Some sessions just hit different… and this one at Coon’s Bluff honestly felt like stepping straight into a little slice of magic. As a Phoenix maternity photographer, I get to see a lot of gorgeous spots around the Salt River, but this day truly took my breath away. I swear, the river has never looked greener this late in the year. December in Arizona usually starts to bring neutral tones, but after the monsoon season we had? The trees, the grass, the riverbanks…everything was lush and glowing. It was the perfect backdrop for this beautiful growing family.
Before the session, mom sent me a photo of her soft pink, dreamy, fairy-like dress with flowy layers, ethereal vibes, all the things. They’re welcoming a baby girl, so the color was already perfect, but when I pictured that dress in the greenery of Coon’s Bluff, I knew exactly where to take her. That soft pink against the vibrant greens created the most whimsical look. As an Arizona maternity photographer, these are the moments I live for: when the outfit and the scenery blend so perfectly it feels surreal.
This is actually my second maternity session with this family. Their little guy, Miles, who is somehow almost three already, was still in the belly the first time around. And that session was at the Salt River too. Mom loved the feel of those Salt River maternity photos so much, she wanted that same iconic beauty again… but this time, we mixed things up by starting at Coon’s Bluff to give her something fresh, different, and honestly even prettier.
Midway through our shoot, we wandered over to another spot along the river with those stunning mountain and cliff views the Salt River is known for. It gave us even more variety, plus the perfect place for a quick outfit change. Mom slipped into a second dress with the cutest rhinestone and pearl details…a whole new vibe, just as gorgeous. I love offering variety in each session, and locations like photographing at the Salt River make that so easy.
And then there was the moment that absolutely melted me: little Miles picking flowers by the water and running them over to his mama. Pure sweetness. These are some of their last moments as a family of three, and he has no idea how special that tiny gesture was. Moments like that are why I love documenting families during this season of life.
Soon, I’ll be meeting their newest little girl, and I honestly can’t wait. And with the way mom glows during pregnancy? It makes perfect sense that they’re planning on adding one more little one after this. She is truly stunning.
Sessions like this remind me why I adore being a Phoenix maternity photographer. The Salt River, the connection between families, the gorgeous Arizona light…it all comes together in the most meaningful way.