Portland Maternity Archives – Kimi Photography

Portland Maternity Session with an under 2 years old

misohime — Sun, 16 Mar 2025 23:26:17 +0000

Portland Maternity Session with an under 2 year old child

It has been over 10 years we’ve been photographing maternity and newborn pictures in Portland. Many repeat clients come to our studio, and we are very thankful and love seeing their families’ grow! It seems like parents feel that planning a successful maternity session with a child, who has yet to become 2 years old, is hard to plan. They cannot express or tell their feelings well yet. Also they have very short time to enjoy and be in a good mood.

It may not be easy, since we cannot expect how they act, but I actually enjoy seeing them getting used to me and being photographed.

I believe that planning helps to have a successful Portland maternity session with a toddler.

Tips for a Successful Portland Maternity Session with Your Little One Under 2 Years Old

Expecting a baby is such an exciting time, and a maternity photo session is a beautiful way to capture this special moment in your life. When you’re already a parent to a little one under the age of 2, it can feel a bit overwhelming to plan a session, especially when you want to make sure your toddler is involved and feels comfortable.

As a maternity and newborn photographer here in Portland, Oregon, I’ve had the privilege of working with many families like yours. I’ve gathered some helpful tips that will ensure your maternity session goes smoothly, even with a curious toddler in tow. Here’s how you can prepare for a successful photo shoot while making the most of the experience!

1. Choose Your Kid's Happy Time to Have Your Maternity Session

It is a maternity session, but I usually focus on the kid’s happy time to decide when to start the session. Because happy kids make parents smile and be happier. It sounds very easy. However, when people plan out a maternity session, they focus on what to wear, when to start make-up and where to take pictures more than when to start the session. That works for a maternity session without kids, but with kids under 2 years old, we should plan to have maternity session when they are in a good mood. Usually, we have those sessions in the morning or early afternoon before or after their nap time.

For some of those who would like to have a beauty maternity session, we can focus on YOU and the beauty of your maternity. In that case, husband and your kids will just join in on a couple photos.

2. Keep It Short and Sweet

Kids who are under 2 years old have short attention spans, so we try to capture them in a shorter session — usually around an hour verses the usual 1.5 hours. They can only focus for 5 minutes or so at a time during that age, so we always try to get some attention with playing.

Here is an example of toddler’s attention span.

We focus on capturing the moments that tells the story of the maternity time most. Sometimes, the best images come when you’re simply enjoying each other’s company, so let the session flow naturally. Like the picture in the middle, I asked the boy to join the parents. He said NO! My job is often denied by toddlers. Haha…Until they get warmed up, I wait and encourage them to join, but do not force them to join. I also ask parents to keep focusing on the session. (Mike will watch over them while we are photographing.) Most kids would like to do what parents are doing, so we can try directing them in that way!

3. Expect the Unexpected

When working with toddlers, it’s important to keep expectations flexible. We ask our clients to not get disappointed even if your kids aren’t acting like you hoped at first. Most kids get warmed up and begin being interested at some point. Taking time and letting them see how parents are enjoying at the session make kids more comfortable. Please do not feel bad for us either. They might get cranky, distracted, or just not want to participate, and that’s okay! These moments are part of their personality, and capturing the raw, honest moments is what makes the photos meaningful too.

We’ll work together to go with the flow, and I’ll make sure to get those timeless family shots no matter what happens. The most important thing is that you’re enjoying the experience as a family.

4. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

Lastly, remember that this is a celebration of you and your family. It’s normal to feel a little nervous or anxious, especially with a little one. However, the best photos come when you are relaxed and present in the moment. Your toddler may not always cooperate perfectly, and that’s perfectly fine. What’s important is that you are creating memories of this beautiful chapter of your life, and those will last forever.

Having a Portland maternity session with an under 2 years old child doesn’t have to be stressful. With good planning, preparation, and flexibility, we can create wonderful memories and capture stunning photos that you and your family will cherish for years to come. Your session will reflect the love and excitement that is growing in your family.

I’m here to help make your maternity session as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. Let’s capture your family’s beautiful journey together!

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Portland maternity photographer and newborn photographer

misohime — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 22:51:56 +0000

Are you expecting to have a baby in spring? There are many beautiful places for your photography session in Portland!

