As a motherhood photographer it’s always amazing to be able to photograph people you know. Especially friends that you have known for so long that you consider family. It gives me an extra edge, because I already know their personality and can capture it in an image that truly speaks to them. And it’s so much easier to joke around and tell stories knowing that even if you are a crazy person, they love you anyway.
How I know Mara
I’ve known Mara for about 15 years now. Our friendship started in a slightly unconventional way. She was dating my baby brother. At first we were nice to each other, and then got to spend more time together and I realized that this one really was different from his previous girlfriends. As my brother left for the military, we bonded even more. They didn’t work out as a couple. They were great people who were not meant to be together. But now, I have a best friend who makes me laugh and totally gets me—everyone deserves a friend like that.
Mara and Michael
When Mara met Michael – well, re-met Michael – they knew they had something special immediately. As an outsider, I could see it, too. They were opposite in so many ways that just make sense. Each one knows how to let the other shine, and they absolutely adore each other. They know how to communicate and find ways to make long distances work when they have to with the military. And you knew they were going to be great parents.
Michael’s military career has taken Mara away from Beaver County, PA and me in distance, but our friendship hasn’t wavered. Thank you social media! They have been as far away as Seattle and are currently near Memphis. They came home in November and I got to be the one to organize and prepare their gender reveal. Since it was near the holidays, we got a small Christmas tree, decorated it with blue and pink ornaments, and then people got to write their name on an ornament that coordinated with the gender they thought the baby would be. When it was time to announce, they plugged in the lights of the tree and it revealed that they were having a boy!
When they came back to Beaver County, PA in April, I knew I wanted pictures of my best friend for my website, especially since they plan on this being their last pregnancy.
Importance of Maternity Pictures
As a motherhood photographer, I recognize how important the last pregnancy is, and I wanted to capture that memory for Mara. Photographing the last pregnancy honors not only that pregnancy for that baby but also memorializes the pregnancy part of the motherhood journey and marks the end of that chapter.
I was able to take these pictures in Michael’s mother’s backyard. She has a beautiful garden in her yard, and with it being Michael’s boyhood home, there was some sentimentality there. Mara and Michael’s boys will play in this yard with their grandparents for years to come, throwing a ball around and making smores in the fire pit. I always love the idea of motherhood photos being taken somewhere that has meaning. It means that much more when you look back on that time in your life and have an emotional connection to the location.
I love how they chose to have a relaxed vibe for their session, all wearing a T-shirt and jeans. That is the type of family that they are. They enjoy go-karting, hiking, and playing outside with Tanner. They like to stay in and have a pizza and movie night. And I don’t know how many times we have hung out in leggins, tank tops, and messy hair.
Mara is an amazing mother. I have seen her patience grow over the years. She is kind and gentle. She’s steadfast in her beliefs and takes the time to teach her sons the importance of community, love, friendship, and kindness. I can’t wait to meet baby Archer the next time they come to Beaver County this fall!
Oh. And Michael is pretty cool, too.
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