There are so many great places around St. Louis for photographers like me to do photo sessions.  One place in particular that is always a great place to hit up is Lafayette Square Park.  When Stacy and AJ chose that as their preferred location for their maternity session, I was pumped.  This is their second baby and I knew their 3 year old, Ryker, would have plenty of space to run and play between needing him behind the camera too as this session doubled as his 3rd birthday photo shoot.

Family Maternity Session with 3 year old

Family Maternity Session with 3 year old and parents

Ryker and AJ are two peas in a pod.  They both love sports, have nearly the same haircut, and have so much fun together.  Stacy had another growing baby boy in her belly, so time will tell if he follows in the same footsteps as his brother and Dad.  

Father and Son Daddy with child

I was able to steal some moments away with just Ryker and let Stacy and AJ have some time to themselves.  Often times these end up as some of my favorites from sessions with kids.  I think it’s common for kids to feel like they have to perform or for mom and dad to want to get the "perfect" smiling picture.  It’s totally understandable — who doesn’t want a “picture perfect” photo of their kids on the wall?  But kids have SO much personality and life in them, I love to see what happens when they just get to be themselves.  It usually involves me chasing them around, giving them fun questions to answer, or random things to do.  Those are when kid’s genuine personalities come out.  *That* is what I aim for my clients to hang on their walls.  I never want parents to forget those little faces and expressions years down the road.

3 year old lifestyle smiling and serious personality

Maternity Session Couple Embrace each other and baby

Family Maternity Session with 3 year old and parents laughing With a pregnant mama as cute and stylish as Stacy, it’s super easy to get beautiful photos in no time flat and both she and AJ were game for whatever ideas I threw at them.  Maternity sessions are so special to capture because this time in the family’s life will never happen again.  Each pregnancy is unique and our bodies go through incredible changes to make these little humans.  I absolutely love when people choose to fully embrace this and want a session to remember it by!

Maternity Session for Pregnant Mom Mama Mother Mommy Looking away holding bump

Maternity Pregnant Mom Mama Mother Mommy Dad Father Daddy Holding Bump

Maternity Session for Pregnant Mom Mama Mother Mommy Looking at and holding bump Family Maternity Session with 3 year old and parents laughing holding bump Mom Mommy Dad Daddy

Stay tuned for details on their birth and for photos from their Fresh 48 session!

Family Maternity Session with 3 year old and parents laughing holding bump Mom Mommy Dad Daddy

Maternity Session Couple Embrace each other and baby

If you are a pregnant mama in the St. Louis area, let’s talk about doing a maternity session!