"But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your Mother's story, because hers is where yours begin."
— – Mitch Albom, For One More Day
From Bumps to Babies & All Things Motherhood
Whether you are expecting or already a mom, this is the place for you! Motherhood sessions are just that, a time for any mom to spend some quality time loving on her kids (regardless of the kiddos' ages). So grab a cup of coffee or tea and take a moment to let me show you my heart for serving all moms (and their kiddos) in the Greater-Lansing area and beyond.
Pricing for all sessions is found under the Sessions & Pricing Tab.
The Maternity Experience:
GETTING MAMAS IN FRONT OF MY CAMERA AT ALL STAGES OF MOTHERHOOD, IS A PASSION OF MINE! THIS IS NEVER MORE TRUE THAN DURING PREGNANCY.
MATERNITY SESSIONS TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 28-34 WEEKS TYPICALLY. WHETHER YOUR PREGNANCY HAS BEEN A DREAM OR YOU HAVE STRUGGLED THRU PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS, MOMS DESERVE TO BE PAMPERED. LET ME OUTFIT YOU IN A GORGEOUS DRESS FROM MY CLIENT CLOSET (A CURATED COLLECTION OF DRESSES FOR YOU TO USE), AND WE'LL MEET AT GOLDEN HOUR TO CAPTURE THIS FLEETING TIME IN YOUR LIFE. PARTNERS AND/OR CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE, OR WE CAN JUST FOCUS ON MOM.
The Newborn Experience:
AS A MOM OF 3, I LOVE BEING ABLE TO CAPTURE YOUR BABY'S ARRIVAL WITH A LIFE-STYLE, BABY-LED SESSION. THESE ARE RELAXED AND CAN BE IN YOUR HOME, IN A STUDIO (RENTAL FEE APPLIES), OR OUTDOORS (MY FAVORITE) IN WARMER WEATHER. FRESH 48 SESSIONS IN THE HOSPITAL ALSO AVAILABLE.
WHILE I LOVE PUTTING BABY IN BASKETS AND BOWLS, I DO NOT DO TRADITIONAL POSED NEWBORN PHOTOS. AS A RESULT, WHILE I RECOMMEND SESSIONS WITHIN THE FIRST 10 DAYS, DUE TO THE LIFE-STYLE APPROACH, THESE SESSIONS CAN BE DONE IN THE FIRST 2-3 WEEKS. IMMEDIATE FAMILY, INCLUDING SIBLINGS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE. YOU CAN EXPECT LOTS OF BABY SNUGGLES, KISSES, AND DETAIL SHOTS.
Sometimes when you pick up your child you can feel the map of your own bones beneath your hands, or smell the scent of your skin in the nape of their neck. This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood-finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.
— Jodi Picoult
The Motherhood Experience:
To say I am passionate about getting YOU, Mama, in front of my camera, is an understatement! These are for all moms (or grandmothers) regardless of how old your children are. As moms, we naturally put our children and families first. Often times, this means that we are the ones taking the photos and planning the events. Let me take that burden off your plate.
Come play dress up in my client closet for you and the kiddos. Your only task is to show up and love on your littles (or big kids!), and let me capture your heart for you. Someday, your kids will want to look back on these memories and see how your hand stroked their cheek or wiped a tear away, how you raced them in the twilight, and sang their favorite song while they snuggled against you -their first home.

Do you see how beautiful you are in their eyes, Mama?
Stylized Motherhood Session for a Musician
This gorgeous mama is a musician, so what better way to incorporate her love for music than thru a stylized session with her daughters. This session proves that you don't always need golden sun to have epic photos. The drizzly weather created a mood that fit perfectly to highlight these gorgeous ladies and their love for each other. Tiny details like feathers in the hair to fringe vests and vintage luggage worked together to create this vibe.
Floral Motherhood
These beauties met me for a quick motherhood session in early September. We shot this session in 20 minutes. I mention that to show you that the amount of time is not necessarily the most important thing. We created magic while working with her daughter's age. Mom brought these gorgeous floral crowns that she made, and they just brought so much to the overall look!
Creekside Maternity Session
Met up with this gorgeous family and we got so much variety in this gallery in our hour together. Mom and daughter are styled from my client closet. This toddler loved to run around, so we were on the move for most of the session and ended in the water! Who doesn't love splashing and playing together on a warm, summer night?
