Pacific Northwest Maternity Photographer
XOXO,
Sarah
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Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
When you want a low key wedding but you still want fun and creative wedding photos!
Rachel + Jason were a blast to work with and I loved their sense of humors.
Congrats, lovebirds!
Venue: Tacoma Municipal Courthouse
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
These sweet folks came to me for some family and maternity portraits. Such a beautiful family and big sister undeniably won over my heart, and camera, with her curly locks and precious smile.
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Plan your session well in advance. We recommend that you have your maternity photos taken between 27 an 34 weeks. Every woman, and every pregnancy is different, but ideally you want your belly to be distinctly showing yet you don't want to be so far along that your are uncomfortable and miserable. Between the 27th and 34th week most women have a distinguishable, and beautifully round belly but haven't started to experience the swelling and weight gain that is typical of the end of pregnancy. Keep an eye on your body and if you are showing early (are you having multiples?!?) then we can definitely discuss scheduling your session sooner.
Plan your session on a day you won't have to rush. Your maternity session will take between one and two hours depending on the package you have chosen and if you have an event to get to right after you will be checking the time over and over and not having fun. Maternity sessions capture such a magical time in a woman's life and the experience should be fun and relaxing. My specialty is capturing those candid moments where you are relaxed and wearing your true emotions, if you are rushed with other events on your mind then it will show.
Bring your loved ones! Your significant other, older siblings and even the grandma to be are all great additions to these memories. Not only will they help you relax and enjoy your session but the photos will be extra special and a great memory for you, them and your child.
Mentally prepare for your session. You may be in a tight fitting dress or a dress where your belly is exposed and many pregnant women feel self-conscious about their changing bodies. Change of shape, swelling or extra weight and stretch marks are all normal parts of pregnancy and deserve to be documented! Love your body and own it - it is working hard to create and house a tiny life so it deserves to be celebrated. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your images, just relax and try to remember that not only is this a special time that needs to be documented but that it will eventually pass and believe it or not you may miss it.....
Tight clothing can leave marks on your belly so skip them for a few hours before your session.
Wear Comfortable Clothes that show off your belly. After all that is why you're having your photos taken!
Bring nude underwear! I know this sounds weird but we have a closet full of maternity dresses available to our clients and if you decide there is one you love you'll need those nude underwear.
Bring some props, one or two special items to customize your maternity session and document those special items for your baby's baby book.
Show up well rested and hydrated. I know, I know .. easy for the non-pregnant woman to say and after three pregnancies I know how hard it is to get sleep but try your best to get some extra rest before you shoot. Pregnant women have a beautiful glow to their skin and adequate sleep and staying hydrated will ensure you and your skin look amazing!!!
Lotion! Speaking of skin...dry scaly skin is a NORMAL side effect of pregnancy. Slather up before your session to add to that glow we discussed.
YES! Maternity boudoir and milk baths are an option! Book a traditional session, book a boudoir session or ask about the special for booking both together!
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Most of the portraits that I shoot focus more on the connection between people rather than props but I do recommend bringing one or two personal items to make your session unique and fun. It doesn't have to be big and elaborate to make amazing photos (but if you have a beautiful armchair briiiing it!!)
Chalkboard
Save the Date
Rings
Pillows, blankets
Candles
Flowers
Flower Crown
Beautiful Dress
Uniform
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Matching item ex baseball caps or jerseys
Balloons
Hammock
A bicycle
Large balloon or half a dozen small ones (helium)
Umbrella
Signs
Old Pick-up truck or car
Row boat
Coffee
Hat
Book
Ultrasound Photo
Baby Shoes
Sign
Chalkboard
Letters Spelling Babies Name
Flowers
Floral Crown
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Balloons
Pickles and Ice Cream!
Significant or cherished item
Chalk
Lace dress, a flowing dress
Fur baby and sign to announce pregnancy
Tiny crown
Baby Daddy!! siblings.
