Fun Home Maternity Session | Scarlet O'Neill

I had a meeting with someone the other day where I had to explain my company, the essence of my brand, how I communicate with my clients, and the importance of my connection with them. To be honest, the more I talk about it, the more passionate I become about riding (or maybe its blurring) that line between professional & personal.

This session is one that exemplifies these feelings that I struggle putting into words, but feel come out in the photos and my sentiments from our time together.

So come along on this little ride as I try to put into words what I so often feel on a session that fully draws me in.

To start, the scene of this session was a refreshing change that week as I drove an hour away from the city and in the middle of somewhere I had never been, I pulled up to the cutest little house where I met these former city now small cozy town soon-to-be parents.

I loved them the minute I met them.

It felt like arriving at an old friend’s house—Immediate excitement and comfort.

I arrived early to their session so I decided to take a catnap in my car before the session had begun (this was mid busy season and I had two other sessions before theirs plus my toddler’s sleep was still on an ongoing event of not really sleeping so don’t judge!!). But first, I thought it would be funny to poll it on Instagram, (as one does in this social media world we lived in) and I asked if I should nap, or do 20 mins of emailing, or if they all thought I’d just end up scrolling on the gram. I did in fact close my eyes for about 5-8 mins but tbh I did scroll IG for most of it.

After my little rest, I walked into their home and one of the first things Sam did was ask me about my nap, with a smile.

I had to laugh while also feeling so hilariously caught. I sometimes think when I post on IG that it’s all strangers, but it’s a lot of the people I see regularly and/or for work .. and it makes my heart happy knowing people I actually know follow along. Seeing familiar faces or people I actually know comment, like, and interact makes my heart so happy.

Alright, let’s get back on track to more reasons why this session tugged on the emotional creative juices and created such a feeling of what makes me love this work (a word I often struggle with because, in sessions like this, it really feels nothing like work).

I loved the stories they shared.

I loved learning how they met. But not just the story, but watching as they told the story and how they differed on the series of events. A little “he said, she said” scenario.

I loved his wild cycling sock tan. I had asked Charlie to take off his socks and there was the most insane sock tan ever, but it was too good to let him hide it lol. Two points if you can spot it in the photos!

Full disclosure to anyone reading this, I am not a sock person and tend to always ask people to take off their socks. Warning: Your socks will come off. I just find that kids and mamas tend to never even start with socks in the photos and so it looks a bit strange with one person wearing them and the rest are barefoot.

Ok… back on track.. again.

I loved how inspiring their space was to me and how excited they were to share their home and the stories of how it all came together.

I loved the giant baby Pram on display that I was NOT allowed to capture in any photos…. but I’m not sure if I am allowed to talk about it?… Sam, am I allowed it talk about it? lol

I love the playfulness between them.

I love their dog. HE WAS HUGE! And he had a real good knack for photobombing so many photos. Like. So. Many. Photos.

I loved seeing how they had prepped the babi’s room. And how they wanted photos of them honestly truly finishing it up. Like, truly- they brought out a hammer and nails and hung the last pieces that were waiting for me to arrive.

I love the hopes and wishes and thoughts on what this room will be. I love how they shared those things sitting on the floor by the baby’s crib. I love the daydreaming they settled into while snuggled up. It makes my heart flutter thinking about that part. Each room is designed with such love but a baby’s room has a really big special feel to it.

I love that each room in their house had different light and how I was able to play with that use of light. I’m so drawn to capturing things as they are. I’ve made a career at shooting with the light source provided, so if it’s dark and moody; it’s that. If it’s bright, that’s what I want you to remember. And I love when in the same session, I can capture a whole array of vibes. I want you to feel the way a room feels. I want you to be inspired by the room and the mood and let that set the tone. And then capturing how that affects you and shifts your mood and intimacy throughout our time together.

I loved every moment with them and I love that they choose me to capture this afternoon with them.

And I’m so looking forward to meeting their sweet little babe when I return to this warm & cozy home in the new year. My heart truly melts for these couples I get to work with.

If you’re in one of those sweet, blissful moods like me today, keep browsing through some more sweet family & maternity photos.

If it leaves you feeling inspired, let’s connect and discuss your vision for an upcoming photoshoot. I can’t wait to get drawn into more amazing home maternity sessions like this one.