

There is something so special about photographing a family right before they welcome a new baby. The excitement, the anticipation, and all those little moments between parents and their children make maternity sessions some of my absolute favorites.
And this Queen Creek maternity photography session at Hagan Farms was extra sweet!
This beautiful family is getting ready to welcome their fourth baby, their last little one, and their very first girl! After three boys, they are preparing for a whole new chapter, and I loved getting to document this season of their lives.
We spent the session surrounded by beautiful citrus trees, warm Arizona sunshine, and three little boys who brought so much personality to every photograph.
Honestly, it was the perfect combination of beautiful maternity portraits and real, playful family moments.
If you’ve never heard of Hagan Farms in Queen Creek, Arizona, let me introduce you to one of those beautiful little locations that feels like a hidden gem.
One of my favorite things about photographing families in Arizona is discovering locations that offer something a little different from our traditional desert scenery.
Don’t get me wrong, I love a gorgeous desert sunset! But there is something so refreshing about photographing a family surrounded by lush greenery, especially here in the East Valley.
Hagan Farms has a beautiful orchard setting, with rows of citrus trees, natural textures, and greenery that creates such a lovely backdrop for portraits.
The orange trees gave this session so much character. I especially loved the little pops of orange peeking through the leaves and the way the sunlight filtered through the branches.
It felt warm, peaceful, and just a little bit magical.
And for a family maternity session? I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter setting.





Every pregnancy has its own story, but there is something especially meaningful about knowing you’re expecting your last baby.
For this family, that also means getting ready to welcome their first daughter after three boys!
I loved being able to capture Mom’s beautiful baby bump while also including the boys in the excitement.
One of my favorite photographs from this session is a close-up of those little hands resting on her belly. It’s such a simple moment, but it says so much.
These boys are getting ready to become big brothers to a little sister, and someday they’ll be able to look back at these photographs and see just how loved she was before she even arrived.
We also made sure to take a few portraits of Mom and Dad together.
With three young boys, I imagine quiet moments together can be pretty rare! I love giving parents a chance to slow down, hold each other close, and celebrate the life they’re building together.
Those couple portraits are such an important part of a maternity gallery.
When people think about maternity photography, they often picture a beautiful expectant mom holding her belly.
And yes, I absolutely love those portraits!
But when there are older siblings involved, I think including the whole family makes the session even more meaningful.
This isn’t just a new baby joining the family. It’s everyone stepping into a new season together.
Big brothers are getting ready for new roles. Mom and Dad are preparing to welcome another little person into their lives. And the family they know today is about to change in the sweetest way.
That’s why I love photographing the little interactions between everyone.
The hugs, the giggles, the curious hands reaching for Mom’s belly, and even those silly moments that happen when little kids have had enough of standing still.
Those are often the photographs that become the most treasured.

Can we talk about these three boys for a minute?
They were so much fun!
I loved their matching green shirts, their sweet little faces, and all the personality they brought to this session.
One of the best parts of photographing families with young children is that you never know exactly what you’re going to get.
And that’s okay!
I don’t expect little kids to stand perfectly still, smile on command, and cooperate for an entire session. That wouldn’t be very realistic, would it?
Instead, I love giving them opportunities to play, explore, cuddle with Mom and Dad, and simply be themselves.
At Hagan Farms, the orchard setting gave us a beautiful place to capture those natural interactions.
Some of my favorite images are the ones where the boys are being playful, holding oranges, snuggling together, or laughing with their parents.
And the photograph of Dad holding one of the boys upside down? So much personality!
Those moments tell the real story of this family right now.
Years from now, I hope these photographs remind them not only of what their family looked like before their daughter arrived, but also what this season of life felt like.
One of my favorite things about family photography is capturing the little personalities and genuine connections that make every family completely unique
One thing that really stood out to me about this session was how beautifully the family’s outfits worked with the orchard setting.
Mom wore a flowing floral dress with soft orange and cream tones, while the boys wore coordinating olive-green shirts and jeans. Dad’s neutral button-down brought everything together without competing with the other outfits.
It was such a pretty combination against the green citrus trees!
If you’re planning maternity or family photos at an orchard in Queen Creek, I recommend choosing colors that complement the natural surroundings.
Soft neutrals, muted greens, warm creams, and earthy tones all photograph beautifully against lush greenery.
For maternity sessions, I especially love dresses that are comfortable and allow for a little movement. A flowing dress can be flattering while still feeling relaxed and natural.
And when you’re coordinating the rest of the family, remember that everyone doesn’t need to match exactly.
Choosing a few complementary colors and mixing in subtle patterns often creates a more natural, timeless look.
Most importantly, wear something that feels like you!
If you’re thinking about scheduling maternity or family portraits, you can explore my photography session options to find an experience that feels right for your family.




One of the questions I hear from expecting moms is when they should schedule their maternity session.
For many women, somewhere around 28 to 34 weeks of pregnancy is a lovely time for maternity portraits.
Your bump is usually beautifully visible, but you may still feel comfortable enough to walk around and enjoy your session.
Of course, every pregnancy is different, and there isn’t one perfect week for everyone.
If you’re hoping to include older siblings, it’s also worth thinking about the time of day when your children tend to be happiest.
I love planning family sessions around beautiful natural light, but I also want the experience to feel manageable for everyone involved.
Especially when we’re working with toddlers!
Every family’s story is different, and I want your photography experience to feel just as special as the memories we’re capturing. If you’re considering a maternity or family session, you can take a look at my session pricing and details to see what might be the best fit for you.
Absolutely! I love including the whole family in maternity sessions. We can capture beautiful portraits of Mom, sweet moments with your partner, individual photos with the kids, and plenty of family photographs together.
Yes! Orchard settings can be beautiful for maternity photography because of their greenery, natural textures, and soft filtered light. Hagan Farms in Queen Creek provided a gorgeous backdrop for this session. Location access and photography permissions should always be confirmed before planning a shoot.
I recommend choosing something comfortable that makes you feel beautiful. Flowing dresses, soft colors, and coordinating neutrals are wonderful options. For family maternity photos, choose outfits that complement each other rather than matching exactly.
It’s a good idea to reach out during your second trimester, especially if you have a particular location or season in mind. Booking early gives us time to plan your outfits, choose a location, and find a date that works well for your family.
Not at all! While I love capturing a few traditional portraits, some of my favorite maternity photographs happen during natural interactions. Hugging your kids, laughing with your partner, and enjoying time together can create beautiful, meaningful images.
What I love most about this session isn’t just the beautiful orchard or the gorgeous evening light.
It’s the story behind the photographs.
Three little boys getting ready to welcome their baby sister. A mom and dad preparing for their final baby. A family soaking in one last season before everything changes again.
These are the moments worth remembering.
And I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to capture them.
If you’re expecting a baby and looking for a Queen Creek maternity photographer, I’d love to help you document this special season.
Whether you’re dreaming of an orchard session, beautiful Arizona desert portraits, or a relaxed family maternity session, we can plan something that feels natural and meaningful to you.
Let’s create photographs you’ll love looking back on long after those tiny baby kicks have turned into little footsteps running through your home.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or preparing to welcome your last, I’d love to help you capture this special chapter. Reach out to me here, and let’s start planning your maternity session!





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Candace Shiflet Photography is an Arizona maternity, newborn, and family photographer serving Scottsdale, Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Mesa, Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, San Tan Valley, Apache Junction, Chandler, and beyond.