Sun hat
Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)
Large piece of sheer fabric
Wedding Rings
Tulle Skirt and Bralette
Letterman Jacket
Sports Paraphernalia
Your best friend or close family member so you are more relaxed
Medals or Awards that you are proud of
Sports uniforms
Instruments
College Swag
Several Outfits
A fun hat
Sunglasses
Swing (Can be adorned with flowers)
Flowers
Floral Crown
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Balloons
Book
Sign
Graduation year numbers
Globe
Flag
Significant Necklace or Bracelent
Class Ring
Props that elude to your future career (stethoscope for doctor etc)
The best prop you can bring is confidence and a genuine smile!
Pillows and Blanket
Tent, Campfire, s'mores
Chalkboard
Family Pet
Bicycles
Kayaks
Hiking boots and a gorgeous view!
Signs
Bubbles
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Old Pick-up truck or car
Tee-Pee
Watermelon
Lemonade stand
Kissing booth
Old Pick-up truck or car
Signs
Bubbles
Antique or Victorian armchair, love seat or couch.
Tee-Pee
Bicycle or Tricycle
Umbrella
Balloons
Child-sized chairs
Headbands
Bow Ties
Cakes or cupcakes
Lollipop
Swing
Vintage Suitcases
Chalk
Game or activity
Books
Baking
Ice cream
Pillow Fight
Fort
Sprinkler
Water balloons
Tea/coffee
Couch
Bed
Wagon
Bicycle or Tricycle
Popsicles
Trampoline
Hike
Tent, campfire, s'mores
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Maternities have steadily become one of my favorite sessions to photograph. There is something so wonderful and magical about creating and sustaining a life and it should be celebrated. We all have heard, and probably used, the term "pregnancy glow" in our lives and in the beginning months this can be very true. Yet as time passes the physical effects of pregnancy can leave women feeling a little less like a fairy goddess and more like a turtle stuck on it's shell.
As a mother of three I personally know how women can struggle with self-confidence as their bodies change and grow. My favorite thing about photographing maternities is to help expecting mothers to feel beautiful in their skin and there is something about getting your hair and makeup done and putting on a gorgeous flowing dress to do just that!
My second favorite thing about shooting maternity sessions is documenting that amazing period in time! Some day these babies will grow up and look back at these images and see how beautiful and STRONG their mothers are. Daughters will compare their pregnant bellies to the shape of their mothers. You'll be able to look back at the images and have all those feelings you were experiencing come flooding back!
Heck, if every woman got maternity photos maybe new developments would be made on the old wives tale about whether boys/girls sit high/low! HAHA Only kidding.
Before you know it these moments -the little kicks and the uncomfortable nights will be a fleeting memory and believe it or not you WILL miss it. So document these moments... capture the joy, the anticipation, the wonder, the questions of their future, the love between you and your spouse and the amazing process your body goes through in order for you to be able to snuggle your sweet babe.
After all, life is precious and the most valuable gift we can have or give so why not document every moment of it?
The cherry on top is being a Pacific Northwest Maternity Photographer! Just look at those rich greens and the soft colors of the coast. The PNW is extremely diverse and offers some breathtaking backdrops!
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Hello friends! So you're getting your picture taken! Let's talk about a few things to get you ready for our session!
Although we can schedule your session any time during the day, we try to schedule to take advantage of the best natural light. The hours after sunrise and before sunset are 'golden' times and have ideal lighting. The golden light of these hours are soft, flattering and BEAUTIFUL! Please make sure you specify one of these time slots if you are interested.
ASK QUESTIONS! We strive to create a custom experience for each of our clients. Feel free to ask questions including location advice, wardrobe, style, props and more! Below are a few guidelines to get you started.
Keep the attire simple, but coordinate colors for groups.
Solid colors are best... try to avoid large bold patterns and neon colors as they can take attention away from your face. If you do select an outfit with a pattern try to match that pattern to solid colors for the clothing of the other parties in the portrait.
When selecting your wardrobe consider the location of your portrait session and match accordingly. For example, soft colors look great at the beach and avoid green in the forest so you don't blend in!
If you plan to hang a large print or canvas of your images consider the colors of your home when selecting your wardrobe.
Darker, solid colors appear more slimming than lighter colors.
Dress weather appropriate so you aren't too hot or cold.
Be sure to include the appropriate shoes, socks and stockings for your outfit. Plan your wardrobe from head to toe as full length poses are a part of your portrait session.
