I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Sierrah, James, and their adorable daughter Hayden again for a beautiful summer family maternity session along the Columbia River in the Tri-Cities, WA. I’ve captured their family moments before, and it’s always such a joy to see how much Hayden has grown and how their love as a family continues to blossom. The river runs through the area and there are so many great backdrops. The warm summer glow made the perfect setting for this special shoot, and I couldn’t be happier to document this exciting time as they await the arrival of their newest family member.

The Perfect Golden Hour Family Shoot

Sierrah, James, and Hayden’s family maternity session began with a little pre-sesh prep to ensure everything was perfect. I scouted a beautiful spot along the Columbia River, making sure we had the finest views and natural light. We coordinated their outfits to complement the summer vibes and the backdrop, opting for light and airy colors. We scheduled the session around golden hour, (a little harder in the summer with sunset being so late) so we could capture that magical, warm glow.

I wanted to focus on getting key shots to tell their story during the session. I captured individual shots of Sierrah in stunning maternity poses, highlighting her bump. James had his moments, too, showing the excitement of an expectant father. And little Hayden stole the show with her playful candids, bringing so much energy to the photos. The coordinated outfits, golden light, and natural interactions make a session like this so GOOD.

A Playful Maternity Session Along the Columbia River

I wanted to capture a mix of traditional and interactive shots for the family poses. We got some beautiful candid moments like James holding Sierrah’s belly and Hayden hugging her mom, which were just so sweet and genuine. I included some wide-angle family shots to add more scenery to their photos. Close-ups of their hands, feet, and small interactions added those intimate details that tell their story. 

For the fun and playful shots, I focused on capturing the family’s joyous moments together. Watching Hayden play with her parents was heartwarming — you can see how devoted they are. We used props like a picnic blanket, a stuffed bunny, and a cute baby outfit to add a little fun. Hayden’s playful energy was infectious, and I loved capturing those moments. This family is so sweet!

Washington Family Photographer | Kat Nielsen Photography

If you’re searching for the perfect family photographer in Eastern Washington, visit my family photo portfolio page! Contact me today to schedule your session, and be sure to follow me on Pinterest for endless inspiration for your next photoshoot.