Kaiti and Sam’s first maternity session was super cold with the wind coming off the lake. But that didn’t stop them! We made the most of our short time together and included a few coat and car breaks to warm up. 

Kaiti and I were freshman year roommates in college and have been close since. Being the one to document this moment meant the world to me! They traveled from the west side of the state and I traveled from Michigan so that we could all come back to where it started for Kaiti and Sam- Winona Lake. 

We worked through different poses to enhance the beauty of Kaiti and Sam’s relationship as soon-to-be parents. With maternity photos, it always varies with what you can do for photos due to how far along the mother is as well as the vision and vibe the couple wants. For Kaiti and Sam, their relationship is more intimate and calm so I directed them in a way that accentuated that beautiful aspect of their love. 

I caught myself so many times in awe of how stunning the light was hitting them, how the snow made Kaiti’s dress pop, and how natural they both seemed to be in front of the camera. We worked along the same little nook of Winona Lake finding different angles and foliage to add interest and dimension to the photos. 

We ended right on the shoreline which didn’t help with the cold wind whipping from behind but I used that to my advantage to add more movement to the photos! Kaiti’s hair and dress flowing in the wind made the shots even more cinematic and intimate. So much has happened for Kaiti and Sam to get to this point so to have a photoshoot to document the joy and love within this season was truly something so special. 

Baby Harmless is already so loved!