If you are looking for a Portland maternity photographer and newborn photographer, please let us know. We provide on location and in studio maternity sessions as well as newborn sessions in our studio!

With this beautiful couple, we visited a private farm in Portland area. There are many cherry blossoms in Portland, but it is not easy to find a place that you can actually enjoy the blossoms during the session with nobody staring at you or people behind your pictures. Since social distancing is very important of these days, we had a wonderful celebration session there. We will find you the best spot for your session too.

Not only the wife’s beauty, but I also love capturing the excitement and smiles of the husband towards his wife.

Here’s a black & white photo and a colored picture. Which one do you like?

We love capturing the stylish posed shots, but we cannot resist the genuine smiles. Love seeing those moments live!

If you are looking for a Portland maternity photographer and newborn photographer, Please contact us. We have dresses for maternity and newborn sessions, if you would like to use them. You are always welcome to bring your own dresses as well! We’re looking forward to work with you!

Contact Us | Portland Newborn & Family Photographer

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Pregnancy Massage & Maternity Portrait Session

misohime — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 02:30:17 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Being pregnant is one of those moments to cherish in your life. As you see in my portfolio for maternity sessions, you can see the beautiful and gorgeous ladies shine! However, the beauty and gorgeousness sometimes come with some physical pregnancy pains. The hormones can affect you mentally also. Pregnancy massage might help in having cherishable moments of pregnancy and have a wonderful maternity portrait session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4195″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Most of our maternity portrait clients come to our studio when they are in the third trimester of their pregnancy. The baby is already big and the belly is nicely round. It is also the time moms get muscle aches and joint pain. The spine curves more as the belly gets big, so a lot of pregnant women deal with back pains. Because of the development of mammary glands for breast feeding, the bust get bigger as well. It means shoulder muscle pain and the upper body also gets heavier. To get relief from that, pregnancy massage might help.

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Can all massage therapist provide pregnancy massage?

[vc_column_text]Just like choosing an educated maternity and newborn photographer, you would like to choose pregnancy massage therapists who are educated in that special field. It seems like they can take some advanced training to provide the service. As a photographer, I am educated as a maternity and newborn photographer to take care of your baby. At least once a year, I do update my skills and knowledge with advanced maternity and newborn workshops and worldwide photographer conferences. So for a prenatal massage therapist, it is always good to find someone who is specialized and educated in the field.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4197″ img_size=”large ” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”4196″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”]

When to have a massage?

[vc_column_text]According to whattoexpect.com , pregnancy massage is generally considered safe after the first trimester. Just like usual massage sessions, it makes our blood flow well. Better blood circulation is better, but it might trigger your morning sickness too. It helps after the second trimester.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”4192″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Prenatal massage helps to prevent depression and reduces anxiety also. Women’s body changes quickly and very much to become a mom while we are pregnant. It helps to improve labor outcome by caring for yourself physically and mentally with a prenatal massage. It even makes you feel good and more enjoyable to have a maternity photo session with Kimi Photography![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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How to prepare your kid to have a new sibling?

misohime — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 05:08:55 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you expecting your 2nd baby? or 3rd? I am the first child of my parents. The family transformation for having a new sibling for me was not so easy. I still remember the mixed feeling of joy and complication of being an older sister. If you have younger siblings, I bet you’ve encountered the moment also!

It was such exciting news hearing about my younger sister when I was 4 years old. However, I was not clearly understanding what would change and not change. That made me a little nervous.

Even if you try to give the most attention to your older child, the newborn baby will take up your time. It is not easy for someone who was used to being the center of the family and now they have to share the spotlight with the new member. To understand the situation and role change for having a new sibling, older siblings need some preparation and encouragement. Family transformation needs a lot of love and trust, right? 🙂

While I take pictures at a newborn photo session, I see how your older kids are reacting to the newborn and I try to give them complimenting words as being a good big brother and sister.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3709″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3712″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]We have variety of age groups that come for their newborn photo session from all over the place! I often meet 2-4 year olds as older siblings at my newborn photo sessions. At preschooler age, they are still very attached to their mom. Also, it is hard for them to understand sharing too. I feel that they are very sensitive to the new member compared to other ages.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3711″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I was researching how I can encourage and prepare the older siblings at my session, and I found these web pages with some interesting points!

