I so enjoyed spending time with this precious family, I truly feel incredibly honored that they chose me to capture this very special time for them!  We photographed their maternity session back in November on an absolutely perfect day in a lovely fall location, and I’m in LOVE with these images.  Great lighting, great outfits, great couple – what more could you ask for?!?  Then Alexis Camille arrived in January, and we had our session on a much more frigid day – luckily we got to stay indoors this time!  She is absolutely beautiful and just has the most feminine petite little features.  As you can see, Mom and Dad are just smitten.  She is truly one blessed little girl!  This family has a lot of really cool rustic decor, and it was really fun to add those elements to both their maternity and newborn sessions as well.  Congrats again Mom and Dad!

We have known this sweet couple since our days in Lubbock, and I was so honored when they asked me to help document the arrival of their first little one.  We braved the late July heat to shoot their maternity portraits, but they looked fabulous, you’d never know how hot it was.  I loved their outfits and the adorable banner they brought, such a cute idea!  Madeleine Elizabeth made her arrival in late August and she was such a doll!  We even managed to get a few shots of her wide-eyed (and focused), which is always a treat.  Of course, August summer heat is perfect for keeping newborns warm, so Mom and Dad toughed it out once more so we could get some family shots outdoors.  Thank you so much for letting me love on your sweet little girl, that will never get old for me.  Congrats again on her arrival!

I count it such a blessing when friends turn into clients (and vice versa), and working with this sweet family who we’ve know for several years was no exception.  I was so excited to be a small part of such an exciting time!  We took their maternity portraits on a very hot June day, but you would never know it, doesn’t mom look radiant?  Elijah Reid made his arrival at the end of July and we shot his newborn session on an even hotter day, but at least we were indoors.  He was the most perfect little subject ever, not hardly a peep out of him the entire time.  Isn’t he just a doll?!?  Thank you so much for letting me capture these precious moments, it was an honor!

You might recognize this gorgeous couple from their “just because” couples session in the fall of 2010, and here they are now, proud parents of a precious little boy.  Oops, I don’t want to skip ahead!   I absolutely adore working with them, and as I told Ragan, it’s extra special for me because I’m getting to document their growing family from the very beginning.  Nothing warms my heart more!  That is why I just couldn’t say no to a mini maternity session this fall while I was technically on my own maternity leave.  We ended up shooting on a beautiful (but windy) fall day.  We incorporated some great things that they brought along and ended the night with some beautiful silhouettes.  These are some of my favorite shots EVER.  I don’t know what it is about the simplicity of a silhouette (other than maybe how hard they are to come by in Dallas), but it just takes my breath away.  Now you’ll have to make sure to stay tuned for Part Two coming soon! Enjoy!  

OOOOHHH, I really think I NEED the dress Erica of Erica May Photography found for this week’s awesome maternity post!  I’m glad Erica is excited about her upcoming maternity sessions since one of them is mine! :) This post gives me all sorts of inspiration, I hope it will do the same for you.  Here’s what she has to say:

This week I decided to put together some wardrobe ideas for a maternity session. I have a few maternity sessions coming up this Spring that I am excited about so it was a lot of fun! It has been awhile since we have done a maternity Wardrobe Wednesday and we were in need of some new Spring looks. Sometimes shopping for cute maternity clothes can be a bit of a challenge but I noticed that, especially this Spring, retailers have really improved their maternity selections! I was so excited to find all these fun Spring colors when looking around this week. When putting together a wardrobe for your maternity session I find it is easier to find the woman’s outfit first and then find a coordinating outfit for the man. Here are a few tips for your maternity photo shoot:

1.) Admit that you need maternity clothes – okay, we have all stretched our pants as long as we can but some well-fitting clothes are always a must for photo shoots!

2.) If you want to elongate your torso go for a long shirt and a short jacket.

3.) Prints that completely cover the fabric can divert attention away from the tummy and breast area if you want to tone these areas down a bit.

4.) Don’t be afraid to wear form-fitting clothes to show off that belly!

5.) Get your man involved to help think of ideas for your session. Do y’all love to watch baseball, hang out by the lake or beach, or go for ice cream? All of these things are
great ideas on how to incorporate your personalities into your maternity session!

The first outfit below is the most affordable option and would be super cute for a maternity session! I love the bright colors in the woman’s outfit and you could accessorize with some cute and colorful jewelry. The optional cardigan is perfect for layering. The second outfit ensemble is a bit of a splurge – hey, it is hard to find cute maternity dresses but you could easily swap it out for a cheaper solid color dress. I loved the nautical feel of this dress and by adding a big floppy hat you could change the look of the outfit dramatically. The man’s outfit is relaxed and pulls in the rest of the nautical colors. So, don’t miss your opportunity to capture your beautiful pregnant glow. It won’t last forever!”

