Jaime Val Photography

Today is one of the last Tuesdays before the boys go back to school… although I am looking forward to getting back into the routine (and going back to the gym), my heart will ache for these slow mornings and our summer bucket list jar. The summer bucket list jar was a mason jar I created three summers ago to help us explore our area as new Wisconsinites, and now every summer, we wake turns picking slips from it to find new activities. Sadly, we haven’t picked as many slips as we have in the past, and it’s because my business has completely taken off this summer. The work life balance has been tricky, but that is another reason that I am anticipating school, which also makes me feel guilty. Can we ever win as moms?!

I am playing catch up with posting all of the sessions I had the privilege to do this summer. Right now, I have this bump’s newborn session in queue, and my fingers are itching to finish editing it! I definitely had to share our maternity session first.

And now, off to the Paw Patrol Movie!

Why do we take maternity photographs?

Some obvious answers may include to document the milestone, to share with family/ socials, or to celebrate what our body has done. And yes. Yes, to every single one of those. But if those are the only reasons, I can see why some families don’t think that a maternity session is “necessary,” especially when they’re saving up for newborn photographs.

But as a mom of kids who are no longer babies or toddlers, I’ve found a new, perhaps more important reason. We take maternity photos for them… to show them, “hey, look how beautiful life was when YOU were in my belly! Look at how in love we are and look how excited we were to meet you.” Maternity photographs are not for social media or a baby shower decoration… they are more for them than they are for us.

I have one photograph of my mom pregnant with me. I cherish it, but what I would give to have photographs of her and my dad like these.

Sunflowers are my absolute favorite flower… pops of sunshine here on earth. When I saw this flower farm was letting locals pick for free, I packed the car and we drove the 30 minutes to New London to see it in person. Swipe to the end to see my favorite photo from the adventure!

Local moms, reach out for the address!

Food for thought. You can always find someone cheaper… you can always buy the cheaper car, the cheaper concert tickets, the more affordable family vacations. But the thing about time is that it doesn’t stop for anything except a camera.

Two things I absolutely adored about this couple:

1. He booked this maternity session for her and did all of the coordinating/ chit chatting with me.
2. She was the one who proposed to him.

Sometimes, you just meet really bad ass couple who you just know are going to make it in this life. Raw, real love that I didn’t have to coach or force- just genuine connection and the results speak for themselves. Angela + Jordan, you’re probably parents at this point, and I just know you’re crushing it together.

* dress in my client closet *

Last week, I turned 35.

8 years since I became a mother.
5 years since I opened JVP.

For whatever reason, thirty five feels like crossing a threshold. I have waited for a birthday that actually made me feel grown up, which seems silly given the monumental amount of adulting I do everyday, but this one was it. To celebrate, I’m offering a special holiday-themed poetry session giveaway!

I am giving away one poetry session to be redeemed on December 6th. This poetry session will be a one hour documentary photoshoot of your favorite holiday activity with your littles- baking cookies, decorating the tree, etc. December is the holiday Olympics for motherhood, and I want to give this to a mom who is in her prime magic-maker years so that she can revisit them when they are past.

To enter:
• Like this post
• Tag 3 magic-making moms (each tag= one entry. Tag multiple for bonus entries)
• share to your story for 3 bonus entries and tag me so I can see

Giveaway will close on Monday at 11:59 PM and winner will be announced shortly after. Winner must live in the Fox Valley and be available 12/6 for their session. Not affiliated with Instagram.

Photos that happen at home feel like home. This extended family backyard session was everything I am hoping to continue directing my brand towards in 2027! I just want to capture the good ol’ days while they’re happening… I’m not sure what that means for mini sessions next year, but all I know is I am manifesting more and more of this ✨