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx

and this one on helping your child adjust to a new sibling: https://smartparentadvice.com/adjust-to-a-new-sibling/[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dads are always very helpful! Like it says, it would be a good opportunity for them to spend quality time with dad. Most of the time, I finish up all sibling and dad photos with their newborn first. So they can play or spend time together while I capture mom and the new sibling. This way, the older sibling doesn’t have to wait for their little brother and sister for too long, and mom doesn’t have to be overwhelmed at our newborn photo session.

Dads, you guys rock![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3511″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3720″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Many parents want to have some siblings shots. I always like to capture those moments. The key to capture those moment with a newborn is communicating enough to the older sibling first. Encouraging them to be sweet to the newborn and earning the trust from them by not controlling their feelings. I will only be with them a short time during the photo session, but most importantly showing love to the older one during the session makes the newborn photo session more memorable for them! By seeing the pictures I capture, I hope they understand and adjust to the change and are proud of themselves being a big sibling!

Please contact Kimi Photography, if you are interested in having your newborn pictures and family photography.

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Beautiful Maternity Portrait Session in Portland Oregon

misohime — Wed, 14 Jun 2017 06:31:10 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”3467″ img_size=”large” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]We had a Beautiful Maternity Portrait Session at Kimi Photography in Portland Oregon. One of the popular session packages is our Belly to Baby package at Kimi Photography. It is both our maternity and newborn sessions. This couple was also interested in both sessions, and we have recently done a maternity portrait session with them![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3469″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3468″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Since last winter, Portland is having such weird weather… It has been rainy and snowy :(. I have been living in Portland for 9 years so far, but it is one of the worst winters… When they booked with Kimi Photography, we could not guarantee the sunny weather for outside session, so we planed inside studio session for the maternity portrait! I personally like both outside and inside sessions. I think both have their good points depending on the situation.

For an outside session, we can enjoy the weather and capture the season with the maternity portrait session. Usually kids love being outside and running around if you have one or more children already! It is great for the family oriented sessions. For the inside session, we can make the maternity portrait session more intimate. Also, you don’t have to walk around, so it is easy for the mom. Another thing is….Weather. Since you don’t want to miss the timing, it is always good to have an option to choose from inside or outside maternity sessions. Kimi Photography is available for either one! If you want to know more about sessions with Kimi Photography, please contact us 🙂 We have a free consultation to plan out your portrait session.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3466″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]For this maternity portrait session, the couple was expecting their first child, so it worked out great for an inside session! The mom chose a beige dress! The neutral color always compliments the beauty of inside maternity portraits I believe. It goes well with both black and white backgrounds. It was such a fun session and their smile just made me happy and joyful! I am so glad that I was chosen to be their maternity and newborn photographer! I am very excited to see their baby boy soon![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Family Portrait Session in Portland with Kimi Photography

misohime — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 06:34:39 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]I am always so thankful when my clients come back. I love seeing the family and babies growing up! Their maternity pictures were taken by Kimi Photography about 4 years ago.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3359″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3358″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]I still remember that the time we had the maternity session was pretty cold, but full of giggles and happiness! I cannot believe that this boy was the little bump! He is now 4 years old and they are back for a Family Portrait Session with Kimi Photography!

Usually we reserve about 2 hours for our Family Portrait Session. It depends on the kid’s age though. Little ones are a little more difficult to keep their attention on the photo session. As we know they don’t last 2 hours. We will have some activities and stuff to entertain them ( like balloons, other toys, and sometimes a cake ) to capture the moment, and we capture the interactions between the family. With this 4 year old boy, the session went very smooth with lots of laughs and smiles.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3363″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3364″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]In these 4 years, they got another bump! We also celebrated this little man’s first birthday together![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3365″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3366″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]From our experience, especially 1 to 3 years old kids, sometimes have a hard time being in the mood of a photo session for 2 hours. We usually take pictures with them (if there are little ones in the family) at the beginning, then move on to other pictures.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We also try to take some posed pictures! I personally think it is important to have mix of candid and posed pictures, especially for family portrait sessions. We always want to remember the real smiles and laughter of your family, but it is also nice to have a few posed pictures as a nice memory. Grandparents usually love the posed pictures ;)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3361″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”3362″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]We had such a fun time with them at this family portrait session! We hope to see them with the grandparents and more extended family this summer![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Portland Photographer Kimi Photography: Spring Family and Maternity photography

