Morgan Dawson Photography

Kimberly and Jake {Maternity Session Sneak Peek}

Let me just start with this: Kimberly and Jake are two of the coolest, most laid-back people I've ever had the pleasure to meet and photograph. Through our pre-session phone conversations, I knew we'd hit it off right away. Meeting them in person only cemented it. Kimberly, who runs triathlons in her spare time (no joke), is the poster woman for being fit during your pregnancy. She's due in just a few weeks, but nothing - not the baby, not moving, not renovating a house - is slowing her down. I was impressed.

Since Kim had been out of state for a long-term work assignment, we had to wait until after the holidays to schedule our shoot. To say it was a cold day would be an undestatement. The wind was howling, but thankfully they had their wood stove fired up when I arrived. 

We started inside so we could get a few pics of her bare belly, but decided to head outside for a few more shots. It was so cold - I had to move fast in order to keep the red (and runny) noses to a minimum. I was carrying a step stool and leaping through the snow to get in position (and stay warm), knowing that I had about 10 minutes before we were popsicles. I was sure I was going to bite it on the ice a few times, but thankfully I held my balance just long enough. It helped that they happen to have an awesome red barn in their backyard, a perfect backdrop. 

Kim and Jake, I can't wait to meet your baby in a few weeks, and to hear about your next adventure in parenthood. You'll be amazing parents for sure :-)

Cheers!

Morgan

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {Maternity}

Did you hear that Wardrobe Wednesday contributor Lindsay, of Lindsay Horn Photography, is having a baby! We're so excited for her entire family (including future big sis Emory), and can't wait to meet him or her this July :-) Even though it's still a few months away, I'm sure Linds is already picking out what she'll wear for her maternity photo shoot. Here she gives us a peek into what we might see!

*************************

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.  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

 

 

 

 

Wardrobe Wednesday {bellies and babies}

I'm a little late, but that doesn't mean I'm not totally excited to share today's Wardrobe Wednesday! Erica May, of Erica May Photography, decided to focus on maternity and newborn sessions. She's been knocking these shoots out of the park lately, so please take a few minutes to check out her website and newborn album on Facebook. I couldn't agree more with her suggestions - especially the cute accessories for the newborn shoots. And don't miss the adorable necklace for Mom - it's a GREAT gift idea!

Thanks, Erica!

"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)

Bun in the oven...

It’s the ultimate pregnancy cliche, but in this case it truly fits:

 

The bun is in the oven. You see, he’s a chef and she’s pregnant. 

 

I’ll admit to being a little nervous before this shoot. Jerry and Kim are good friends, and I really wanted to give them some amazing photographs - especially since this is such a memorable time for the two of them. With an empty maternity portfolio, they really put their trust in me, and I can’t thank them enough.

I knew right away that I was happy with the shoot, but I could never have predicted the heartfelt response from Jerry and Kim. Thank you both so much. I hope I’ve left you with something special; you’ve left me with the confidence and excitement to do many more maternity shoots in the future. 

I can’t wait to photograph the baby!