Some maternity sessions end with one final posed portrait.
This session ended with bare feet, skipping rocks, wet clothes, and some impressive splashes.
However, we started with the classic maternity pictures first. Mom wore a long cream dress that looked beautiful against the green trees.
We used the bridge, wooded paths, wildflowers, and creek bank. This gave us plenty of variety without changing locations.
Making the Maternity Session About the Whole Family
A maternity session celebrates the baby on the way. However, it also documents the family before everything changes again.
Mom’s husband and son joined her for pictures throughout the session. We took full family portraits and pictures of each parent with their son.
Then, I photographed Mom by herself.
She received plenty of images focused on her pregnancy. Still, she also received updated family pictures.
That balance is important to me.
My Indianapolis maternity photography sessions can include partners, children, and even family pets. I never expect the entire session to focus only on posing Mom.
Including an Older Sibling Without Forcing It
Older siblings do not always want to stand still and smile. Honestly, most children do not.
Instead, I move quickly through the pictures that require more cooperation. Then, I give children something fun to do.
During this session, her son held Mom’s belly and listened for his baby sibling. We also photographed his personality on his own.
After that, he knew creek play was coming.
That gave him something exciting to look forward to. It also helped us finish the more structured pictures first.
Why We Saved the Creek Water Play for Last
There was one important rule for this session.
We saved the water for the end.
Once everyone walked into the creek, there was no going back to clean clothes and dry feet. However, that was part of the fun.
The family walked through the shallow water together. They held hands, skipped rocks, and played along the creek bed.
Then, their son started splashing.
Dad joined him. Mom watched from nearby and laughed as the splash battle grew.
These maternity photos with creek water play at the end became some of my favorites from the entire gallery.
They show this family as they are right now. Their son is active, playful, and excited about becoming a big brother.
A Little Planning Made the Water Pictures Easier
Creek sessions require a little extra preparation.
I recommend bringing towels, dry clothing, and shoes that can handle getting wet. Children may also need a full change of clothes.
Mom’s dress worked well because it could move easily around the water. The soft cream color also stood out against the darker greens.
Her family coordinated without wearing identical colors. Dad wore blue, while their son wore cream and soft green.
Everything worked together without looking overly planned.
Maternity Pictures Can Still Be Fun
Maternity pictures do not need to be formal from beginning to end.
I always create the polished portraits parents expect. Then, I leave room for movement, play, and each child’s personality.
Sometimes that means walking through the woods. Sometimes it means tickles and games.
This time, it meant a very wet ending.
Families planning a session can learn more about working with an Indianapolis maternity photographer. Sessions can include individual maternity portraits and pictures with the entire family.
  