misohime — Sat, 04 Apr 2015 09:13:04 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]When I see cherry blossoms in Portland Oregon, I always remember the photo session with this family. It has been 2 years already, but it was so great to meet them while I was visiting in Japan. They live in Tanzania and this girl was born there. I met them before I moved to the US, so I haven’t seen this cute girl in person! This family’s happiness just made me filled with joy.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2958″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2957″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2956″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2955″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]The reason they wanted to have the session with me was for family and maternity photography. Since it was full blooming time for cherry blossoms and grape blossoms, we decided to meet at the park, which was pretty close from my parents’ home. I even play there when I was little! It took me back :)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2952″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2961″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]I love seeing the curiosity she has. Her dad picked up something and was showing it to her. He is such a sweet dad.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2960″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2959″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]The park is pretty big. We walked a lot for the day… She did a great job![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2953″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]Here was the other reason! They were expecting a boy at the time when I took their photo. I have seen the boy on the facebook, but not in person. I wish the time will come soon to meet him too.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2954″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]This shot was a request. They didn’t get a ring picture from their wedding, so I captured that. I wish I could have taken their wedding photos also.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2950″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2951″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]At last, she asked her dad for a piggyback-ride. She must be more grown up and a good older sister for her little brother by now. I hope I can go back to Japan next time when they are also in Japan to meet them again![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Beautiful Portland Maternity Picture & Rustic Barn

misohime — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 06:45:53 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_single_image image=”2389″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]I have known this beautiful couple for few years now since they got married. Time flies…Now they are having a baby 🙂 I am so honored to take their Portland maternity portrait![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2381″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2390″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2382″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]I chose this rustic barn since it has so much character 🙂 It went well with what they wear too![/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”2386″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2391″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2385″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2387″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2388″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2383″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_single_image image=”2653″ img_size=”full” image_position=”normal-align-left” has_link=”false” link_type=”normal”][vc_column_text]This is the finished album they decided to have. It is only for 10 months, but these 10 months would make the couple grow to become parents and bond as a family! Thank you for using Kimi Photography! We are looking forward to photograph your baby girl![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Tips for successful maternity portrait session

misohime — Fri, 02 Jan 2015 06:21:31 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]Since many people come to my studio with newborns, the parents often decide to do their last couple photo session before childbirth; Maternity Portrait Session.

We offer both outside sessions and inside sessions for maternity pictures. For our outside session, you can prepare like you would do going on a date. Showing the love and excitement of looking forward to the new member of your family is very important for that session. For our inside studio session, I focus on the beauty and love that shines through in this wondrous event. This would be more posing and styling. Your spouse can be included in both sessions of course. If you would like to combine both an in-studio and outdoor session please let us know at the consultation.

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How does the maternity portrait shoot go?

First, please contact us and make an appointment for a free consultation. At the consultation, we decide the place (outside location or studio) and theme. For inside portrait sessions, we will set up a few different sets/looks in the studio. 2 weeks after your session, we will show you the edited images (about 25-30 images) after the portrait session where you can choose what to do with your images.

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What to wear?

Outside maternity photo shoot

It is depends on the theme and color. If you don’t know what to wear, choose one subtle color (White, beige, grey and brown etc…) and your accent color. You don’t have to go crazy. Simple is good. And please don’t forget to match with your spouse! We will walk around during the photo shoot, so high heels are pretty, but it might be nice to bring a pair of walking shoes. You can bring some different outfits, but sometimes it is hard to find a place to change (layers would be great). Jackets, Cardigans, and scarves are very handy.

Inside maternity photo shoot

–For the mom:

Please wear or bring beige or white underwear. We have some maternity lacy dresses and some tulle to work with creatively. The subtle color underwear works for those dresses. If you have some to choose from, that would be great! If you would like to wear particular lingerie, please bring them to the session.

–For the dad:

Casual is good, but please bring one classy shirt (like an ironed linen shirt). I would recommend to wear beige pants or jeans to make the style more relaxed! Since the baby’s mom could wear a lacy dress, printed T-shirts and the like wouldn’t necessarily compliment.

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How long does it last?

Outside maternity portrait shoot
It lasts about 1.5-2 hours for our outside photo session.

Inside maternity portrait shoot

About 2 hours for an inside studio photo session.

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