Like many maternity photographers, I enjoy looking back at my former maternity sessions. I am proud of all of them, and I also like to see how my style has changed over time. These Brushy Creek Maternity Photos are a sweet reminder of how timeless outdoor maternity photos can be.
As with all art, styles change over time. However, my Brushy Creek maternity photos always feature my favorite spots, perfect lighting, and all the elements that make Texas Hill Country beautiful. Many thanks to the Guzman family– then and now — for letting me showcase these beautiful family photos and maternity portraits.
Family Maternity Photos
I had known Brittany, Michael, and Rowan for a while, so planning their photoshoot was fun and relatively laid back. Rowan was a friendly, well-behaved young gentleman. You can tell how excited he was to meet his brother (Nolan) in just a few weeks.
I like different types of maternity photos for different reasons. Solo maternity portraits feel powerful, whether they’re a studio session or an outdoor session. Family maternity photos, like these, reinforce the strength of family connections — whether it’s just two expectant parents or a rapidly expanding family. Different photo positions allow families to be part of the maternity portrait while still framing mom and her baby bump as the picture’s emphasis. For instance, in this photo, I had Michael and Rowan on one side and Brittany on the other. Notice how she is the first person your eye is drawn toward in this photo, and the framing of her arm draws your eyes down to her belly.
But even though this Brushy Creek maternity photo session is mostly about mom, dad and big brother are also a big part of this family dynamic. I made sure to take photos of just the boys, too. (Plus, little Rowan’s fedora was killing me throughout the session. So hip!)
The Best Spots For Brushy Creek Maternity Photos
The Guzmans wanted to take their maternity photos in Cedar Park, a cute little spot just outside of Austin, TX. My maternity studio is located in Cedar Park, but so are some of the loveliest Texas Hill Country spots. Brushy Creek Maternity photos come out great because there are so many accessible but wild-feeling spots within the park.
This creek spot with a view of the old bridge in the background works great for sunset shots. There’s just so much going on!
The bridge, itself, is also a great place to take photos, as the lush green surrounding it makes a great point of contrast. For many of Brittany’s photos, however, I wanted to get water shots. It just seemed like a natural choice with the flowy blue maternity gown she picked out for her maternity portraits.
I especially love this maternity portrait below. The blue gown really compliments her complexion and her eyes. She looks so happy and serene in this photo.
Creating Magic With Lighting
Looking back at these photos, one of the elements I particularly enjoy is the lighting.
It was later in the day when we did this shoot, which meant that the sun was lower in the sky. Low lighting can make photography difficult, and playing with the lighting after the photoshoot (especially when your subject is wearing a lightly-colored maternity gown) can make things difficult. However, it all worked out. When Brittany wore this white maternity dress, she looked absolutely dreamy in these photos.
I also used the lighting to my advantage to create some beautiful baby bump shots. This one with the sunset behind her is just stunning.
Of course, I can’t give the lighting and my photography skills all the credit. The Guzmans brought so much joy, love, and connection to this photoshoot that it naturally radiated magic. I loved how close the family was — and loved how sweet Rowan was about his mom’s pregnancy. Today, Rowan’s a lot older, and now he has a little brother!
Thanks to Brittany, Michael, and Rowan for this lovely maternity photoshoot. It was such a treat to revisit it a few years after we met up to take these photos.
To schedule your own Austin, TX maternity photos with Hello Photography, click here.
