We were going to brave the cold and take Hailey’s maternity photos outside.  But, Escanaba weather was not very nice that day.  It was 12 degrees outside and blowing snow – not the pretty, softly falling snow that adds a dreamlike quality to your photos.  But the harsh, bitterly cold, blowing in your face snow that no one wants to hang out in.  So we moved the session indoors.  It was the first time that I utilized the studio in this way – studio maternity sessions were not something I could do well in my home studio, and the opportunity just hadn’t come up since taking on the studio space.  It was very refreshing to use the space in a new way, to work on lighting and posing just one person – it was fun, and much needed.

I have a collection of maternity gowns on hand, and I had invested in a new one for Hailey’s session.  Most of the gowns I initially purchased were flowing and loose – I wanted something with a more fitted look.  I had imagined the blue of this new gown out in the snowy woods, as we had planned, but it was very pretty in the studio as well.  Hailey said that the loose gowns were much more comfortable though!  I loved Hailey’s style, and how some of the gowns showed off her tattoos.  She also brought along a collection of earrings – her favorite accessory – including a beautiful pair of butterfly earrings she made herself.

All in all, as much as I love getting outside for sessions, I was very happy to be in the nice warm cozy studio for this one.  Hailey, spending her first winter in Michigan after a lifetime in California, definitely agreed!