Angie & Ben's Growing Family | Wisconsin Family Photographer

Anytime there are 3 little ones running around a shoot - it gets crazy, but the hugs, kisses and smiles always seem to out weighed the tears, pouts and ice cream cone bribes! And yes, as you can see, Ben & Angie are about to have another beautiful child.  Laid back, Angie wanted a few casual maternity photos and some fall shots with the entire family. She is the perfect kind of mom for this type of shoot and this many kids..she is so easy going & relaxed.

{Photographer's Favorite}

Angie looks so amazing.  I have a hard time believing this is baby #4, I'm not sure how she does it!

Could they have more adorable children?

 I wish Angie & Ben and their growing family the best always...

and a little bit of sleep now & then too!

Lauren & Baby

Last night, I was lucky enough to shoot this gorgeous pregnant girl and her sweet family.  She is so adorable.  She had the perfect outfit for our sunny outdoor shoot.  She looked great in her flowy gray dress.  She looked beautiful, stylish and strong.  

I'll be honest, I have had mixed feelings about maternity shoots for a long time.  I don't love lots of cheesy ribbons, bows and baby block props.  I would rather focus on the strength and beauty of the mother.  I always thought a glowing mother to be is the only prop you need; this shoot proved that my instincts were right.  These are some of my favorite photos ever because they are naturally beautiful. 

These photos remind me of the movie The Family Stone.  There is one part of the movie when the grown children in the family are given a framed photo of their pregnant mother. It was a very touching scene, which is making me tear up right now just writing about it.  The children, especially the daughter who was about to be born when the photo was taken, are completely smitten by the gift. The photo was still stunning decades after it was shot. I believe, because it had the one component that makes maternity photos amazing, breathtaking and timeless...a strong, confident and happy pregnant woman...just like Lauren here.  

No kitschy blocks or pink & blue booties needed.