Dallas Maternity Photographer – Amanda Raylee Photography | Dallas Fort Worth Wedding + Portrait Photographer

Stunning Dallas Maternity Session

Posted on June 7, 2021June 2, 2021 by Amanda Alexander in Uncategorized

Fontana and her families stunning Dallas maternity session is one that I just could not wait to share in it’s entirety on the blog! The sunset, setting, outfits and of course the people could not have been more harmonious and gorgeous. It really is the best feeling for a photographer when we get to shoot on an evening with a golden sunset. I love how that golden sunlight is streaming through the trees in such a soft way. Fontana’s entire session was such a joy for me to edit! She absolutely cannot take a bad photo, and her little boy is too precious!

Maternity session styling

Fontana chose three different gowns for her maternity session and looks amazing in all three! She chose three colors that are all so pretty to photograph: black, blush pink and cobalt blue. I found it really fun to see how each color gown brought about a whole different mood within this one session. Even with the three different colored gowns, we kept some consistency with each gown being long sleeved and having a similar silhouette. It is so important to choose gowns for your maternity session that you feel confident and comfortable in!

I can’t forget to mention dad and sons adorable matching outfits throughout the session, I love the styling in this session! It helps add variety of posing to maternity sessions when the whole family is involved for part of it. Fontana’s solo maternity shot posing was so effortless, she knew exactly what to do. It also helps that we have been working together for so long, we have gotten into a great flow during sessions!

The jones family maternity session

I first met Fontana when she was a bridesmaid for her sisters wedding back in 2017. We clicked immediately and since then I have been able to work with her several times! I’ve been around for so many big life moments for Fontana and her family. I photographed her engagement session, both of her maternity sessions, and I will be her wedding photographer next year! Becoming a families go to photographer is such an honor and is one of the best parts of my job.

Stunning dallas maternity session gallery

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Abigail Elizabeth’s Newborn Session

Posted on May 31, 2021May 31, 2021 by Amanda Alexander in Uncategorized

Abigail Elizabeth’s newborn session was such a joy for me to document! I cannot get enough of the bright whites, and neutral tones in their home. I love capturing babies facial expressions, they are too cute! Newborn sessions are laid back and we work on babies time. Working on babies time means that I come prepared with plenty of patience! I show up to your home ready to work with baby and get some amazing images.

Something unique that I offer for my newborn session clients is the option to bundle sessions together. When you find out you are expecting, there are so many options available for how to document the journey. I suggest doing it all and not missing out on any of these beautiful firsts. Do you want to know an affordable way to not miss a moment? Inquire about bundling your maternity, fresh 48, and newborn sessions together with Amanda Raylee Photography! Together we will plan your dream sessions to document your pregnancy!

How to get the most out of your newborn session

I know that bringing home a new baby and getting into a brand new routine can be just as challenging as it is exciting. Newborn sessions shouldn’t be stressful! Newborn sessions are meant to capture some of the most precious moments at home with your newborn.

I always suggest sticking to neutral colors, both for outfits and choice of which rooms we will be shooting in. This helps create a serene, classic and clean look to your photos. Client’s most commonly chosen rooms for in home lifestyle newborn sessions include the nursery, master bedroom and living room. However, these room options are only suggestions. Don’t hesitate to suggest other rooms in your home, I am always open to different requests based on your unique home! Another tip I have for new parents, make sure your newborn is well fed before the session begins. Naturally, sometimes breaks are needed throughout the session. A happy and full baby always helps things go smoothly! Abigail Elizabeth’s newborn session was one of the sweetest I have photographed, check out the gallery below. I can’t wait to chat with you about your dream session!

Abigail Elizabeth’s newborn session gallery

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Austin Texas Maternity Session

Posted on April 15, 2021April 17, 2021 by Amanda Alexander in Uncategorized

Natalie’s Austin Texas maternity session took place at one of my absolute favorite venue locations! The Sekrit Theatre in Austin is such an epic spot for any kind of photography session, but especially for mommas to be. Natalie had her maternity session in October of 2020, and even in the fall we were dealing with some major heat. On top of the Texas heat, we also had a ton of mosquitoes hanging out at the session as well. Despite these factors, we just kept shooting forever because this location was just so gorgeous and had so many different options available. I cannot get enough of the checkerboard floors, floor to ceiling windows and vibes wrapped up and down the A-frame building. Even outside of the main structure at this location, there are even more fun spots to use on the property! We liked the looks of the airstream and used that as a back drop for some of their images during this Austin Texas maternity session.

