The Broen family’s maternity session took place at Belle Isle in downtown Richmond, Virginia in June. Ellen found me on Google when she was looking for a Richmond maternity photographer! She was looking for a pregnancy photographer to capture her second pregnancy with her husband, Matt, and their three-year-old daughter, Grace. They were expecting another little girl, Moxie soon! Ellen specifically wanted the Richmond skyline as part of their backdrop for their Belle Isle maternity photos.
We met in the small parking lot near Tredegar Iron Works before walking toward the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge. From the Tredegar Street side of downtown Richmond, the bridge crosses the James River and leads directly onto Belle Isle.
Richmond Maternity Photos at Belle Isle
It was unbelievably hot and sticky that day. I mean hotter than Hades hot. Before we even got started, I was already sweating through my clothes.
Ellen started the session in a fitted, short-sleeve olive green dress with flats. Matt wore a white pattern button down with olive green pants. Grace had on a super cute cream floral print dress with pink, along with white bobby socks and little Mary Janes. so cute!
We started on the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge with some walking photos. We also stopped along the edge of the bridge. I had Grace sit on her mama’s belly for photos of all three of them snuggled together. As a Richmond maternity photographer, these are always some of my favorite images. Plus, the Richmond skyline behind them was beautiful.
Pregnancy Photos Along the James River
Once we crossed onto Belle Isle, I did a little scouting down by the water and found a quieter inlet with driftwood and large rocks.
The rocks around Belle Isle are one of the most recognizable parts of the island, but I loved finding a spot that gave us the rocky James River setting without needing to photograph in one of the busier areas. Belle Isle sits right in the middle of the James River and is known for its wooded trails, river views and large flat rocks.
Grace was so perfect with her mama. She gave Ellen kisses and put her ear up against the baby bump to see if she could hear Moxie moving. Then, completely unprompted, she kissed Mama’s belly and told Moxie how excited she was to meet her. She was totally one of those toddlers that made my job as a Richmond maternity photographer easy!
Next, mom changed into her second dress- a beautiful deep pink gown!
Before the session, Ellen came to my photography studio in Richmond to try on maternity dresses from my private Maternity Client Closet. She chose a fitted dark pinkish-mauve gown with a sweetheart neckline, ruching and a long chiffon train in the back.
Once we were down by the James River, Scott and I held up our large quilt so Ellen could change into the gown. I started by photographing her alone on the rocks and beside the water.
I love fitted maternity gowns because they really show the shape of the pregnant belly. A lot of moms are initially a little self-conscious about wearing a fitted dress. So I show them examples of other women wearing them and explain how I photograph and edit them. About eight out of ten decide to give one a try.
Ellen was no exception. She looked absolutely incredible standing out there on the rocks with the James River behind her. A Richmond maternity photographer’s dream shot!
Then I brought Matt in for photos of just the two of them.
Richmond Skyline Maternity Photos from Belle Isle
When we were finished by the water, we headed back toward the pedestrian bridge and downtown Richmond.
Before we left, I stopped for a few more photos of Ellen in the mauve maternity gown with the Richmond skyline behind her. That was the view she had wanted when she first booked me as her Richmond maternity photographer. So I definitely wanted to make sure we got it before we called it a night.
This was one of those Richmond summer maternity sessions where it felt approximately 400 degrees outside. So of course I also had to point out the back of my shorts.
After a really hot summer session, I usually look like I’ve peed myself. I call it swamp ass, but around a three-year-old, I went with “swamp butt.” Grace thought this was possibly the funniest thing she had ever heard. She could not stop laughing.
I love ending a session with everyone laughing, even when it is completely at my expense. Ellen later told me that Matt said it was his favorite photo session they had ever done because he actually had fun. I consider that a huge win. If I can get the dads to buy in and enjoy themselves too, I know I’ve done my job.
Belle Isle gave us exactly what Ellen had been looking for. The Richmond skyline, the James River, the pedestrian bridge and rocky areas along the water. All within one maternity session in downtown Richmond Virginia.
If you’re expecting and considering maternity photos at Belle Isle or another location around Richmond, VA, I’d love to help you plan a session that fits you and your family.
Ready to Book Your Richmond Maternity Photographer?
If you love Ellen and Matt’s maternity photos at Belle Isle in Richmond VA I’d love to help you plan a session that works for you. Whether you want city views, golden-hour light or a completely different setting, I bet I have a location you will love!
See more of my maternity portfolio and other locations in Richmond, VA and Lawton, Oklahoma!
Sarah Creal is a family, maternity, newborn, and birth photographer serving Richmond, Virginia and Lawton, Oklahoma. With 10+ years in business and 95 five-star reviews, she is known for relaxed, connected photography and her ability to work with children and families of different needs. Sarah was also an occupational therapist for 25 years and is a member of Professional Photographers of America and the American Occupational Therapy Association.