Shopping Guide:

Woman’s Outfit #1
Maternity Crochet-Trim Jersey Tops $14.50 Old Navy
Maternity Tiered Drawstring-Waist Skirts $26.50 Old Navy
Women’s Espadrille Wedge Sandals $25.00 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jackets $32.94 Old Navy

Man’s Outfit #1
Royal Palm Peached Poly $21.99 J.C. Penney
Men’s Bootcut Jeans $29.50 Old Navy
Men’s leather-trimmer Flip Flops $19.50 Old Navy

Woman’s Outfit #2
A Pea in the Pod Collection: Ella Moss Sleeveless High-low Hem Maternity Maxi Dress $195.00
Large Straw Stripe Sun Hat – Dark Khaki $29.99 Amazon

Man’s Outfit #2
Fish Hawk Cliff T-Shirt $14.45 Abercrombie
Indian Pass Shirt Polo $78 Abercrombie
Cascade Lakes Pants $78 Abercrombie
Navy Stone-Washed Toms – $48

With our own little bundle of joy on the way in July, I’ve had maternity portraits on the brain!  We didn’t get “real” maternity portraits taken the first time around (I know, shame on me), so I’m really excited to capture this special time for round two!  It’s so easy to feel frumpy and unattractive in some of the maternity clothes out there, but there are a lot of really cute outfits too!  I’ve chosen a couple of different styles and paired them with a coordinating looks for your man as well. 

Style number one is the “Urban Chic” look.  You can be pregnant and still be super trendy and stylish!  I LOVE this dress, I think the neckline gives some great balance for your adorable baby bump. J  Being a Texas girl, I substituted the boots in the image for something a little more southern, and I added a vintage headband and necklace for a sweet feminine touch.  As an extra sweet bonus for you, TFJ Designs is offering 15% off of the first 10 orders of the Kayla headband (shown here) using the code: WWKAYLA15!  Make sure to click on the link below in the shopping list to take advantage ASAP! If you do miss out, check around her shop, she has plenty of adorable accessories.  Dress your guy up in this modern take on an old classic – he is also the perfect accessory!  

Style number two is the “Casual Cool” look.  I picture these outfits in a natural setting where the colors will really pop.  I love the layering in this outfit, and it just goes to show that our standard style advice still applies even in a maternity wardrobe … layers, textures, and accessories!  I found some great jewelry to round out this adorable ensemble, and even included an accessory for your hubby too (if he’ll go for it!).  

Just remember, pregnancy is something to be celebrated and commemorated, no matter how much weight you’ve gained or how unattractive you may feel.  You DO look beautiful, and your kiddos will love looking back on these images one day too! 

Shopping List: 

URBAN CHIC
Woman:
Shawl Collar Dress (Motherhood Maternity) $29.99
Black Boots (Old Navy) $34.97
Drop Necklace (Kohl’s) $20.00
Vintage Headband (TFJ Designs) $28.00

Man:
Black Pants (Old Navy) $19.97
Sweater Vest (Old Navy) $24.50
Blazer (Old Navy) $49.50
Black Shoes (Target) $29.99

CASUAL COOL
Woman:
Low-rise Boot Cut Maternity Jeans (Old Navy) $24.97
Fuchsia Jersey Stretch Tank (Old Navy) $10.00
Lightweight Floral Smocked Tank (Old Navy) $27.50
Boyfriend Cardigan (Old Navy) $34.50
Flats (Old Navy) $19.50
Earrings (Old Navy) $7.50
Bracelets (Old Navy) $10.50

Man:
Khaki Pants (Old Navy) $29.50
Oxford Shirt (Old Navy) $20.00
Brown Shoes (Target) $34.99
Bracelet (Urban Outfitters) $5.00

This week’s contribution comes from the very talented Erica of Erica May Photography.  She is lucky enough to photograph a lot of newborns, so she is certainly a good source on the matter!    I was really excited when I saw her post as I actually have some newborns on the schedule this fall … it’s been too long!  Here’s what she has to say:

“This week I chose to highlight what to wear for a maternity session and there also a few ideas at the end on what to dress your baby in for their newborn session. For the maternity session I chose two different outfits. This is definitely not required for your maternity session however if it is ok with your photographer and if there is a place to change (or if you are skilled at changing in the car, behind a tree, etc.. =P) then I definitely recommend it. A new outfit can change the whole look and feel of your session! For pregnant women it is nice to show off that baby bump so tighter fitting shirts and dresses are great if you feel comfortable in them. We definitely want the focus more on you but don’t forget about dad too if he is in the pictures. Since cute and fashionable maternity clothes can be hard to find pick out your outfit first and then just pull colors from that for your guy to wear. Also feel free to bring anything to the session as far as props go (i.e. your baby’s name in blocks or letters, special stuffed animals, cute baby shoes). If you are not sure, just bring it and your photographer will let you know if it will work or not.