Natalie is wearing a gown from my client closet. She chose to wear the black dress from my client closet, this form fitting gown fit in with the Sekrit Theatre so well. When you book a session with me you have full access to my client closet. The closet has a wide variety of gowns, over 30 and counting! I love providing this as an option to my clients, it can help make the planning process simple and smooth. My goal is to make the process from booking to image delivery as seamless and fun as possible for my clients!

Natalie and Slade were so overjoyed and so excited during their session just thinking about the day they would get to meet their baby boy, Liam. I can’t wait to watch their family grow!

https://www.sekrittheater.com

Baby Kei | Surrogacy | Fresh 48 | Fort Worth, Tx

Posted on September 5, 2018September 5, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Documentary, Newborn, Uncategorized

Surrogacy is an amazing thing. Being able to give a gift like that, there are almost no words for it. As a mom myself, I couldn’t imagine a life without my babies. That’s why I was so thrilled when my sister-in-law, Angelina, asked me to document her little belly buddy Kei’s first moments in the world at Harris Methodist Hospital Southwest in Fort Worth, Texas.

You could tell that the brand new parent, K&P, were already head over heels in love for this tiny baby boy.

I asked them to share a little bit of their experience and here’s what Angelina had to say…

It’s hard to put into words what this experience has been like and just how much it means to me. We were matched perfectly to this amazing couple living a world away. We instantly knew they were the ones God had put in our path. We got to hear their struggle and are now part of the same story. We had all wanted to get this journey started right away, after all they’ve been waiting so long already. Our first try was a success! 39 weeks and 3 days later and he’s here! This miracle has come true. This prayer that’s been said and asked for countless times has finally been answered. This dream has come true. These amazing people are now parents! It’s an unbelievable feeling to realize the role I played. We became family. I am emotional and cry thinking about everything and where we are now. I hugged my husband lastnight and just cried then he said “it’s crazy huh? You did it!” Just because the pregnancy is over, doesn’t mean our journey is. It’s just beginning. We get to be included for the rest of his life!

***Words from K&P to come later after they’ve adjusted to new parenthood.

Also, you can read Angelina’s blog documenting their entire surrogacy journey here.

Here are some of my favorite moments from Baby Kei’s fresh 48.

Welcome to the world little guy!

Rylie Charlotte | Newborn Lifestyle | Crowley, Tx

Posted on August 17, 2018August 17, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Documentary, Newborn

I don’t feel old y’all. I’m 30 and I still feel like I’m 17. Most of the time. I mean I do have 3 kids. Hahaha! I had my son early so I’ve been a mom forever, and now everyone I went to school with, middle and high school, are having babies and getting married. It’s so exciting but now it makes me feel OLD! Haha. It stings a little less when I get to snuggle on these babies (and shoot their weddings) so that helps.

Rylie Charlotte is the first baby girl of my friend Leeana and her hubby Jose. She was born on July 15th, weighing a teeny 6 pounds 15 ounces. I met Leeana way back in 7th grade so meeting her baby girl was a special treat. The first thing I said when I saw Miss Rylie was “oh my goooosh, that HAIR”, that girl has the best little head of hair you’ve ever seen on a newborn, I can’t wait to see what it looks like in a year!

Here are some of my favorite moments from this very special newborn lifestyle session.

Mrs. Walker | Bridal Session | Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Posted on August 13, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Bridals, Engagement, Weddings

Mr. and Mrs. Walker finally said their vows this weekend in a beautiful, intimate ceremony at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Dallas, Tx. Even though it rained 90% of the day, as soon as Samantha saw Stephen at the end of that isle nothing else mattered. Her words exactly.

Now that the wedding is over, I can finally share this gorgeous bridal session I shot with Samantha and her two girls, Kaylee and Teagan, last month at the same venue.

Here’s are a few of my favorite photos from the new Mrs. Walker’s bridal session. Stay tuned for the wedding blog in a few weeks!

