What an amazing maternity session this was! When the couple told me they wanted to have their maternity session at Mount Rainier National Park, I was, to put it mildly, beyond excited! I love mountains. And the chance to photograph a couple at the mountain, well… Lets just say it was a seriously awesome adventure, full of some of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen.
This wasn’t my first trip to Mount Rainier by any stretch, but it was my first trip in probably nearly 30 years, and perhaps most importantly, my first trip since becoming a photographer. It’s interesting to reflect on how much different my experience was this time. Sure, as a kid I always thought Mount Rainier was cool. Building snow caves and hiking through the wildflowers was fun. And of course, seeing it tower above everything else around was always impressive, but I think I sort of took it for granted. Somehow being gone for so many years from the place I grew up, along with being a photographer has made me appreciate the beauty of Mount Rainier so much more. Seeing just how massive it is reaching into the sky, blanketed in snow… I was in so much awe I became misty-eyed. I can honestly say I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything as beautiful with my own eyes. And I don’t think I ever really saw Mount Rainier until now. Sure, I’ve seen plenty of natural beauty on screen (the Planet Earth series is absolutely incredible), but there really is no substitute for actually being there and making a connection. I think many of us have those elements or places in nature with which we feel a special connection or calling. A kind of place that when we visit, it somehow soothes the soul. For some, it is the vastness of the ocean. For others, it may be sandy beaches and palm trees, or perhaps it is the jungle with its diverse array of living things. For me, it is snow-covered mountains and pine trees. I will certainly be back. 🙂
I met up with this lovely couple at Longmire in Mount Rainier National Park. Paradise and many of the higher elevation spots were still covered in snow, so we opted to stay at lower elevations for warmer temperatures and easier footing. 🙂 They had flown from New York to visit (and be photographed in) the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest before their new baby girl arrives. They looked amazing and we had an absolutely incredible time exploring and capturing their excitement about welcoming their new baby girl into the world! I loved how they were both up for adventure, including hiking out on the Nisqually River bed. She came well-prepared with her hiking boots as well! 🙂
Thank you both for the wonderful session and I wish you all the best as you prepare for the arrival of your new baby girl! Congratulations and enjoy the sneak peek!
