Maternity Session at Commons Ford Ranch Park
There are some sessions that feel extra special, and this one will forever hold a place in my heart. Piper and Marc weren’t just ANY clients… they were the very first people who ever trusted me to practice photography on them. Piper believed in me long before I had a portfolio, long before I had the confidence I have now, and long before I ever imagined getting to document such a meaningful season in her life. Fast forward one year, and there we were again—this time celebrating her maternity journey with the soft glow of golden hour wrapped around her like it was made just for her.
From the moment she walked down the trail at Commons Ford Ranch in Austin, Texas, I knew this session would be fun. She looked like a literal model: radiant, calm, glowing in every way possible. Motherhood suits her, and that beauty translated effortlessly in every single frame. Honestly, culling these photos was nearly impossible because every shot felt like a keeper.
And of course, we can’t forget Milo, the furry big brother who proudly wore a little bandana that declared his new title. He trotted alongside Piper with the kind of excitement only a dog who knows something big is happening can have. He added the sweetest, most joyful energy to the session, and I was so happy to see him for a second session.
The Magic of Commons Ford Ranch
If you’ve never been to Commons Ford Ranch, it’s one of Austin’s hidden gems—full of open fields, tall golden grasses, and winding trails that lead down to the river. It’s the kind of place that makes you instantly slow down, breathe a little deeper, and appreciate how peaceful nature can be. The park sits right along the Colorado River, where the water catches the last bits of daylight and reflects it like soft, shimmering glass.
During golden hour, the entire ranch glows warm and rich, with sunlight filtering through the trees and illuminating the fields in shades of amber. It’s the perfect backdrop for a maternity session, especially one as heartfelt as this. As the sun dipped lower, we wandered through the open grassy areas before making our way to the dock, where the soft ripples of the water added a serene, dreamy touch to Piper’s portraits.
By the time we reached blue hour, the sky had shifted into pastel shades of lavender and dusty blue. The entire landscape felt calm and quiet, like the world had paused just long enough for Piper to soak in this moment—right before everything in her life changes in the BEST possible way.
A Session Full of Joy and Intention
Throughout the evening, every moment felt intentional and gentle. Piper’s glow wasn’t just from the sunset—it was from the joy of stepping into motherhood. Her laugh came easily, her movements were natural, and she looked so effortlessly beautiful that capturing her didn’t feel like work. It felt like witnessing something sacred.
Milo kept us laughing with his curious sniffs, playful bursts of energy, and proud “big brother” attitude. We let him explore, roam, and join in photos whenever he wandered back to Piper. His presence made the session even more personal, because he is part of her growing family.
The session transitioned seamlessly from the warm, golden tones of sunset to the soft, moody blues of dusk. Those final minutes of blue hour gave us some of the dreamiest, most ethereal images—calm, quiet, and full of emotion.
A Full Circle Moment I’ll Never Forget
As I drove home after the session, I kept thinking about how full-circle this moment was. A year ago, Piper was the friend who gave me permission to chase this passion. She stood in front of my camera long before I knew what I was doing, trusting me completely. And now, one year later, I had the honor of photographing her as she stands on the edge of such a beautiful new chapter.
This session wasn’t just a photoshoot. It was a reminder of how much can change in a year, how friendships can grow alongside dreams, and how special it is to document the seasons of the people who believed in you from the beginning.
Piper’s maternity photos at Commons Ford Ranch will forever be some of my favorites—filled with light, love, anticipation, and the start of a brand-new story.
