Back to the Beach: A Maternity Story of Love, Light & Legacy

There are some families that feel like old friends from the very first time you lift your camera. For me, that was Ari and Scott.

I still remember our first session together in Laguna Beach. Ari was glowing, wrapped in love and sunlight, with baby Ezra still tucked in her belly. Scott looked at her like she was everything – and honestly, she was. The golden hour hugged them just right that day, and we created some of my favorite maternity images I’ve ever taken.

Fast forward to the next chapter. It’s September 2025, and Ari reaches out for another session. This time, Ezra is crawling around all wide-eyed and curious, and baby number two is on the way. We met again by the ocean, the same warmth in the light, and somehow even more sweetness in their story.

These are the kinds of sessions that remind me what photography is really about – not just pictures, but love, legacy, and time frozen in the kindest way.

The Beauty of Watching Families Grow

So often, the world tells us that family portraits have to look perfect. But that pressure can take away from what really matters – the feelings, the fleeting moments, the gentle chaos that makes your life yours.

When I photograph families like Ari, Scott, and little Ezra, it’s all about connection, not perfection.

What I noticed the second time is how effortless everything felt. Ezra’s tiny toes wiggling in the sand. Ari’s beautiful glow wrapping around her baby bump while keeping a watchful (but peaceful) eye on her boy. And Scott’s presence – steady, soft, loving.

It all reminded me how much easier it is to capture magic when we already know each other. When you feel safe and understood by your photographer, things just… unfold.

Tips for Meaningful (Not Stiff) Family Sessions

If you’re wondering how to make your next maternity or family session feel relaxed and real, here’s what I’ve learned – both from my own work and the stories like Ari’s that stick with me.

1. Build a Relationship With Your Photographer

The more familiar we are before your session, the more honest your photos will feel. Returning families tend to smile deeper, cuddle longer, and simply be themselves. That kind of comfort shows up in every frame.

• Don’t be afraid to share about your family ahead of time.
• Ask questions, hop on a quick call, or reply to my prep emails so I can learn about what matters to you.
• Rebooking with the same photographer brings such reward: trust, ease, and a deeper emotional connection in each photo.

2. Let Your Kids Be Themselves

Ezra was just beginning to explore the beach with wide-eyed wonder. I didn’t ask him to smile or look here or hold still – I just followed his lead. And that’s exactly what made the session work beautifully.

• Let your child’s curiosity and movement guide us.
• I always plan sessions with room to roam, pause, and laugh.
• Your family doesn’t have to perform for the camera to shine.

3. Focus On the Feeling, Not the Pose

When I look back at Ari’s two maternity sessions, what stands out most isn’t where they were standing or how they smiled – it’s how loved they looked.

The gentle way Scott held her hand. The way she brushed Ezra’s hair from his neck. The peaceful joy that hovered around them like light. That’s what stays with you.

• Don’t stress over picture-perfect shots.
• Lean into each other, pause, and let emotion happen.
• Trust that I’ll gently guide you while leaving space for real moments.

Why Heartfelt Photography Matters

Photography like this isn’t about checking boxes or getting a gallery full of Pinterest poses. It’s about preserving your right here, right now.

And when we photograph your family more than once – like I’ve done with Ari and Scott – we start building a visual history that tells your story more completely, more truthfully, more beautifully.

These seasons pass by impossibly fast. Before long, your little one won’t be small enough to carry or easily fit on your lap. That’s why these sessions mean so much – they give you something to hold onto.