Today I was excited to participate in a maternity photo session in Oak Brook. Typically, I photograph newborns in my Lake Forest studio, so I was excited to photograph something new. I had the most extraordinary opportunity to photograph a maternity session for a model and her husband who are expecting their first baby. Not only was she absolutely STUNNING, but the venue we shot in was incredible. Check out the Mayslake Peabody Estate.

As a photographer, you struggle this time of the year here in Chicago. There aren’t that many opportunities to make shoot something beautiful outside when the weather is so unpredictable and COLD, soooo cold. To have the opportunity to shoot maternity photography at a historic state with incredible detail was just what my artistic side needed during this time of the year.

We had permission to photograph in areas of the estate that are typically restricted from public access. Not much of the house has changed and it was s intriguing to see what the house looked like when it was built. The character of the home can not be beaten. It served as a beautiful backdrop for our stunning mama-to-be.

Maternity photography is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres to shoot. The glow of an expectant mother shines through the camera. As a mom to three little ones, it brings back so many of those pre-baby memories. Planning the nursery, thinking about what kind of mom I want to be, arguing with my husband about names (!).

I sooo wish I had an image of myself like this when I was pregnant, even with the twins when my stomach looked like a zeppelin. I have some candid shots, which I love, but ugh I never took a professional photo of myself during this time. I didn’t feel pretty, most do not. If you are on the fence or even feel like you don’t want photos of yourself, get them anyway. I promise you’ll cherish them afterward! Check out some of my maternity photos, HERE. 

Hope you enjoy these photos! If you have the opportunity, visit the estate and its grounds!

~Katie