My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
Christina and I met back in 2016 when she was a stylist for the now defunct Trunk Club. She left the company not long after we met to pursue her photography career, my husband and I were bummed to lose her as a stylist but we’ve had so much fun watching her career take off as a photographer. Earlier this year she put a call out for maternity models to expand her portfolio - I was only about a month or so along, thus she became one of the first people I told I was pregnant. I let her in on my little secret, told her I wasn’t showing yet but that I was expecting a baby in December. Not long after that, she confirmed she’d like to use me as a model for her portfolio (as a result she took these photos without charge to me in exchange for using them in her portfolio - this feature was not part of the deal, just something I wanted to do to show off her work and thank her for sharing her talents with me) and omg I’m in awe of how these photos turned out. Keep reading for a short Q and A with Christina.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
How did you get into photography?
I've always loved taking pictures from a young age - it's like I always had a camera with me! In high school and college I took several classes in photography and my interest grew even more. Once we had our first son in 2017, I felt it was important to document him growing up. And then the following year, my close friend asked me to take photos of his proposal to his girlfriend - at that point, I knew that I had to make this my career.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
How would you describe your photography aesthetic/style?
I would describe my photography as candid, simple, and emotional. I love being able to look at a photo and feel the emotion and love within the family. As far as the aesthetic and style, I love earth tones and muted colors, and tend to gravitate toward a richer style of editing. As popular as light and airy photography is, it's not necessarily my vibe! Most of my sessions are done outdoors and I love seeing the beauty of nature and the sky in my photos. Whenever there is a theme to the photos (i.e., holiday, cake smash, etc.) I tend to go for a more simplistic look with props and styling to keep the focus of the photos on the family and children.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
We met when you were a stylist at trunk club, do you think this background helps you as a photographer?
I definitely think it helps! I learned so much during my time at Trunk Club about how to dress for your personality, lifestyle, and body type. Before a session, I always make sure to have a discussion with my clients about what they're going to wear for their photos and help them figure out what's going to work best for them and what tends to photograph well. I don't always mention it to my clients that I've been a wardrobe stylist as I don't want them to feel intimidated or pressured to dress a certain way. At the end of the day, whatever we feel best wearing will translate the best in the photos! If you're unhappy with your clothing choices, it will show.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
Tell us a bit about your "client closet" and how it works.
Client closets are becoming very popular among photographers! All too often when we have "family photos" coming up, we tend to buy something new for the occasion - and more often than not, we don't end up wearing those clothes again. I wanted to provide a solution to my clients, especially for women and children since they can be the hardest to shop for. In my client closet, I have many beautiful dresses for women and expecting mamas, and fun outfits for little ones. If a client wants to wear something from my closet for their session, we will work together to arrange a fitting and return the clothing after the session has taken place. This is a complimentary service I offer to my clients to make their lives a little easier.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
What are your favorite people/things/events to photograph?
I love photographing families and I'm starting to really love maternity sessions and milestones (newborn, one year cake smash, etc). High school seniors are so fun to work with, too.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
What are you doing when you aren't taking photographs?
I enjoy spending time with my husband and two little boys, tending to my ever-growing houseplant collection, and going out to eat with family and friends.
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
Do you like to read? (Either adult books or to your kids?) What's one of your favorite books?
I love reading (when I get the time to do so!) and need to get back into it. We make it a point to read to our boys every day. My favorite children's books are written by author Emma Dodd. I also love mysteries and Gillian Flynn is one of my favorite authors (especially the book Gone Girl). I need to read her latest books!
My Maternity Photos with Christina Wilken Photography
Anything else you'd like to add that we haven't covered already?
Just wanted to mention how excited I am for you and Eric to welcome your baby boy into the world next month! Being a parent is the toughest and most rewarding job ever. You're going to do great and I can't wait to meet him!
