Before jetting off to Chicago last summer, I had the distinct pleasure of shooting a maternity and newborn combination session for Thuraya and Eyad’s growing family. This lovely couple was expecting their second baby girl, six years after their first born was born, so you can imagine just how special and exciting of a time this was for everyone involved.

Thuraya has impeccable taste, both with her fashion as well as her home. Her maternity session was a dream to capture. I often advice my families not to wear 100% matching colors and outfits. Why? Because when do people ever wear exactly the same thing when they are seen in public? Rarely, if ever. Everyone has their own personality and expresses it through their own fashion sense. So the only directive I provide is to wear complimentary colors and styles, no loud prints, logos or stripes (stripes look weird on video). And boy did Thuraya and her family score.

Enjoy!

I love shooting first birthdays. Babies start to show so much of their budding personalities and some begin to acquire more independence, resulting in so many funny moments! They move about and add so much dimension to a shoot, and you can just play, play play. 

Idrees turned one this past December, and we had so much fun together. The session was very colorful and full of energy and laughs. I always tell my clients, you don't need much to have a great session, you don't even have to make sure every piece of furniture in your home is exactly where it needs to be. All you need to do is focus on your family, focus on the fun you want to have together, and allow the moments to unfold naturally. 

Here's a look at Idrees' first birthday shoot. Happy birthday little man. May you continue to shine and fill your parents' and family's lives with so much love and sunshine.