A lot of people ask what they need to have for their newborn session. Really you don’t need to worry about having anything! Your photographer will most likely bring it all. BUT if you have some time and just like to shop feel free to buy a few special headbands, hats, or diaper covers for your session. The nice thing about doing this is that you can pick colors that work with your baby’s nursery or your house AND they become a keepsake. How special would it be to show your kids their newborn pictures and have one of the little hats that they wore in them. They will never believe their head was that tiny! =P. It is a good idea though if you buy any props for your newborn session to send your photographer a picture of what you have that way they can plan and coordinate what blankets and backdrops they will be bringing! All of my choices below for newborns are found on Etsy. I highlighted some of my favorite shops however there are a ton of different sellers to choose from! For mom and dad I recommend solid color shirts to keep the focus on baby. You can even go shirtless for dad and a small tank for mom if you want a really natural look.”

Shopping Guide:
 
Outfit #1
 
Woman:
Jeans – $29.99 Old Navy
Maternity Striped Gauze Button Front Top – $24.50 Old Navy
Maternity Cropped Denim Jacket – $29.50 Old Navy
Steve Madden “Sysco” Shoes – $39.99 Dillards
Hand Stamped Jewelry Necklace (with baby’s name) – $38.00 Etsy (sayanythingjewelry)
 
Man:

Jersey Cargo Polo –$9.99 Old Navy
Boot Cut Jeans – $79.50 Banana Republic
Sketcher “Urbantrack” shoes – $55 Dillards
 
Outfit #2
 
Woman:
Smocked Tank Dress – $59.50 GAP
Kenneth Cole Flower Sandals – $49.99 Dillards
Purple Swarovski Flower Pendant with beaded chain $7.50 Etsy (crystalglowdesign)
 
Man:
Classic Flat front shorts – $29.95 American Eagle
Slim Fit Plaid Shirt – $54.50 Banana Republic
Basic Leather Flip-Flop – $16.99 Aeropostale
  
Newborns:
Girls:
Various Headbands found on Etsy (pictured headband is from Neisha’s Blue Boutique)
Various Simple Headbands on Etsy (pictures headband is from handmadebyharlan)
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)
 
Boys:
Various Beanies and Hats on Etsy (above hat from JoCo Couture)
Various Diaper Covers on Etsy (above diaper cover from JoCo Couture)

Got a bun in the oven?   Contact me today to schedule a session at lindsay@lindsayhorn.com!

Have you been waiting for this week’s installment of Wardrobe Wednesdays with as much excitement as I have?  Our contributor this week is Jennifer of Minor Impressions Photography, and she has put together an awesome maternity session wardrobe.  Go check out her blog and leave her some love! 

Jennifer says: “Normally I suggest to my clients that for family photo sessions, the wardrobe should revolve around the kiddos. I usually pick out one outfit (normally the little girl’s) that brings together everyone else’s attire.  This week is a little different though because I decided to pick a wardrobe for a maternity shoot.  Of course, this revolves around the mama, so everything I picked out was made to go with the her outfit.  The great thing about this plaid shirt is that there are so many colors to choose from for the kiddos and the dad to match, and just like last week’s suggestion, you still have a great wardrobe even if you only have the dad (or boy or girl) and mom in the picture.”

Here’s where you can find these great oufits!

DAD
Blue Shirt: Old Navy, $20
Yellow Shirt: Old Navy, $8.50
Shorts: Old Navy, $19.50
Shoes: Kohls, $29.99
 
MOM
Shirt: Motherhood Maternity, $24.98
Pants: Kohls, $26.40
Shoes: Payless, $19.99
Earrings: Kohls, $8.04
 
GIRL
Dress: Target, $14.99
Shoes: Target, $14.99
Headband: Etsy, $5.50
 
BOY
Shirt: Children’s Place, $12.50
Shorts: Children’s Place, $10.00
Shoes: Kohls, $21.99

And just in case you needed a little more inspiration, book a maternity session with me before next week’s Wardrobe Wednesday post (i.e. schedule your session and pay your deposit), and get an extra $30 print credit! 

Last weekend I had the opportunity to take maternity portraits for Seth and Devon.  We went out to the Arboretum, which was just beautiful!  I think we could have spent all day out there!   For being almost 36 weeks along, Devon looks amazing – she is totally rockin’ that dress.  Pregnancy suits her very well!  And Seth is already a very proud papa as you can see.  Thanks for getting up early for me, it was totally worth it.  I had such a great time, and I can’t wait to meet the little one! 

Which will it be?!?  I can’t wait to find out … the suspense is killing me!