Winter Maternity Photos at the Howard County Conservancy

So, if you know me, you know that winter is not my jam. I much prefer to snuggle up inside next to the fireplace with my book, my pup, and my cup of hot, yummy coffee than do *anything* outside in the winter. I was not build for the cold and I have accepted that about myself 🤣 (<– showing millenial tendencies). However, I was recently pulled out of my rigid ways by B and C, who reached out about winter maternity photos at the Howard County Conservancy. They told me that they were old pros at shooting outdoors in the dead of winter, thanks to their cold weather wedding in Baltimore, and had no problem toughing it out in exchange for some beautiful maternity pictures. Welp, that was all I needed to hear and we made our plans!

We chose the “warmest” day out of a string of chilly February days, and were treated to a snowfall just beforehand so that the drab brown of the month was brightened up by the white snow on the ground. B loves the light and airy style of photography and especially requested that we try to harness as much light as possible to achieve that glowy magic (you know, the kind that can elevate a photo from “meh” to “WOW!”). As luck would have it, the clouds descended upon us and what started as weak, watery sunlight peeking out from behind clouds became full cloud cover as we got their session underway. For my first set of winter maternity photos at the Howard County Conservancy, I didn’t start out feeling nature’s love but, as soon as we started shooting, I realized that magic was going to happen anyway. Despite the lack of the gorgeous glowy light we both wanted, B and C were magical together.

B started out in a beautiful white lacy dress. Just looking at her bare arms made me feel cold (as I was comfy warm in my winter coat and covered ears) but she repeatedly assured me she was fine. During the entire session, C was just as tender and protective as you’d want the father of your baby to be. This couple together…Wow. Just all the heart eyes. Despite the shivery cold, they brought the heat and it was all I could do to not scream with excitement and joy after every shot. It’s always so invigorating to see what we’re creating as we’re creating it and feel in my bones that the client is going to love the photos just as much as they (and I!!!) had hoped.

After shooting down in a cove of trees, we knew that the sun was starting its’ descent in the sky (even though we couldn’t really see it) so we trekked back up to the front of the Conservancy to try to salvage some light. As we made our way up the hill, B changed her frozen toes out of her cute, dressy boots and into some more functional, warm boots…and C was right there assisting. Although this pic may not make it onto the mantle, his act of service is a true testament of C’s love for his pregnant wife and I loved capturing this behind-the-scenes moment for them (we giggled about how glamorous it was, of course – but isn’t B adorable hiking up her dress, supporting herself on her husband’s shoulder!?!?! Their love and care for one another was so evident throughout the entire session 😍).A quick change into a warmer sweater dress, coat, and beanie (she’s so PRETTY!!), and B’s toes were starting to thaw. I had the perfect spot in mind for the end of our session. Winter maternity photos at the Howard County Conservancy mandate that we shoot in the tall grasses at the top of the entrance hill – they’re not to be missed. Thankfully, the sun had beaten the clouds back some and we were treated to that glowy light we had been missing as we finished out their session. 

In a few weeks, this beautiful couple will be welcoming their little one and I will once again be behind the camera, documenting the product of their love and holding back my screams. I can’t wait!!

Liz Viernes Photography is based in Silver Spring, Maryland, and specializes in maternity, fresh 48, posed and lifestyle newborns and first year milestone portraits.

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