Overview

As locals to the South Bay Los Angeles area, Matt & Erin have always cherished spending quality time at the beach since their first dates, and they wanted their maternity photos to reflect their love for the coastal lifestyle, as they begin their next life chapter. They’re beginning their family with their first little human. That’s when they reached out to me about a month or so before their intended session date, which is perfect timing!

Erin and Matt had never experienced a couples-focused photoshoot outside of their wedding day, but they knew that they wanted this special maternity shoot to be captured with a lot of focus around connection and candid moments, with a small mix of editorial, posed moments where opportunity offered itself. They reached out to me, hoping to get dreamy photos that would encapsulate the soft, emotion-filled moments of this precious chapter in their lives.

We captured these moments in the late afternoon, an hour or so before golden hour- so there was still a lot of brightness with lighting, with the sun radiating off of the water to create dreamy, reflective, right light for a really clean, classic, coastal feel to the photos. I had the couple start in an outfit that was a little more vibey, alternative, and fun- so you’ll see a few photos in the beginning that are more editorial and edgy while ultimately remaining beachy. Their second outfit- which carried the vibe that was their main focus stylistically- is more textured, organic, soft, and neutral, so that what they wore would blend into the environment, and allow their emotion to become the main focus of each photo. Lastly, we intentionally scheduled this when she was living the perfect balance of being healthy and showing her beautiful bump, before it was too late in her pregnancy where she would start to feel uncomfortable – the sweet spot within 2 months- 6 weeks from her due date.

The gentle sea breeze and warm, golden light enhanced the dreamy, ethereal feel of the shoot, lending a timeless quality to the moment.

Throughout the session, the couple’s love and admiration for each other produced a collection of heartwarming, candid moments. From tender embraces against the backdrop of the rolling waves, to her solo portraits where Erin evoked so much strength and empowerment in who she is- in this phase, creating life, and knowing that her daughter gets to see these moments of the two of them spending time together intimately, before she comes into the world.

Erin and Matt’s eagerness to embrace this new chapter of their lives with their baby girl was truly felt, especially because this coastal setting is a place they both hope to spend lots of time together once their little one comes earthside.

In the end, Erin and Matt’s decision to have a clean, coastal styled maternity shoot not only allowed them to celebrate their growing family but also provided them with a timeless collection of photographs that encapsulate the depth of their love and the tranquility of their cherished coastal lifestyle. It was a privilege to witness and preserve their love story, and I am grateful to have been a part of this magical experience.

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