From Family Farm to Growing Family | A Cogan Station, PA Maternity Session
There’s something incredibly special about being invited back to photograph a family as their story grows.
Last year, I met Madison and Dustin for a couples session at their family farm in Cogan Station, Pennsylvania. Of course, they weren’t alone— their Great Pyrenees, Maggie, made sure to be part of the day too. We spent the evening exploring their farm, capturing the two of them together, and making memories in a place that means so much to their family.
So when Madison reached out this year with the news that they were expecting, I was absolutely elated. Getting to photograph a couple again as they step into this next chapter of their lives is one of my favorite parts of being a maternity photographer in Central Pennsylvania.
A Maternity Session at Their Family Farm
For Madison and Dustin's Cogan Station maternity photography session, we wanted to incorporate the things that made their first session so personal.
Their family farm provided the perfect setting. We had wide-open fields, beautiful countryside views, and plenty of space to let the session unfold naturally. Rather than simply posing in front of a pretty backdrop, we were able to incorporate pieces of their story and their home into their maternity photos.
One of my favorite details was Dustin's pedal tractor.
The little tractor belonged to Dustin when he was young, and now he and Madison are expecting a little boy of their own. Someday, that same tractor could become part of his childhood memories, too. Including sentimental details like this is one of the things I love most about lifestyle maternity photography.
It wasn't just a cute prop—it was a little piece of Dustin's childhood being passed down to the next generation.
Cows, Fields & a Little Country Charm
And, of course, what is a maternity session at a family farm without the cows making an appearance? 🐄
We incorporated the cows into the background of several photos, along with the surrounding fields and gorgeous Pennsylvania countryside. The result was a collection of images that felt completely true to Madison and Dustin and the life they are building together.
There is something about photographing maternity sessions outdoors that I absolutely love. The open fields, natural light, movement, and connection to the land create images that feel relaxed and authentic.
And when the location is your family's own farm, it makes the photographs even more meaningful.
And Then There's Maggie...
If you've followed my work for any length of time, you probably know that I am always going to try to include the family dog. 😂
Maggie, their Great Pyrenees, was also part of their couples session last year, so naturally she needed to make an appearance for their maternity session.
Now, Maggie has always had her own ideas about participating in photos.
Getting her to cooperate isn't exactly the easiest task, but thankfully, we managed to capture one perfect family photo with her. And honestly? That's all we needed. *Scroll down to see Maggie's cameo*
Those imperfectly perfect moments are often the ones that end up meaning the most.
Photographing More Than Just a Baby Bump
One of the biggest reasons I love maternity photography is because these sessions aren't only about documenting a growing belly.
They're about documenting the people, places, pets, and little details that make this chapter of life yours.
For Madison and Dustin, that meant their family farm, their cows, Dustin's childhood tractor, Maggie, the open Pennsylvania fields, and the love between two people getting ready to become parents.
Last year, I photographed Madison and Dustin as a couple.
This year, I photographed them as a growing family.
And I can't wait to see where their story takes them next. 🤎
Looking for a Maternity Photographer in Central PA?
If you're expecting and looking for maternity photography in Williamsport, Cogan Station, Lock Haven, or the surrounding Central Pennsylvania area, I would love to help you create a session that feels personal to you.
Whether you envision beautiful portraits in an open field, a session at your family farm, photos with your partner and children, or a session that incorporates sentimental items and pets, your maternity session can be about so much more than simply taking pictures.
It's about remembering what this season of life felt like.
And those are the memories worth holding onto.
Paige Stropp Photography specializes in maternity, family, couples, and senior photography throughout Williamsport, Lock Haven, Cogan Station, and Central Pennsylvania.