Maverick Judah | Maternity Session| Newborn Lifestyle | Argyle, Tx

Posted on July 30, 2018March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Newborn

Hello Hello! I am back in the blogging game you guys. This time for real. I am going to be so on top of this.

Let me introduce you to something. His name is Maverick and he is the first baby boy I’ve gotten to shoot in a loooong stream of adorable girls. Weighing in at 10 pounds, I believe his mama said, and those little eyes that match his big sister’s. He stole my heart y’all!

This little family has been a part of my client family since 2016. Believe it or not, I met them when that curly haired little beauty was still in her mommy’s tummy. It was one of my favorite maternity sessions.

Then I found out they were expecting baby number TWO and guess who got to photograph that maternity session?

THIS GIRL!

It was perfect and beautiful! I was so excited to finally meet baby Maverick when we finally had his newborn session in their gorgeous new home. Especially because his gender was a surprise just like his big sister’s was.

Here are some of my favorite moments of his newborn lifestyle session!

Oh and don’t forget, I offer discounts on baby bundles! Contact me here for details.

Baby Bingaman | Maternity Session | Plano, Tx

Posted on April 29, 2018 by Amanda Alexander in Maternity

The first session I shot after my maternity leave just so happened to be a maternity session. My baby girl was 6 weeks old and my husband brought her along to the park just to keep her close. It had been 5 years since we were in the newborn club so it took a little adjustment, lol. Mommy’s know what it’s like to leave their babies for the first time so having her just in the same park made my heart calm.

When Brenna booked her session with me, I was so so excited to shoot it. This baby boy was prayed for and oh so loved already! She was gorgeous and did such an amazing job. The Bingamans tried to conceive for three years before starting IVF and they were blessed to get pregnant on their first embryo transfer! Brenna said “I was convinced it didn’t work and it didn’t feel real literally until he was in my arms.” Baby Ashton Jett arrived on March 26, 2018 at 7:26pm weighing 7 pounds and 19 inches long.

Congratulations Aaron and Brenna on your new addition, I cannot wait to meet Mr. Ashton!

Baby Huerta | Maternity Session | McKinney, Tx

Posted on December 20, 2017March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Maternity

Maternity sessions are something I have a real passion for. I love making a mommy-to-be feel like she is the most beautiful human being on earth in that moment. Being 8 months pregnant myself right now, those “I’m a goddess” moments are few and far between, let me tell ya!

I was so excited to shoot this maternity boudoir session for my gorgeous client, Priscilla. She was amazing! It’s so hard to believe that later that same month, she had her precious baby girl.

Here are some of my favorite shots from her maternity boudoir…

(It’s never too early to book your maternity session, contact me here to get started!)

Brogyn Rae | Fresh 48 | Fort Worth, Tx

Posted on November 3, 2017March 23, 2023 by Amanda Alexander in Fresh 48, Lifestyle

What’s a Fresh 48?

It’s a question I get a lot. Fresh 48’s are a newer type of session but they are one of my favorites to shoot. A Fresh 48 is a session that is shot within the first two days, and sometimes 3 days, of your newborn’s life while you’re at the hospital. No fancy outfits or woodsy locations, just a mommy, daddy, and a precious baby. Parents still glowing with the love and awe of a new little person in their life. First timers and veterans are exactly the same during those first moments. Everyone loves a new squishy little one. Personally I can’t get enough of those precious cries and oh that baby smell. There is nothing like new baby smell. Seriously, next time you have a chance, smell a newborn. With parent permission of course!

I was lucky enough to follow the Blair family from maternity, to fresh 48, to newborn session. I love being able to do that. It gives me so much time to become familiar with them from pregnancy to the first couple of weeks home. Brogyn was the perfect baby. She was awake for a minute and then out like a light when she was swaddled. She and mommy wore the most adorable matching outfits from Posh Peanut, the colors were perfection. It was probably my favorite Fresh 48 session of the year.

Here are some of my favorite photos from Brogyn Rae’s fresh 48!

Oh and special announcement!!!!

From now until the end of the year, all mommies expecting babies due in April to July who book a maternity, fresh 48, or newborn session with me will get $100 off! I’ll be booking a limited amount of these so book yours early!! Click here to contact me so we can get you on the calendar.

Aren’t they adorable? Congratulations to the new Blair family!