Lovestory Pregnancy Announcement Among the Sunflowers of the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Now that the gallery is delivered, I can’t help but look back at this shoot with so much joy. When Cura first reached out with her ideas for a pregnancy announcement in the blooming sunflower fields at the Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm, I instantly thought—yes, this is exactly the kind of work I love creating, and the direction I want to grow even more as an artist. It felt like we didn’t even need long conversations to nail down the concept—we understood each other right away.

Usually, I like to scout locations in advance, but this one required timed tickets, so I couldn’t sneak in early. Instead, I did some research—scrolling through the latest photos people posted from the farm, mostly on Instagram. That gave me a sense of what was out there: endless flowers, a few vintage props, even some old tractors.

I also wanted to make sure everything felt easy and comfortable for Cura, who at the time was 38 weeks pregnant. So I brought along a newly purchased changing tent. It saved us from walking all the way back to the parking lot whenever we switched outfits. A small thing, but it made a big difference—and I think Cura really appreciated the caring touch.

Once we got started, the whole session just flowed. We kept talking about everything, laughing, and bouncing around ideas for poses and compositions. That’s always my favorite rhythm—coming prepared with some ideas, but leaving plenty of space for couples to be themselves. With shoots like this, it’s those real, in-between moments of love and connection that matter most. I’ve also found that walking clients through the plan—outfits, locations, what we’re aiming to capture—creates a relaxed atmosphere. Once the “big picture” is clear, the rest unfolds naturally.

Something I’ve started doing recently (and now can’t imagine not doing!) is taking Polaroids during the shoot whenever I spot a winning shot. By the time we’re wrapping up, they’re fully developed. I slip them into a little branded envelope and hand them over as a keepsake. It’s such a sweet way to end the shoot on a high note, while building anticipation for the digital gallery.

This session was everything I love about photography—fun, meaningful, and filled with genuine connection. It brought me back to the heart of my work: capturing love and milestones in a way that feels both timeless and deeply personal.

If you’re dreaming up your own story to capture—whether it’s a pregnancy announcement, a love story, or just a special season in your life—I’d love to bring it to life with you.

Alina Veksler—creative portrait photographer based near Mount Hood and Portland, Oregon. I provide professional photography and creative direction services to those seeking unique, tailor-made sessions of high quality and artistry.

Want your unique story told like this? Let’s make it happen—DM @veksalinaphotography or inquire at veksalinaphotography.com

Models: Cura Hartnett @cura_the_cure and Parket Steele Location: Wooden Shoe Tulip Farm

Gear used: Sony a7iii + Minolta MC Rokkor 58mm f1.4 + K&F Concept Black Diffusion 1/4 + Westcott 40” Illuminator Quickgrip 5-in-1 Reflector

// photographer Alina Veksler, VEKSALINA photography, creative portrait photographer, Pacific Northwest photographer, Oregon photographer, Mount Hood photographer, Cannon Beach photographer, Oregon Coast photographer, Portland photographer, California photographer, Washington photographer, lovestory, couple, pregnancy, sunflower fields, elegant, vintage, and cinematic