Jennifer Chaney Photography

When I got the call about this maternity session, we rushed a bit to get it done because the mama was pretty sure she would have the baby early.    So with the maternity photos out of the way, we started working out the details for a birthing session (nope, I’ve never done one, but this family is perfect for me to test the waters – and when I say birthing photography, I’m talking about the emotional aspect of the day… not the “hey, what’s happening down there, oh.. whoa… I see..” kind of photography.)

I want to capture moments to help a family remember an amazing day.  A day that zips by faster than a wedding day.  A day that is oddly forgotten about until you start talking about having another baby.   When I see some slideshows that other photographers have done for birth photography, I am literally in tears… and it’s not even my baby!  I don’t even know the couple.  We aren’t even in the same town, much less state, and here I am fully crying over their pictures.  So maybe it’s selfish.  Maybe it’s because I wish I would have had the foresight to have a professional photographer in the room.  I don’t know.  But whatever it is, it excites me.  I get all giddy thinking about it.  Being in a profession where it’s commonplace to move your clients to tears is powerful, but being able to produce work that moves a complete stranger to tears?  I’m beside myself.   Not to mention I’m rambling.  So next week is the big day.  Hopefully all the stars align and I can create some lasting memories for this beautiful family.

So here we are. Waiting for baby.

xoxo

Okay, so his name isn’t Chuck, but his parents weren’t ready to share, so I decided to name him myself.  I know it’s totally goofy, but I need to connect with my clients and even though he’s still in her belly, I needed to talk to him and reference him while shooting.   These are long time clients and I absolutely adore photographing this family.  Our sessions are never dull and I always laugh a lot!  We started out at their home Danville and then dashed downtown for the end of our session.  Once again I shot in crazy heat, but no one complained and if anyone is allowed to it’s a pregnant woman with two children.

And for the record, Chuck did not decide to come early as the babies of my recent maternity clients.  But he should be here shortly and I can’t wait to meet him!  And wouldn’t it be awesome if his name really was Chuck?

Now I need to go work on my Tiny Prints Gratitude Challenge video blog post. Don’t hold your breath.  It won’t be up for awhile because I’m sure I’ll find 75 other things to do before I force myself to sit down in front of the camera!

Enjoy your summer weekend – the rain will soon be here!

~jennifer

These pictures are of one of my favoritest people – she is a client and a friend.  This is about the fourth session I’ve had with this beautiful and crazy family, and each time it’s better than the last.  The kids know me now, so it’s a bit easier because they are pretty relaxed around me.  We always shoot lifestyle as it really captures the essence of who they are… they do not sit still, they are not quiet, and they always have fun.   I love my sessions with them!

So here is Marisa and her family.  She went into labor less than a week after I did this shoot.  If you’re keeping score, that’s 3 out of 3 of my last maternity sessions that have gone into labor within a week of our shoot.  If you are near the end and Prego Pizza from Skipolini’s  isn’t doing it’s thang, come see me.  Apparently I have the magic touch.

Side note, Marisa is a brilliant Realtor and is amazing with her clients.  When we sell/buy again, I am using her because I completely adore and trust her.  Plus she is the BEST story teller and never fails to make me laugh!  Email if you need someone and I’ll hook ya up!  She truly is awesome… in her last two pregnancies she was working while in labor from the hospital.  Let me repeat that: FROM. THE. HOSPITAL.  I told you she was amazing!

Hope everyone is enjoying summer!  If you’re in the Bay Area, you know it’s about time for the heat, right?

~jennifer