S. Family- Couple's session in Denver CO

Dreaming of summer over here.  We are expecting another snow storm this weekend so I am hunkering down and getting some of this blogging out of the way.  These two are just beautiful.  They joined me in my 2nd ever lake session back in August.  There is something so beautiful about jumping into the water with your clothes on. I will be announcing my 2017 lake sessions in a few weeks!

F. Family | Family Session in Denver CO

In October had the amazing opportunity to photograph a fellow photographer.  I used to be so nervous to photograph other artists but recently I started LOVING IT!  Other artists know what they want, they put a lot of time and effort into their session and they are usually the easiest to photograph [for me anyway].  Sandy is the amazing artist behind Wild Prairie Photography .  I couldn't have been more thrilled when she contacted me.  I am already dreaming of summer when I can open up my summer lake sessions! 

R. Family | Maternity Session in Denver CO

Sweet Cyrus is a big brother now, but in August we had a little fun at the lake before his little brother joined their family!  There is something so magical about maternity sessions.  There is seriously nothing I love more than an expecting mother.  Those last few weeks of waiting and anticipation can be extremely magical. 

Nelson Family | Motherhood Session in Denver Colorado

I absolutely LOVE celebrating motherhood!  In August I offered a small set of Motherhood mini sessions here in Denver and these were the first mini sessions I have ever had that were a success (booking wise)  I had 3 beautiful mama's and their gorgeous kiddos join me along the side of a beautiful little creek.  We talked and laughed and sang and danced. 

This mama is also an AMAZING photographer (and house flipper) here in Denver and she wasn't afraid of the cold stream and just jumped right in with her sweet girl.  

Mabel | Birth Story in Denver Colorado

One thing you learn about birth photography is births are 100% unpredictable.  I often get asked the question- "What happens if you miss my birth?" Well there isn't a one size fits all answer here. The most common answer I give is,  I will get there as fast as humanly possible and start documenting right when I walk in the door.  There is so much more to your baby's birth story than their actual birth and there are so many moments right after the baby is born that often get overlooked. I have never missed a birth because of reasons I could control, I have missed 2 births total and both times those babies didn't want to wait for anyone, let alone their photographer to show up. 

Mabel was born 5 minutes before I walked in the room and just minutes after her parents arrived at Baby & Co, she really didn't want to wait for anyone.  I normally write out my version of a baby's birth story but Kathryn has already written hers out, you can read it here.  

By the time I arrived, mom had already moved from her birthing tub and to the bed. Their midwife was going a quick check up on mabel and reminding mama to eat and replenish fluids. 

Dad also surprised Mom with a beautiful ring as her "push present"  she now has a series of beautiful unique bands signifying her family. 

A few hours after birth Mabel was born, Mom had her CranioSacral Therapist show up to do some gentle adjustments on her and Mabel. 

One thing I absolutely love about working with midwives is they usually do the baby's first check up on the foot of the bed or right next to mom and dad.  I love this approach because you can see how calm everyone is.

Mom was off taking a bath and relaxing in the tub, so Dad got some special 1 on 1 time with sweet mabel.  Skin to skin with dad benefits both Dad and baby!

After the sun came up, sweet big sister came to meet her new baby.  To say she was smitten with her would definitely be an understatement.

You can watch Mabel's birth story - including footage from before I arrived below!

Baker Family | Motherhood Session in Denver Colorado

As we all know I love everything about motherhood and I am one to believe that every stage of motherhood should be documented.  I love when mothers reach out to me to photograph this time in their journey.  It is so hard being a mother and finding time to step in front of the camera, especially with your children.  Even for me and I am definitely trying to be better about being present in the images with my children.

 The more I photograph motherhood and I understand that these photos are not for me or you or your husband or sister or mom, they are for your children. I only have a handful of photos with my mother from when I was a child, and even fewer of us just goofing off being silly together.  In the warmer months I plan on offering motherhood sessions outside once a quarter. In the winter, I plan on offering these sessions once a month at an indoor location.

Orley Family | Family Session in Denver CO

Although I generally only offer family photo sessions in the fall, these water sessions are ones I am planning on offering all summer long new year! To say I love taking families to the lake would be an understatement. There is something so beautiful about documenting a people along these shores. When we first moved to Aurora Colorado earlier this year and made our first trip to Cherry Creek State Park I knew I would be spending a lot of time here.  When I found this little, usually completely vacant shore line along the lake I knew I wanted to bring families here to photograph them.   I am so excited that next year I will be opening up these sessions as soon as the water is warm enough. 

The Orley Family is the second family that I brought to my little stretch of shore line and I am thrilled to share their gallery with you!

R. Family | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado

There is *almost* nothing more beautiful than documenting your last few weeks before a new little one joins your family. I had really been looking forward to this maternity session with the Roman Family.  Kathryn runs an extremely successful business here in Denver Colorado and is an amazing resource for so many families here in the metro area!  I was so honored when she contacted me to document her maternity session and her birth.  We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of their newest family member here in few days.  We all know these last few days can be hard, could you leave this family a few encouraging words in the comments.

