Jenna Cole Photography – Chicago, IL

It is around this time of year when inquiries slow down due to cold weather that I find myself itching to photograph something. Something other than my kid, because as cute as he is, getting an interesting/unique portrait of him can be really exhausting. I asked my friend Paige if we could get together to do a maternity session, and we were all ready to head outside and tough-it-out in the freezing Chicago weather, when she reminded me of this club room we have in the top of our apartment building that remains empty most of the time.

I’m so in love with how these turned out. I haven’t ever done anything in a studio style setting before, but I really enjoyed working with the light. I know it’s not everyone’s favorite thing, but I actually enjoy photographing my friends. We talked and laughed our way through the session, with no awkward moments filled with my racing brain trying to say something to relax her. Paige was relaxed because that’s how we are around each other.

Easily my favorite of the day. She looks relaxed and ready to be a mama of three. And Holy Cheekbones!

Inspired by all of the maternity silhouettes I see floating around Pinterest.

After we finished upstairs we went back down to their apartment, pushed a couch against the wall, and tried to get some shots of the siblings lovin’ on baby-in-utero. It didn’t quite go as planned, but I manage to grab some sweet moments anyway.

Let’s finish with a little demonstration of what life is actually like for this family.

I love you guys! I’m looking forward to meeting your little one and doing a whole lot of free babysitting when that happens.

This session was actually a gift to the Chaplins from one of my first clients, Helena. A big thank you to Helena for supporting me for two years now!

These two are great together, and after only one hour with them I can confidently say, You are going to be great parents!

I spotted this structure as I was walking toward the zoo, and the resulting photos turned out even better than I thought they would. Sandra worked it like a rock star when I gave her a few tips on how I wanted her to pose.

THAT SHOT!

Thanks so much for braving the cold you two! I know the readers can’t tell how freezing cold we were (because you do such a  good job at looking hot in these photos!)

Lindsey is a friend from Dallas who I dearly miss. She’s incredibly kind, so so sweet, and the kind of person who seems to instantly become best friends with every girl she meets. She is also going to be a wonderful, devoted mother.

She asked me what she should wear, and I told her I like to photograph rich colors. She took my advice to heart and I think it really made a difference in the photos!

THAT SHOT

Quite possibly my favorite photograph that I’ve ever taken. And that’s saying a lot because rarely are black and white photos at the top of my list.

The light in this spot was beyond amazing.

We were thinking we were going to have to shoot inside due to the Texas summer heat, and I’m so glad we didn’t. This session would never have come close to being this amazing had we stayed indoors.

My second favorite shot, and most definitely my all-time favorite maternity pose.

Lindsey,

You’re beautiful.

I’m coming back to Dallas in 3 weeks. Crossing my fingers we get to see each other once again!

Love,

Jenna