Example of the Maternity/Newborn Bundle:
This couple was the absolute sweetest to work with. We originally had to reschedule due to rain, but the night we ended up shooting we had beautiful golden light. Mom brought the mauve dress and looked absolutely stunning! However, she was also open to my suggestions of wearing several different dresses from the client closet. It is much easier to do multiple outfit changes if there are not young children involved, so we took advantage of this and did several outfit changes. Golden light, flowers, butterflies, and a beautiful bump made this an unforgettable evening!
A Note about Styling:
Styling is key. When we bring in clothes that move well, have amazing textures, and are neutral/earth tones, it enhances the story-telling feel of your photos. Because styling is so important, I have invested thousands of dollars in a client closet of women's and children's clothes from some of my favorite stores that you can borrow for your session. As a mom, I know that outfitting your family is expensive and have heard from countless parents that this is one of the most stressful parts of getting photos. My solution is to take away the stress and cost of outfitting everyone! Set up a try-on appointment and we can play dress-up and see what looks best on you, Mom. I have options from xs-3xxl. Once we have your outfit figured out, we can choose gorgeous, coordinating outfits for the whole family. I'm happy to put together shopping options as well if desired.
Below are just 4 examples of the 70+ dresses that make up my Women's Client Closet. Use of the Client Closet is included with all Luxury Story-Telling Sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can be in my photos?
- Sessions are intended for immediate family. Motherhood sessions can include mom, grandma, and children. If interested in an extended family session, please contact me for separate pricing.
Where do sessions take place?
- Sessions take place in Haslett/Williamston/Okemos area (48840) (additional travel fees may apply for locations outside of this) and outdoor sessions usually take place an hour to an hour and a half before sunset unless the client requests a different time. Studio sessions subject to studio availability (but can be scheduled during the day). A studio fee will be added for the rental.
- Beach sessions at Lake Michigan are available in warmer months for an additional price-please contact me if interested.
Your packages are more expensive than I am used to. Why is that?
- A lot of work goes into creating a beautiful session for my clients. From styling assistance, to on-going education, to spending hours hand editing each and every image (which includes a lot of brushwork on each image something that not all photographers do), to purchasing clothing for the client closet and being available for try-on appointments--all of these things help me to provide a more boutique experience for my clients in an effort to create stunning images unique to your family that you will cherish for years to come!
What if my family has a particular activity we want documented?
- Awesome! Let me know if you would like me to capture a specific activity and we can plan something out-of-the-box that best documents you!
Do you offer a discounts?
- For maternity & newborn, checkout the bundled package for a discount!
- If you refer 5 people who book with me, you session fee is waived for one session.
Do you offer mini-sessions?
- Occasionally I offer limited mini-sessions throughout the year (check my Facebook page @Annie Dunigan Photography or IG @annieduniganphotos). However, client closet use is not included with mini-sessions.
What do I do to reserve a date with you?
- Please use the contact form to get in touch. All packages require that the session fee is paid in full to reserve your session date and a signed contract.
What can I do to ensure that we get the best photos?
- Communicate with me about outfits prior to the session. Fill out the questionnaire that is sent at least a week before the session as this helps me tailor your session to fit your family and that I can capture any special requests.
- Get everyone fed (naps if needed) and show up on time! Depending on your kiddos, some bribery (who doesn't love ice cream afterwards? I may just join you!) can help some kids to be excited. Others get excited to wear special outfits or play games!
- Finally, relax and breathe! Let your kids be kids. Go into it with the only expectation being that you will love on your family and know that I will capture your living art!
Can I share my photos on social media?
- Yes, please! I love to see you share my work and interact with me on social media. Just please do not put a filter over the work as I have put my heart and hours upon hours of education into learning and creating a beautiful product for you. Please credit Annie Dunigan Photography when sharing or tag @Annieduniganphoto on IG.
I love my photos so much. What can I do?
- Please share your photos! (Just no filters please!) Share on social media, plaster them all over your home and work, and tell your friends! My business is driven by referrals, and I so appreciate you spreading the word if you loved your session. You can also leave a review. If there is anything I can do to make your experience more enjoyable, please let me know! There is nothing more that I love that having clients return!
