You know those couples who are effortlessly cool, ridiculously good-looking, and somehow still the nicest people on the planet? That’s Nick and Rachel. I photographed their wedding, and somewhere between then and now, we’ve become friends—the kind of friends you want to keep up with. So when they told me they were expecting a baby girl, I lost my mind. Watching my couples grow their families is hands-down one of the most special things about this job. Rachel is basically a model. It’s like she wakes up and looks good. They’re both so photogenic! But whatever, I’ll allow it. Naturally, I knew we had to go big for this shoot. And what’s more iconic than a winter farm maternity shoot with Highland cows?
The Vision for the Farm Maternity Shoot
When I found out Rachel and Nick were expecting, my brain immediately went into overdrive thinking about where we had to shoot this session. I wanted something unique that fit their vibe but also felt a little unexpected. Enter: The Pilgrim Ranch—vast open fields, rustic charm, dreamy golden light, and Highland cows.
I gave the idea to Rachel, who was instantly on board—no hesitation. This is why I love her. The vision was simple: make it feel natural, beautiful, and authentic. Nothing overly posed or stiff—just them, soon-to-be parents, in the middle of a sunlit field with some cows casually hanging out in the background. You know, normal stuff.
See these maternity pictures with horses at High Horse Malibu!
The Experience, Connection, and Emotion
Fun fact: it was freezing during this shoot—the kind of cold that makes you question all your life choices. But Rachel handled it like a total pro while I was out there bundled up. She made pregnancy in the dead of winter look effortless. The fluffy little Highland cows were not about to be ignored. They wandered into the background at all the right moments. I want to say I planned it that way, but really, they just knew their job and did it flawlessly.
What I love most about these two is that they look good together and are good together. You can see it in how Nick looks at Rachel, how she leans into him, and in the quiet moments between shots when they’re just soaking it all in.
They’re already head over heels for their little girl, and she’s not even here yet. This session was about freezing the beginning of something huge. A new chapter, a new adventure, and if this shoot hinted at what’s to come, these two will crush the whole parenting thing. I seriously can’t wait to see them holding their daughter. She has no idea how lucky she is.
