At the heart of every maternity photoshoot session is the story of love, new beginnings, and usually in my case–a funny story to go along with it! This past summer, I had the privilege of photographing Lindsay and her growing family. Their radiant maternity session was in Jacksonville, Florida on the sunny shores of Big Talbot Island State Park. That day is one I will never forget. Mother nature was making us fight hard to get the perfect pictures!

Here in the Sunshine State, golden hour can be your best friend for the radiant and glowy pictures you desire. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s not hot. It was so hot during this maternity photoshoot, that everyone was glistening with perspiration, even me!

As I clicked away on my camera, we had to contend with some uninvited guests–pesky bugs flying around us. Mother nature was on a roll, trying to bring our spirits down. But, this challenge of swatting away buzzing creatures seemingly attracted to our sweat, made us appreciate the moment even more.

With her first baby girl running around the sandy shore and her second girl still growing inside her tummy, Lindsay truly showcased the strength and resilience mothers have within. She shared with me that this pregnancy has been very rough on her body and so different from her first. It is worth mentioning that Lindsay works for our local county’s school board. Her occupation is challenging enough, but adding on growing a teeny human in the sweltering Florida summer with a September due date raises entirely different trials.

For these reasons shared by Lindsay, maternity photography is a task I do not take lightly. Capturing these precious memories and watching little ones become big siblings is an honor. I am immensely blessed to be part of these journeys that parents take–no matter how sweaty that leaves me. The obstacles this session brought did not matter. As we captured their radiant smiles, loving glances, and sweet kisses the heat and bugs soon became an afterthought. It was a privilege to witness the love this family shared as they used this time to celebrate their newest addition.

Though I try my best to minimize any challenges that might arise during sessions, sometimes mother nature decides to take the wheel and do her own thing. But, the end result is always a testament to the beauty of my job–capturing life’s most precious moments. Anytime my toes get a little sandy, and my skin gets a little sweaty makes my Floridian heart explode with joy as long as a camera is in my hand.