Bring an outfit change(s) to add variety to your sitting.
Wear clothing you are uncomfortable in. If you are uncomfortable it will show in your face and will be harder to relax and enjoy yourself.
Avoid baggy clothing as it can make you look big/boxy.
Eyeglasses can create glare that hides your eyes. We recommend wearing contacts if you have them or asking your optician if you can borrow a similar frame without lenses.
Remember to empty your pockets of cellphones, keys, chapstick etc so there aren't visible outlines.
Ladies!!! Take your hairbands off your wrists.
Feel free to bring a few props with you to add a unique touch to your portraits.
Bring a portable speaker and your favorite tunes! Music can create some great vibes and help you relax.
We highly recommend getting your hair and make-up done as professional stylists know how to apply makeup to best bring out your natural beauty! Besides, knowing you look fabulous and FEELING fabulous will help you be more relaxed and happy. Those natural smiles and real laughter are always my fave!
There are many talented Hair and Makeup artists in the area, if you'd like suggestions please contact one of the artists on our Wedding Resource Guide.
Bring snacks to avoid hangry 'tudes. Also good for bribery.
Bring a comfort item - stuffed animal, pacifier, blankey etc.
Make sure parents AND kids are both rested. You may be so focused on making sure your child is well rested that you forget about yourself. Children are very sensitive to their parents emotions and even the slightest bit of grump or frustration can affect their behavior. Bottom line, if you are happy and relaxed your kids will be too!
Allow for extra time to get to the location and prepare for your session. The events leading up to your session can set the tone of the day. Extra time = no stress about being late and time for your munchkins to look around and acclimate to the location.
Don't force them to smile! That's my job! Kids are much more relaxed and natural when you aren't telling them what to do and what not to do. Relax and have fun with them, your smiles and laughter will relax them and then their smiles will come naturally. I'll say it again - when you are stressed they are stressed, when you are relaxed they are relaxed!
Bring baby wipes! Cause boogers.
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
Today on the blog is one of my favorite sessions of 2016! This couple was so much fun and just look how adorable they are! Rachel had an idea to take some pictures in a white canopy so she brought some fabric with her and we made a cute little retreat for them to cuddle for photos. It went perfect with her GORGEOUS floral dress and Jordan's blue shirt. Rachel and Jordan are so amazing together, their love for each other just radiates around them and the look they get when they are with each other is just the sweetest. I can't wait to meet their baby girl - with so much love for each other their little girl will be loved beyond measure.
Did I mention how fun and hilarious this couple was??? My favorite is the one with Jordan's little kick while he goes in for a kiss haha! There were so many hilarious outtakes I had to add them in! Hope you get as big of a "kick" out of them as I did. :)
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
One of my absolute favorite session to date - Kenzi and Daniel's Rattlesnake Lake maternity was a dream!!! As a Pacific Northwest Maternity Photographer I live for the dreamy, moody PNW sessions. The rich colors of Rattlesnake Lake along with Kenzi's red hair was a perfect combination! This sweet couple just had their baby boy, join me in welcoming baby Everett!
Congrats Kenzi, Daniel and new big sis Olivia!!! - Can't wait to get your amazing little family in front of my camera again!
To see more of this amazing session click HERE.
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
This sweet couple, Heather + Curtis, are getting ready to welcome a little boy! Can't wait to see his chubby cheeks and cute little toes! Congrats to you two!
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
This adorable couple is going to make one gorgeous baby. I don't do newborn photos but I call dibs on holding her!
Purple Mermaid dress by IBC Boutique. Visit their page here to see a variety of STUNNING maternity dresses.
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
This girl is not only gorgeous but she ROCKED her session! I had so much fun shooting Alyssa's pin-up girl themed maternity and we got to explore downtown Olympia a bit.
oh, and thanks to the lady from the hair salon for letting me borrow her chair, the dude who's truck we used - we couldn't find him but I insisted we only pose near it and not touch it- and to the woman in the shop who let some crazy ladies pose in her window. Love you Oly!
XOXO,
Sarah
Like what you see? To see more please like Sarah Gonia Photography's Facebook page, follow us on Instagram and check out our Pinterest page!
Contact me today and lets document all those little moments that make life beautiful
