If there is one thing I have learned over the last few years of capturing life with my camera, it is that you must capture the moments whenever you can. If an opportunity arises to capture something special, you shouldn't wait until the conditions are ideal. If you do, you might miss the opportunity completely.

A few years ago, I had a beautiful orchid gifted to me. It had lived in my bathroom for some months and one day I decided to take some photos of it. They weren't the best photos, but I told myself I would have another chance to try again. Except I overwatered it that same day, and in 24 hours it was a shriveled mess, never to regain its original beauty. I learned my lesson: take the shot when you have the chance.  And also, never overwater orchids.

With this life lesson in my back pocket, I hesitated for only a minute about taking these very special maternity photos under the dark gray skies of early January. The weather was not ideal. The clouds were dark, the light was flat, and the air had a sharp chill. But there is beauty in all weather, and there is undeniable beauty in a woman growing a new human. So, we warmed ourselves with a few good laughs, and I was able to capture my sister's beautiful bump before my new niece or nephew arrives next month.

I believe that pregnancy, even with its mixed bag of emotions and physical discomfort, is the closest to a miracle that I've ever been able to participate in. It is difficult to even find the words for everything that nine month period means to me. The anticipation. The dreaming. And for your first baby, the countdown until a piece of your heart becomes whole outside of your body. It is a period of your life leading up to the greatest change you might ever experience, and it deserves to be documented.

My approach to photographing this special time includes capturing the love between two partners that brought about this new life, as well as highlighting the beauty in the swelling belly and curves of the mother's body.  On the cusp of great change, there is a quiet, sacred space where there is still just two parents awaiting the greatest adventure of their life.

If you're an expecting mother, don't hesitate about documenting this special time in your life.  While the days may seem long, these nine months will pass quickly.  And not so long from now, you'll realize you miss that big, beautiful belly and the tiny jabs you feel from the inside.  I would love to have a part in preserving these memories for you.