Maternity Pictures

A couple of years ago, I decided I needed to try to branch out a little from my usual landscape/travel photography and try something different, so I took a photography class on lighting.  It was way out of my comfort zone (photographically speaking) but I did learn a lot, and had a lot of fun while doing so.  But best of all, I met Cassandra, a classmate who always had amazing images to share every week.  I kept in touch with her via Facebook, and was so excited when she started her own photography business – BlueSky Studios - not long after the class was over.  I’ve followed her blog, admired her work, and knew that I really wanted her to be the one to take pictures of me and Chiquitito once he’s born.

I always thought I’d want to do some maternity pictures, too, and so I contacted her a few months ago to see if she’d be willing to take some pictures of pregnant me.  We agreed on a date, and met at the end of February, when I was just about 31 weeks.  (I can’t believe I’m just now posting these.  I’m such a slacker.)

I’d gone back and forth about whether I wanted to do pictures later, when my bump was bigger, but I’m so glad I went ahead and did them then.  I didn’t feel too unwieldy trying to get around, and I really like how my belly looks in the pictures. Now I’m much bigger, and much more uncomfortable – I just don’t think I would have had as much fun if I’d done them now.

Yes, I said fun! I never mind having my picture taken in casual settings, but the idea of a professional photo session brings back horrible memories of being in my aunt’s wedding in the 7^th grade, and failing miserably at producing anything but an uncomfortable grimace whenever I was told to smile.  Working with Cassandra was so enjoyable.  I felt completely at ease, and had no problem smiling on demand – and I ended up being very happy with both the pictures, and how I look in them. 

And now, without further ado – here’s a little sampling of her work – and my belly.   I can’t wait to see her again for Chiquitio’s first session sometime next month! 

We took a series of silhouettes in my apartment - this wasn't my favorite, but I had to include it, because Vagus just had to get into at least one of the shots!

I've always wanted an engagement or wedding photo shoot with a city skyline in the background.  Since there's no wedding in sight for me, I decided a baby bump was the perfect excuse for some city shots!

I just love this one!

I just realized that I wore some killer heels in these pictures, and you can't see them - well, you'll just have to take my word for it!  (Not that I could walk well in them - but at least my feet looked good!)

A New Edict or Two

After I finished my blog post yesterday, I found more books.  And by more books, I mean a lot more books that I haven't read yet.  So I'm making a new rule for myself that I am NOT to buy another book until I've read at least 5 of my as-yet-unread physical books, and 2 of my Kindle books.  Not one single book.

Good thing I pre-ordered Shadowfever last week, so it doesn't count.

I'm also going to take more pictures.  I love photography (just about every picture I post on my blog is something I've taken, some better than others), but I tend to do it only when I'm on vacation, or with family.  So I'm going to try to take pictures more often.  I'm not committing to a picture a day just yet, but maybe a picture a week.  The picture on the right is from this morning, when the sun came up over the ice.  It's hard not to take pictures on a morning like this morning, though.  I found myself wanting to pull over on the side of the interstate to take pictures on my drive to work this morning; the ice covered snow and trees in the sparkling sun was just breathtaking.  The challenge will be when there's not much interesting to take pictures of readily available.  On the bright side, the subject for my weekly photography edict should longer be an issue, in say, about 110 days or so!