01 · Maternity · Orange County
Take your time.
Maternity sessions outside, or at home, usually around 28 to 34 weeks.
About an hour, at the pace you're actually moving these days. Your partner, the big kids and the dog are all welcome. Nobody has to perform anything.
The Picture Book, $650 · The Side Quest, $850
Weekday Picture Book, Tuesday to Thursday, $550
Slow. Outside, or at home with the dog.
How it goes.
A Picture Book or a Side Quest, same as any family session. An hour in good light, or a slow morning at home or out. Neither one is the upgrade.
before
We pick the spot and the time together. A short guide handles the clothes well before the day.
the hour
Mostly walking, a few spots inside one place. You get something to do rather than a pose to hold, which is what solves the hands. We sit whenever you want.
after
Photos back in about two weeks.
when
28 to 34 weeks is the usual, not a cutoff. Later is fine, we just keep it shorter.
where
Five Orange County spots I've actually shot at, sorted by how far you have to walk. Bathrooms noted.
02 · Newborn · The Same Booking
And then they're here.
Book the newborn session now and you never have to think about it again.
At home in the first couple of weeks, at the baby's pace. We pencil it loosely on your due date and move it once the baby decides, because they never arrive on the day anybody planned for.
50% holds your maternity date, the package is paid in full the week before it, and nothing is owed once you're home with a newborn.
Both Picture Book sessions, $1,050 · saves $250
Priced on the $650 sessions. The $550 weekday rate doesn't apply to the bundle.
A Note From Daniel Wesley
Most people tell me they're not sure they want to be in the photos this far along. Then they see the first frame on the back of the camera and go quiet for a second. That second is the whole session. The rest is just walking.
Samantha from Accounting reviewed this chapter. Her note: "the dress looks like a good nap." Noted.
Kind Words
Emma Yoshimoto
He let us offer up any poses or props we were interested in incorporating, while also helping direct us to some good angles and finding the right lighting. Daniel was also great with our dog who joined us for the shoot and he captured some excellent shots of all of us. It’s such a relief to know we won’t need to go searching for another photographer while we’re busy with a baby.
Sierra Gsell
Neither my husband nor I are naturally comfortable in front of a camera, but Daniel made the entire experience feel effortless. He gave us just enough direction without making anything feel forced or awkward.
Emily Mitchell
We hired him for a maternity shoot and was blown away with the photos. The photos turned out beautiful and were wonderfully edited.
Whatever week you're in right now.
Tell me your due date and where you'd like to be. I'll work out what the light is doing there that week, and we'll go from there.
Start Planning
Tip · RedwoodsRedwoods love to grow in a valley, and this grove is no exception. The sun drops behind the ridge well before it actually sets, so we start earlier here than anywhere else I shoot.
Tip · The light movesIn summer the sun drops behind the cliffs before it reaches the water, so we work the gold rocks and the soft shade. In winter it sets out over the ocean and you get the big open backlight. Your due date more or less picks which one.
Tip · BlanketsBring a blanket. The cozy frames, wrapped up on the sand while the light goes, are the ones people end up printing. It also buys us the last ten cold minutes.
Still Scrolling?
Let's get this on the calendar before the baby does.
The window is 28 to 34 weeks, and it goes faster than anyone expects. Tell me your due date and where you'd like to be. Redwoods, beach, or your own couch all count.
Pick a Week