because I don't have anything that really captures how special and miraculous that time was and believe it or not, I often miss being pregnant. 

Oh, how I wish more women would schedule maternity photo sessions for themselves during their pregnancy. There is nothing that can surpass the beauty of an expecting mother; as cliche as it might sound, the natural glow of a pregnant women is simply unsurpassed. Sadly, so many women do not see themselves as beautiful during this momentous time in life. Many women tell me that they just don't feel their best during their pregnancy and, consequently, shy away from the camera during those nine months. I completely understand and I too felt this way about myself during both of my pregnancies. Although I did not shy away from the camera and took my monthly photos of my bump, I never scheduled a photo session with a photographer and I still regret it to this day.