A Gift, a Visit, and Golden Hour: Kennedy's Maternity Session at Johnson Park
Marble Falls Maternity Photographer | Olivia Kay Photography
Some of my favorite sessions are the ones that almost didn't happen.
Kennedy was only in Marble Falls for a week — she lives in Boise, Idaho now, but came home to spend some time with her parents before her little one arrives this summer. Her parents wanted to do something special to mark the moment, so they gifted her a maternity session. We scheduled it the very morning of the shoot. By late afternoon, we were at Johnson Park watching the golden hour light do its thing, and I already knew these photos were going to be something she'd treasure.
That's the thing about maternity sessions — they don't have to be a big, elaborate production to be beautiful. Sometimes the most meaningful ones are the spontaneous ones.
Johnson Park: A Hidden Gem for Portraits in Marble Falls
If you haven't seen Johnson Park lately, it's worth a visit even just for a walk. The park sits right along the water with gorgeous shady trees, lush landscaping, and now — as of last month — a brand new bridge that has quickly become one of my favorite spots to photograph people. This was actually my third session on that bridge since it opened, and I'm already learning where the light falls best and what times of day make it sing. Late afternoon into golden hour? It is absolutely magical over there.
Kennedy wore the most beautiful rust-colored dress that looked like it was made for the Hill Country backdrop — warm tones against green trees, with the water shimmering behind her. We moved through several spots around the park, and by the time that golden light started wrapping around her bump, I was genuinely emotional behind the camera.
More Than a Photo Session
One of the things I love most about maternity sessions is the conversation. Kennedy is a first-time mom heading into her third trimester, and we talked about all of it — the excitement, the nerves, the anticipation of meeting her baby for the first time. She was just glowing with joy about welcoming her little one, and so grateful she got to make this trip home before her due date.
We also got into some of the more real parts of third trimester life — like the glucose test. If you're pregnant and haven't heard this tip yet, write it down: ask for the orange flavor, and ask for it cold. You're welcome! As a mom myself, I love those moments in a session where it stops feeling like a photoshoot and just feels like two women talking about something real. Kennedy was so open and warm, and it made the whole afternoon feel effortless.
For Families Visiting the Hill Country
If you have family coming to visit the Marble Falls area — or if you're the one coming home — a quick portrait session is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give. Kennedy's parents gave her something she'll look at for the rest of her life. Photos of her bump, her glow, this particular summer before everything changed in the best way.
I was able to fit this session in same-day, and while I can't always promise that kind of availability, I do my best to make things work when the timing is right. If you're visiting the Hill Country and want to do a session while you're here, reach out — I'd love to make it happen.
