Washington DC Wedding Photographer | Jessie Mary Photography » maternity

Maternity Photos

admin — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:13:38 +0000

Big bellies are not what maternity photos are truly about. They are about the couple, their lives about to take a major change, the excitement, and the nerves. I love the energy in the air. Here are a few favorites from a soon-to-be mom in DC.

Shelby and her family

Jessica — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:22:38 +0000

Maternity sessions and family portraits are not very different to me. There’s a belly, that is fun to show off, and makes for some beautiful images. Mostly it is still about documenting a time in the family’s life.

Shelby, Tim, and Sidney invited me to their home for portraits last weekend. They were so much fun to work with, and it’s always great to see my wedding clients again. It was raining hard outside so we decided to stay indoors for the session. I think the intimacy of their home really adds to the photos.

Maternity Photos Sneak Peek

Jessica — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:49:48 +0000

Shelby and Tim were my wedding clients last year. A few months ago, Shelby told me she was pregnant, and now the new baby is almost here! A little teaser for now, with more photos to come soon.

Not just a belly {Portland Maternity Photography}

Jessica — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 16:14:36 +0000

I think close to 90% of my business these days is weddings, but portraits are such fun too. I especially love maternity sessions. While I take a few that are belly shots, I approach maternity photos not very different than engagement photography, or family portraits. To me, it’s a chance to document and celebrate your family as is, whether it being just the two of you, or you already have one or two children. It’s the last couple of weeks before a major change in life.

When I was pregnant everyone kept telling me to take some hubby time. Go out to eat. Go to the movies. Look into each others eyes while you stay up late drinking hot chocolate in front of the fire. Of course, I am guessing many first time moms-to-be would agree, I was too excited and anxious to really take the advice to heart and enjoy the quiet moments.

Around 35 weeks I got put on modified bed rest, which pretty much means I was supposed to sit on the couch and watch tv, or read a book. I did watch way too much HGTV, and read piles of pregnancy / birthing books. However, I really just wanted to get up and do things, and found the rest very difficult to take. Now with a 21 month old little girl, and a business, I can’t imagine the opportunity to sit on the couch for even a couple of hours!!!

I imagine it’s all very different when you are having your second, like Carrie and Stephen. In their photos, I try to capture who they are as a current family with their toddler Evan.

The first photo, a belly without a face, is one of the exceptions. The artist in me loves it but the feminist in me strongly objects, since it is cold and stark. Of course, back in art school, I would have said that any image that can conjure up enough feeling to make me feel conflicted, and think about it, is good.

Maternity Family Session {Portland Maternity Photographer}

Jessica — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 03:07:20 +0000

I met Carrie back when Evan, and my daughter, Mackenzie, were still napping on us in slings. Both are now toddling around, and Carrie is expecting her second baby boy in just a few weeks. This morning we did maternity photos and family portrait session of Carrie, Stephen, and Evan, in their Hillsboro neighborhood.

Maternity Photography

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:56:48 +0000

Amanda and Mark are just a few weeks away from having their first, a baby boy. They had me over for a maternity session to document this special time in their lives. The couple raises five chickens and two cats, who were all a part of our photo session.

Amanda & Mark – I’ll let you know when your web gallery is ready. Best wishes for a happy birth!

Mother’s Day Gifts

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:20:23 +0000

I just had a client purchase one of my sessions for his wife as a mother’s day gift! I had not thought of this but what a lovely sentiment to give a mom and child photography session as a gift. He’s inspired me to create special mother’s day packages. If you are interested in these, I will create a gift certificate for you to give your wife, mom, or grandma.

Sweet Mama $95

a mini portrait session (30 minutes, 15-20 images in gallery)
two 5×7 prints
eight wallets

Sensational Mama $250

portrait session (an hour, approximately 30-35 images in gallery)
a 20 page hard bound coffee table book of your favorite images
an 8×10 print
eight wallets

Sustainable Mama $375

portrait session (an hour, approximately 30-35 images in gallery)
high resolution digital negatives on dvd
printing rights to images
an 8×10 print custom framed by Green House Framing

These sessions must be purchased in May but can take place anytime within the next year. My portrait sessions include a location of your choice, creative editing of your photos, a pre-session consultation via email or on the phone, and a private web gallery.

If these packages do not meet your needs, send me an email with what you have in mind and I’ll create a custom one for you.

Featured Photographer Interview

admin — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:37:38 +0000

I was chosen as the featured photographer at WedDir.com. Take a look at the interview. It ended up being quite an interesting experience. I had to give thought to the questions. I normally keep so busy that I may not have ever slowed down long enough to ask myself, and I feel like a learned at least a little something by doing it.

Here is an excerpt…

What is your style and why?

My style is candid or documentary. Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “The photograph itself doesn’t interest me. I only want to capture a minute part of reality.” I can not say it any better.

To me, photography is about telling a story. Whether I am photographing the moments of a wedding day or shooting a portrait, I try to show what is really there, in the raw. Continue reading article

Portrait Special {Two free 8×10 prints}

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:17:37 +0000

I am starting to get a lot of inquiries for spring portrait sessions. As an incentive to book early, I am including two 8×10 prints (a $40 value) with any portrait session booked in March. These sessions can take place later in the year, and can be for any type of portrait (maternity, baby, family, seniors, or engagement).

Take a look at my portfolio and email me to schedule a session.

Digital Image Downloads

admin — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:34:50 +0000

My clients often ask for a high resolution cd of the images from their portrait session. Up until now my solution was to have a base session fee and then an upgraded package that included 20-30 high resolution images from your shoot on cd.

I am now thrilled to announce that I will be offering digital downloads of your individual image files. This will start in March. I still have to work out the pricing but I will definitely offer discounts for bundles of images. There will also be three versions available, low resolution, medium resolution, and high resolution. I may possibly include an “online only use” download as well.

This service will be available through your password protected online gallery. As simple as adding a print to your shopping cart, you will be able to add a digital file. Once you submit the order, I will review it and then send you notification that your photograph is ready.

The beauty of this product to me is that you can pick and choose, just like you would when ordering prints. If you have a photograph that you want to use for your baby announcements, you can simple purchase a medium resolution file of that image, and have the right to use it for unlimited personal prints!

With that said, I do still encourage enlargements be ordered through me directly. The professional lab I use does incredible work, and you may not find the same quality at a random one hour lab. If you do decide to buy a high resolution file for large prints, please ask me and I will recommend some local labs.

Though this service is mainly geared towards my portrait clients, it will be available to my wedding photography clients as well. My wedding packages include a high resolution dvd, but one of your guests may want to take advantage of being able to download a high resolution photograph from your wedding.