FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

“The glow! The flow! The bow!” Ok, admittedly, the bow part doesn’t make much sense…but it DID rhyme. Seriously, though, the “pregnant lady glow” is a real thing. To accentuate the flawless makeup, I really wanted to focus on lighting for this shoot. Lighting can make or break a shoot, but particularly when it comes to maternity as you are attempting to alleviate shadows created by a burgeoning belly. The result? Flawless.

FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

As a parent these sweet smiles, looks of wonder, and cute baby shenanigans totally balance out nights with no sleep and diapers that never stood a chance. :)

Children can be pretty wily and I’ve found it’s easier for them to focus if they aren’t overstimulated. So when photographing wee ones, I always like to keep the props and location simple -  keeping it as organic a process as possible

FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

FAMILY AND MATERNITY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER | RICHMOND VA | J. MARCUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Being a Daddy to two small boys and seeing the physical changes my wife experienced each time has been incredibly impactful to me as a photographer of maternity photos. 

 Giving the appearance of complete comfort and serenity can be a challenge when you’re, as my wife says, “carrying low and in the front.” Doing in-studio portraits, capturing those precious few minutes at sun down, and providing lightweight, flowing wardrobe options are just some of the ways to make each Mom-to-be as comfortable as possible.

Midlothian Va Fine Art Child/Family Photographer - Emery's First & Best Coca-Cola ;-)

Chesterfield Fine Art Children's Photographer Emery's first Coca-Cola

Had the movie Curly Sue not already been filmed, I would seriously consider lobbying for Emery to fill the role. The quick wit, the gestures, and the facial expressions of a seasoned customer service supervisor (You know that makes total sense and I know you just pictured someone in your head),

Emery was a hoot to work with. She and her Mom, Britny, clearly have a very close bond and their constant banter provided no shortage of entertainment for me, but it also allowed me to capture the idea that inside every little girl is a flower child, a tomboy in a tutu, and a cowgirl sporting her first pair of boots. Each one is real and each one is beautiful. After all, aren’t we all more than just the sum of our parts? I think so. Emery just confirmed it.