These stunning beach maternity photos were taken as the cold, harsh winter was finally starting to come to a close here in New Jersey. This was my first time photographing beach maternity photos in the winter and I can honestly say that it might be my new favorite. Winter beach maternity photos are their own, beautiful, golden, quiet moment – and capturing them on film makes them even more magical.
After Alyssa and Jason initially inquired with me, I noticed that Alyssa had followed me on Instagram. I did a double-take looking at her profile photo because it was SO familiar! It turns out that I had actually been the second photographer at their wedding! My friend Laura of Laura Lee Creative had been their engagement and wedding photographer but was not taking on any newborn sessions at the time. They remembered that I had said I photographed newborns primarily, and with Laura’s blessing, they reached out about their session.
To make this an even more full-circle moment, Laura had photographed their engagement session on this very same beach – so it was even more special for them to have these beach maternity photos to celebrate their growing family.
The beach in the winter is a beautiful, quiet place. We only saw a few other people walking around and were able to enjoy the golden light without interruption or distraction.
Credit needs to be given where credit is due, and these two deserve so much credit! It was 40 degrees out and with the strong wind it felt nothing short of arctic! They were both incredible and powered through the session, laughing and joking the entire time. We did our best to work with the wind and were able to capture a lot of beautiful images that showcase movement in both Alyssa’s dress and hair creating more visual interest.
Alyssa went to quickly change her dress for a second look and I took the opportunity to capture a few photos of the surroundings. Between the quiet of winter and the winds, the sand took on this wavy pattern that was virtually untouched. It was like freshly fallen snow before the first foot print has touched it.
Alyssa chose to use 2 dresses from my Client Closet. She and Jason chose not to find out whether they were having a boy or a girl, so she was a bit hesitant to wear 2 blue dresses for her photos in case her family thought it was a hint. I’m glad she decided to follow her instincts though and wear the two dresses that she felt the most comfortable in – both of these blue dresses were perfect for her!
When planning your maternity session location, it’s important to think about places that have special meaning to you. In this case, Alyssa and Jason wanted beach maternity photos where they had done their engagement session as a way to show the full-circle moment in their life. Even though this meant being on the beach in winter instead of summer, they decided to go for it and the results were stunning. It took a little more preparation and time – making sure they had plenty of breaks to warm up throughout the session – it was well worth it!
Thank you Alyssa and Jason for trusting me with this next chapter in your family’s history! I absolutely loved photographing your beach maternity photos and cannot wait to meet your sweet baby soon!
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Kate Voda is a NJ Newborn Photographer specializing in in-home newborn lifestyle photography sessions and lifestyle maternity and portrait photography sessions. Kate serves New Jersey and the surrounding areas. View Kate’s Portfolio here or view more of Kate’s work on Instagram.
