I’ve known Mike and Naomi almost as long as I have been in Northern Virginia. They were probably one of the first set of friends that Cheri and I made after moving up here. So it was quite fitting that I was asked to photograph them to commemorate the coming of their first child.
The location I chose was Walney Pond in Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Centreville, VA. Its a cute little pond just off of I-66. The pond was full of lily pads and surrounded by trees.
We began by shooting at a small observation deck right on the water. There I took my first set of shots of Mike and Naomi. I had my wife Cheri, acting as my assistant, hold an LP160 speedlight mounted on a modified painter’s pole. A Lumiquest LTp softbox was added to help soften the light some.
Our second location was over at a bridge that crossed a small creek just around the corner from the pond. When we arrived, the bridge was covered in debris left over from the recent flooding we’ve had here in NOVA. But I came prepared with a broom and swept it clean before the shoot.
The third location was on a picnic table next to the bridge. I had Naomi sit with her legs folded and arms on her knees. I’ve found this triangle shape a fun and flattering pose for maternity shots.
As I went along shooting digital for this session, I also brought along my Holga 120CFN film camera. I used that with the intention of creating some double exposures on film. I thought this was a fun way to help capture the moments in between the more formal set-ups.
I’m looking forward to photographing Mike and Naomi’s new baby when he/she arrives next month!
Pingback: Baby Photo Session: Little Ethan | Centreville, VA | Eric Spiegel Photography