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This was one of them.
I’ve known this sweet mama for almost my entire life. We grew up just two doors apart, spent our childhoods running through the neighborhood together, and somehow all these years later, I had the incredible honor of photographing her growing family as they prepare to welcome another baby.
Life has a funny way of bringing people back together.
Getting to capture such an important chapter for someone you’ve known since childhood is something I never take for granted.
Watching her become an amazing mom has been so special, and documenting this season for her family was truly an honor.
Instead of choosing a traditional desert location, we met at Floyd Family Farms in Gilbert, where their beautiful horse, Tango, completely stole the show.
The peaceful pasture, towering pine trees, open green fields, and warm Arizona sunset created such a unique backdrop for maternity photos.
One of my favorite things about this location is how peaceful it feels. Kids have room to explore, horses quietly graze nearby, and everything slows down just enough for families to simply enjoy being together.
Rather than rushing through a long list of poses, we spent the evening laughing, talking, watching the kids interact with Tango, and documenting the genuine moments that unfolded naturally.
Those are always the photographs families treasure most.
Have questions for me? Contact me here! Check out other maternity sessions here for more inspo!
One of my favorite details from this session was the ultrasound photos.
Instead of simply holding them in front of the camera, this family incorporated them naturally throughout the evening.
Their son proudly held the ultrasound pictures while sitting on Tango.
The kids excitedly talked about becoming big siblings.
Mom and dad shared quiet smiles that said everything without needing words.
Those little details transform maternity photos into the beginning of your baby’s story.
The best pregnancy announcements don’t need elaborate props—they simply tell your family’s story in a way that feels authentic.
Some parents worry their children won’t cooperate during a maternity session.
The truth?
They don’t need to.
Some of my favorite photographs happen when children are simply being themselves.
Running across the grass.
Petting the horses.
Laughing with mom.
Holding dad’s hand.
Giving baby hugs to mom’s belly.
These authentic interactions tell the story of your growing family so much better than perfectly posed smiles ever could.
This session was full of those moments, and they’re exactly the images I know this family will cherish years from now.
Book your maternity session with me here!
This family absolutely nailed their wardrobe.
The soft blues, creams, neutrals, and earthy tones complemented the green pasture beautifully while allowing the family to remain the focus of every photograph.
If you’re planning a maternity session outdoors, I usually recommend choosing colors that work with the natural environment instead of competing with it.
Some of my favorite color palettes include:
Flowing dresses photograph beautifully because they create movement while remaining timeless.
For dads, neutral button-down shirts, lightweight sweaters, linen, or solid-colored polos photograph wonderfully.
Children always photograph best in comfortable clothing that allows them to move, play, and explore naturally.
Whenever possible, I recommend avoiding large logos, neon colors, and busy patterns so the focus stays exactly where it belongs—on your family.











One of the questions I receive most often is when maternity photos should be taken.
For most moms, I recommend scheduling your maternity session between 28 and 34 weeks.
During this time:
If you’re expecting twins or have a high-risk pregnancy, we may plan your session a little earlier.
Booking your photographer early also gives you the best chance of securing your preferred season and date.
Thinking about a desert maternity session? Check out this one!
Just like this session, I almost always recommend photographing maternity sessions during the final hour before sunset.
Arizona’s golden light softens beautifully, creating warm skin tones, dreamy backlighting, and flattering portraits without harsh midday sun.
The lower temperatures also make outdoor sessions much more enjoyable—especially during Arizona summers.
Whether we’re photographing your family on a horse farm, in the desert, or among the mountains, golden hour consistently produces the most timeless images.
One of the things I loved most about this session was how different it felt from a typical Arizona backdrop.
Instead of cactus and desert trails, Floyd Family Farms offers:
For families looking for something different, it’s such a beautiful option.
Absolutely.
Including horses—or any meaningful animals—adds so much personality to your session.
Whether it’s your own horse, a family ranch, or a property that’s been part of your family’s story for years, those locations create photographs that simply can’t be recreated anywhere else.
For this family, Tango wasn’t just part of the scenery.
He’s part of their everyday life.
Years from now, these images won’t only remind them of this pregnancy—they’ll remind them of this season with Tango, too.
That’s what makes photographs so meaningful.
Book your horse session with me here!
The best maternity sessions aren’t built around perfect poses.
They’re built around connection.
Instead of asking everyone to stand perfectly still and smile at the camera, I gently guide families into moments that feel natural.
Laughing together.
Walking through the pasture.
Watching your children interact with the horses.
Holding onto these final moments before your family grows by one.
Those are the images that only become more meaningful with time.
Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding another little one to your family, maternity photos are one of the best ways to preserve this incredible season.
Whether we photograph your family at Floyd Family Farms, among the Arizona desert, or somewhere that holds special meaning to you, my goal is always the same—to create timeless images that feel joyful, genuine, and completely authentic to your family.
I’d love to help tell your story.









The best time for maternity photos is typically between 28 and 34 weeks, when your bump is beautifully visible but you’re still comfortable enough to move around easily.
Absolutely. Including siblings creates meaningful images that tell the story of your growing family and helps children feel involved as they prepare to welcome a new baby.
Yes! If you have access to a horse, family farm, or meaningful property, incorporating animals can make your maternity session incredibly personal and unique.
Soft neutral colors, flowing dresses, earth tones, creams, and light blues photograph beautifully outdoors and create timeless images you’ll love for years.
I photograph maternity sessions throughout Gilbert, Queen Creek, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding Arizona communities.
Have more questions? Check out my frequently asked questions page or contact me directly!











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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.