Great expectations, Maryland pregnancy portrait session

I rarely show maternity images here because they often are intimate. But this gorgeous mom-to-be was happy to let me share some of these beautiful images of her. So to her, I say thank you very much!

I just had a fun maternity session today with a fellow Baltimore photographer, and I will be sharing a few of those here soon too!

Beautiful girl...

This is Hannah the Ham...Miss Hannah knew exactly what I wanted from her before I even asked! She was a complete joy to photograph!

11 weeks old, Baltimore Baby Photo Session

From a baby photographer's perspective, three months is one of the toughest ages. These little ones are not sleepy newborns, nor are they able to sit up or even hold up their heads for long. But, on the upside, this is when their personalities really start to show!

This sweet little girl is Miss Elliot (I love that name!). She made us work for it and conked out right at the very end of the session, just long enough for me to capture a few sleepy shots.

Summer in the city

I didn't grow up with alleys. I grew up in the small-town south, playing in creeks and making mud pies. But my kids are being raised in the city where the yards are small (ours is a courtyard, no grass. See picture #4 taken in front of the goldfish pond) and you play where you can. In our case, it is often the alley. But lucky for me, the lighting in alleys can be awesome! I'd heard concrete reflects light beautifully, so I brought my camera out yesterday while Graham was skateboarding. I never post my own children here, so here they are, unkempt, uncombed, just a regular summer afternoon for two city kids!

Because everyone's entitled to a bad day...MD baby portraits

In the years I have been photographing babies and kids, I have learned quite a few tricks to eeking out nice images of even the grumpiest of subjects. But I have also learned to know when it's time to cut things short and try again another day.

This session was one of those. Little Maitland here was not thrilled with her visit to the studio the first time. It seems she was just too tired to put up with all my silliness, and she let us know in no uncertain terms that she was DONE. Unfortunately, she was "done" before I was, so I invited her to come back another day. Look at the difference! I'm so thrilled, because the images from the second shoot show her truly sunny personality (not to mention some awesomely squeezeable thighs!)

First post on the newly designed blog!

I'm still getting the kinks worked out, but hopefully this new design will let me post larger photos!

Here is little Mr. Cameron, a gorgeous newborn if ever there was one!


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Maternity Session Tips and Directions

(Please bookmark this page so you can refer to it later. You may want to copy and past the text and print it out!)

Please be assured that your comfort is my priority during your maternity session. I strive to not only capture beautiful moments for you and your spouse, but also make the experience enjoyable and comfortable. We can do images that range from modest to daring, whatever your preference!

Please do not wear anything with elastic on your belly for a few hours before your session. The elastic can leave unflattering markings on your belly. Watches and some other jewelry can have this same effect. Don't forget about your feet! Tight socks can leave marks too; weather permitting, consider wearing flip-flops to your session. Also be aware of your manicure…your hands will be in many images.

Most stretch marks can be edited out at no cost. There may be an additional fee for major editing.

Plan to spend about 45 minutes at your session for the mini-session, up to two hours for the deluxe session. If you have some particular looks in mind you'd like to try to achieve, let me know ahead of time so we can work on those first.

My style is to get beautiful images of you with a natural feel. We can achieve different looks with various backdrops and flattering lighting techniques. I will also have available some soft fabrics to drape your body, if you wish. We want the belly to show! Clothing that is too large or bulky will just make you look big. Clothing should be form fitting, such as a snug tank top or a camisole. Please wear a black "pretty bra" if you have any that still fit!

Also consider a sports bra, halter-tops that open down the middle, a large man's shirt (solid, nicely ironed) that can be left open. Short-shorts type underwear (low rise but wide) or thongs if want your image to appear nearly nude. Or something funky, like a chunky scarf or a crocheted sweater jacket.

I love the look of denim in photos; if you plan to wear jeans, please do not wear the paneled-front style; I prefer the kind that sit below the belly or the ones with the smaller stretch band around the top (which can be folded under), or even non-pregnancy jeans with the zipper left open (if you are lucky enough to still fit into them!).

Your husband/partner should wear a solid, dark shirt and jeans (if you plan to wear jeans). Bring a lighter solid shirt for him as well in case we decide to do some lighter-toned work. Dads-to-be also can go shirtless if they feel comfortable doing so.


Also, if you have sassy high heels and would like something a little racy, bring them!

DIRECTIONS: Blair's studio is located in suite 210 of the Cranston
Building at 320 E. Towsontown Blvd., Towson, MD 21286.

From I-695 take EXIT 49B toward I-70 / I-83 / TOWSON. Merge onto DULANEY VALLEY
RD via EXIT 27A toward TOWSON. Enter roundabout and take 3rd exit onto YORK RD.
Turn LEFT onto E TOWSONTOWN BLVD. Turn east onto E. Towsontown Blvd.
(intersection at the pinkish public library and Wilson Lighting). Pass the
Maryland Dept. Of Labor, Licensing and Regulations. Turn right into the parking
lot by the street sign that says Centre Ave. (dead end- not really a street.)

Please park in any space in front (ignore "reserved" markings).
Clients may also park in the grassy area along side the building. Enter the
building from the EAST entrance near the wheelchair ramp. Come up the
stairs and look for Blair's suite on the right.