Editorial Inspired Maternity Studio Photoshoot in Los Angeles

Late last year I photographed THE BEST wedding ever at The Beverly Hills hotel. The people were beautiful, the location was stunning, there were Opera singers, and everyone hung out and danced the night away even well after me leaving.

Elegant Beverly Hills Hotel intimate wedding session

When my beautiful client Ava called me just 6 months later telling me she was ready for me to shoot her maternity session I literally almost started crying. I knew this was going to be such a beautiful shoot.

After our initial consultation call, and some back and forth in terms of styiing, location (we shot this on location at Concrete Studios in LA), we were ready for the shoot.

For our first look, she had a beautiful backless dress that I knew we had to use for this shoot. While I typically provide wardrobe options for my clients, I do encourage them to bring a few pieces of their own if they have something they absolutely love that they want to catch in camera. For her husband, Matt, we had him in a lighter yet complimentary color to help offset the contrast of her dress and the black background.

During all of my shoots, I pre-plan backdrops to wardrobe and the lighting ahead of time. I typically have anywhere between 2-3 backdrops with different types of lighting that I go between throughout the entire photo session. While I do have my go-to lighting set-ups, I always look for creative ways and slight variations to make each couples session just slightly different and unique to them.

After we were done finishing with their first look, my couple then changed I then flipped them against a natural hand-painted backdrop with some beautiful natural window light to go for a more fun and casual vibe.

One thing I’ve enjoyed so much about Ava and Matt is how much I have gotten to know Avas beautiful mother, she has been present at every shoot ( yup including their engagement shoot) and brings so much beauty along with creative input to each shoot. Oh and I of course have to mention Max, who I have gotten to witness grow from a puppy into the beautiful dog he is now.

One of my most popular dresses this year. Every client wears it differently and I absolutely love how surprised everyone is when they put it on and love it.

For the final portion of this shoot we moved to what I call draping/ the implied nude portion. In my studio I use a variety of materials ( chiffon, tulle, cheesecloth) and creatively place them to capture some beautiful photos of your unique baby, bump.

Some clients choose to have it thrown around them, while others want it loosely draped. Lately this year, I have been seeing clients want more of a natural elegant draping.

Washed Cheesecloth draping

For the final portion of this shoot, my client decided she wanted to go wtih a beautiful “implied nude” shoot. While I certainly don’t pressure it, and let clients know it’s an option if they are comfortable- for most of my clients these are their favorite types of photos and they are always amazed at how beautiful they look.