A Winter Wonderland: Maternity Photography in Washington Park, Cincinnati

There’s something magical about a maternity photoshoot on a crisp, cold day—especially in the heart of Cincinnati’s Washington Park. The contrast of a glowing mother-to-be against the muted winter landscape creates an atmosphere of warmth and beauty that is simply unforgettable.

Recently, I had the joy of capturing a stunning maternity session on a chilly afternoon at Washington Park. While the temperature hovered just above freezing, the love and excitement radiating from this expecting couple warmed the entire session. Bundled up in a flowing gown and cozy layers between shots, the mom-to-be was an absolute vision, embracing the season and the moment with grace.

The Setting: Washington Park in Winter

Washington Park is a favorite for Cincinnati photographers year-round, but winter brings a unique charm. The bare trees, elegant architecture, and twinkling holiday lights (if you time it just right!) create a dreamy backdrop. The grand gazebo, snow-dusted pathways, and historic surroundings make every shot look timeless.

Overcoming the Cold

Winter maternity sessions require a little extra planning, but the results are well worth it. Here are a few ways we kept the session comfortable and fun:

  • Frequent Warm-Up Breaks: We scheduled short shooting bursts, allowing the mom-to-be to warm up between takes.

  • Stylish Layering: She wore a beautiful, long maternity gown with a plush wrap to add both elegance and warmth.

  • Hand Warmers & Blankets: Hidden hand warmers helped keep her hands cozy, and a thick blanket between takes kept the chill at bay.

  • Movement & Posing: Gentle movement, like walking hand-in-hand with her partner or cradling her belly, helped keep her warm while adding natural emotion to the shots.

The Magic of the Moment

Despite the cold, this session was filled with heartwarming moments. The soft winter light filtered through the clouds, creating the perfect natural glow. The soon-to-be parents laughed, cuddled, and shared sweet moments that made for the most authentic and emotional images. One of my favorite shots captured the mother gently touching her belly as her partner wrapped her in an embrace—pure love and anticipation frozen in time.

Why You Should Consider a Winter Maternity Session

While many expectant mothers opt for spring or summer shoots, there’s something uniquely breathtaking about a winter session. The quiet serenity of the season, the cozy wardrobe options, and the chance to capture a different kind of beauty make it an unforgettable experience.

If you’re expecting and considering a maternity session, don’t let the cold weather deter you! With the right planning, you can have a dreamy and magical experience, just like this couple did at Washington Park. Winter brings its own kind of warmth—the kind that comes from love, anticipation, and the joy of new beginnings.

Looking to schedule your own maternity session? Let’s create something beautiful together!

Hindu Celebration - Cincinnati Photographer

December was an exciting month for Sonja B Photography. I photographed two small weddings, endless family portraits, a birth and a 2-day Hindu Celebration for a 60th birthday.

I arrived at 7:30am and when I stepped inside the house the ritual was already on its way. The room was full with mostly men and colorful saris. Lots of chanting and flowers everywhere. It was absolutely facinating. After a few hours everyone took a break for a yummy breakfast but only shortly because the ritual had to go on. In total I was there well over 6 hours, chanting non stop plus a fire in the middle of the room that made all the fire alarms go off. It was seriously an incredible experience.

Cincinnati Hindu Celebration

If you are planning a Hindu celebration in the Greater Cincinnati area, please contact me as I would love to photograph your event.

Maternity Studio Photography Session

I am so excited to share this Maternity session with you! And I can't wait for this baby boy to be born and photograph his Newborn session in April! I have so many favorites of this session that I just couldn't narrow them down!

Aaaaand of course big Brother Lyndon got to be in the spot light! He did so great and what a great listener for his age! That little curl on the top pf his head.... swoon! I can't decide which one is my favorite. What do you think?

Lyndon with Mom, Dad and the baby in the belly! The last picture is probably my favorite!

To book your Maternity Session, please contact me through my website at www.sonjabphotography.com or via email sonja.mcgill@yahoo.com. I would love to photograph this important milestone in your life, either in my Cincinnati downtown photography studio, in a local park or at your home. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Roman's First Haircut

My favorite part of my job (and I know I said that a bunch before, but hey I do LOVE my job) is that I get to be sometimes part of "first " events... first birthday, first communion.... But, I think photographing Roman's 1st Haircut might be one of my favorite firsts! I photographed Roman's birth and many sessions in between, next year I will be photographing his parents wedding and in the middle of all that they asked me if I could photograph his first haircut.

And I may or may not have shed a tear (or two) when that first cut was made! Love this boy fierce and his family!

Treehouse Session - Cincinnati Family Photographer

This family hired me to take pictures of their beloved treehouse. They found out that the tree is sick and might have to be cut down. 

I had so much fun with this fun loving family. Lots of giggles and laughs during the session, which made the session go by so fast and easy.

To book your fun photography session with me, please visit my website at www.sonjabphotography.com for more info and pricing. You can contact me through the website or at sonja.mcgill@yahoo.com. I am looking forward to hearing from you.