Lily and Craig | Expecting in Denver Colorado

One night Lily and Craig were at our house, it was about 7pm and she could barely keep her eyes open.  I flat out told her she was pregnant.  She didn't believe me at all, but first thing the next day I got a text from her with a positive pregnancy test!   Not only are they expecting their little one next February, but this is their "Rainbow Baby" !!  A rainbow baby is a baby that is following a miscarriage, or loss.  I am so excited to not only help announce their pregnancy but I am thrilled that they want me to photograph their birth also!  Congratulations you two!  I am so excited for this journey you are on!!

Monet, Ryan + Lucy | Water Maternity Session in Denver CO

When Monet and I were discussing my vision for her maternity session, the one thing I wanted her to do was get in the water.  She had ZERO issues with that and even spent a week looking for the perfect dress to fit my vision.  Being in Denver had given me so many new options and ideas for my maternity, motherhood and family sessions.  Being in the water is definitely something I have been longing to do for quite some time.  We ended up going to a small reservoir in Aurora and found a spot that we almost completely secluded.  I am so excited to be offering these Maternity Sessions until the middle of September and I will be offering them again in the spring once it warms up enough to go back out.  

Sweet little Lucy wasn't too sure about the water, but as long as Mama was holding her she was all giggles and smiles.

Monet said being in the water was extremely calming and relaxing for her, especially on the waters edge where the water was the warmest.

About a week before out session Monet had her belly adorned with Henna.  

This sweet family is welcoming their new little one to their family in the few weeks.  They are having their birth documented by another amazing photographer here in Denver and I am so excited to see their birth story.  

If you are interested in booking your maternity session or birth story, please send me an email.  I would be honored to speak with you about my services

Rebecca | Motherhood Session in Denver Colorado

Motherhood Stories are my new baby.  This year I have spent a lot of time really evaluating where my work was going and what exactly I wanted to photograph.  Motherhood Stories came to me at the beginning of the year but my vision for them required me to hold off until summer to really dive in.  The water can be so healing, it can be a place where you hold on to your little ones so tightly and just love on them.  I feel extremely drawn to the water and I am so excited to bring others with me.  These Stories aren't just about photographing you and your child(ren) it's also about loving yourself and really truly embracing who you are a mother. 

I would love to photograph you and your children (if you'd like) in the water.  I am currently offering Motherhood Mini Sessions at this location in August and September.  Comment or send me an email at Hello@Photoartbyjessica.com to book your mini session!!

Monet, Ryan + Lucy | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado |

Because of the difference in images in the adorable family's gallery they are getting two blogs.  Monet is an amazing birth photographer here in Denver and I was a tiny bit (a lot-a-bit) nervous to have her and her family in front of my camera.  They couldn't have been more natural though and they made my job so easy.  I really love maternity photography, more so than any other type of photography.  There is something so beautiful with a mom going through this beautiful transition into a mother, even if it's for the 2nd, 3rd or 4th time.  Pregnancy is such a personally life changing time and no pregnancy is the same.  I really believe that every mom should have this chapter documented with every child.  

There is seriously nothing more beautiful than seeing your family expand. 

I truly love to fill my photos with light and love.  

There is such a special sweetness in being able to participate in creation.
– Pamela S. Nadav

I love this quote so much.  You can see the sweetness just radiating from this family.  I can't wait to share the rest of their maternity session with the world!

If you would like to book your own maternity session send me an email at Hello@photoartbyjessica.com

Randall Family | Family Session in Tucson Arizona

Last year I was able to document the birth story of Ireland.  I always love when families continue to return to me for other sessions.  I currently only offer a small number of family sessions here in Denver, and those will be announced here in the next few weeks.  I wold love to photograph your family this fall in Colorado!

Uy Family in Tucson Arizona

In March was able to photograph this beautiful family in Arizona while I was there on a trip.  I have been photographing them since their oldest was born.  How gorgeous are they?!?!

Haylea | Mommy and Me Maternity Session in Tucson Arizona

I absolutely adore Mommy and Me sessions.  I love seeing mothers connect with their little ones.  I book these motherhood sessions all year long in the Denver Metro Area.  

Graham Family | Maternity Session in Denver Colorado

Back in February I was able to take part in a beautiful Maternity Shoot out in Louisville CO.  I had never participated in a session quite like this before.  I am so glad I was able to go because it was such an awesome learning experience!  There were so many beautiful families and mama's.  This mama had her sweet baby Thomas in March.  

Did you know that all of my Birth Story Collections include a full maternity session?  I am now booking births for fall 2016 in the Denver Metro Area!  I would love to speak with you! 

Birth of Benjamin in Aurora Colorado

Back in May I had my first Colorado birth.  It was a cold rainy day and I was so glad I still had my big jacket still in my van.  This birth story is for some new friends I made right when we moved here, it had been months since I was able to document a birth story and it was so wonderful be allowed into her birthing space.  

Mama had such a beautiful birth at University of Colorado Hospital with the midwives from the Center for Midwifery.  It was such a dream working with this birth team.  They were so patient and compassionate with this family.  This was probably the most beautiful hospital birth I had ever attended.  

I am so excited to be booking births in the Denver Metro Area for the remainder of 2016 and the beginning of 2017.