Prenatal Henna + Photo Shoot Sessions with Charlie & Violet Photography

This past fall I had the opportunity to work with the amazing professional photographer Nicole Klein of Charlie and Violet Photography, at her studio in Mendota Heights, MN.  Nicole was described by her makeup artist as "the baby whisperer," and just a quick look at her portfolio will show you why! The snuggly positions and happy, peaceful expressions she is able to capture would make anyone want to have another baby...or three! The teeny, tiny outfits and accessories in her studio were the most adorable little things I've ever seen!!

When I arrived, the beautiful expectant Mommy Tiffany was already comfortable in her chair, getting her makeup professionally done.  While I unpacked my supplies, she finished up her makeup and transitioned to hair, just in time for me to start adorning her belly with a beautiful mandala!

The studio was cozy and intimate, and so much fun to work in.  Tiffany was comfortable in her chair and was able to get her hair done while I applied her henna. Talk about a relaxing royal treatment!!  I can't imagine how relaxing it must be having your hair done (it always makes me sleepy when someone else is doing my hair!), while also smelling the aroma of lavender essential oils in the home made henna paste!

Tiffany's henna in progress!

Typically when I do belly henna, I exchange emails and sketches with the mom-to-be, until we've landed on a design she likes.  For this particular session, I did a mandala design that was found online.

All in all it took about an hour to apply the henna, and as it dried I dabbed it lightly with a cotton ball soaked in vanilla-sugar sealant to help it stay put throughout the photo shoot.

The final photos were just incredible.  What an awesome keepsake!!  A professional photo shoot is by far the best way to get the most out of your belly henna or belly painting, giving you gorgeous photos for baby's book that will be treasured for generations to come.

I left the beautiful mommy Tiffany with a little gift that I like to give my belly henna mommas: a little henna hand charm and a stick of henna balm, wrapped in a little organza bag, along with a sheet of henna after care instructions!

Interested in booking your own belly henna and photo shoot package? Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the expectant mom in your life? Check out Charlie and Violet Photography's page for information on their Henna Maternity Package, here! For more information on belly painting, click here.  You can also view more samples of my henna body art by clicking here.  Got any questions for me about the belly henna process? Please feel free to contact me any time.

Huge thanks go out to Nicole for inviting me to be a part of this photo shoot, and Tiffany for allowing me to adorn her beautiful baby bump!