Adventurous Beach Maternity Session | Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz

Mar 15, 2024

3 min read

Updated: Feb 13, 2025

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THIS WAS A NAIL BITING EXPERIENCE! Not because of the photoshoot or our clients. But because of the drive! We love the beach. We love Santa Cruz, but we hate driving the 17. Let’s just reiterate–we hate driving the 17! (Insert the scene from Goonies where Chunk loves the dark but he hates nature!)

Here’s how our day went: We timed our departure to arrive at our location thirty minutes before our session so we can scope out areas and good light. We left at the appointed estimated time according to Maps. But right when we got on the freeway, our arrival time kept getting later and later. Cue ALL the freaking out! We just had to remember to breathe in, breathe out. The arrival time kept going later, and later, til it was estimating we’d be 30 mins late for our session. Ok, cue the panicking!

The only thing we could really do was pray. So, we started praying for God to get us to the photoshoot on time, knowing that nothing is impossible for Him! And that He not only cares about the BIG things, but the LITTLE things too. As we continued praying and listening to worship music in the car, every song that played on the shuffle was about Peace, and trusting in the Lord. Kissy was driving, and Heather continued to look down at the ETA…and no joke you guys, the time kept going lower, and lower–until it said we’d be just on time for our shoot!

Long story short (too late, haha!) we arrived at our location 5 minutes AHEAD of time, found perfect parking, and AMAZING glow, RIGHT next to the parking lot.

This family was so kind and sweet, and when we told them our story briefly about getting to the shoot, they were so gracious! Mama was wearing a gorgeous pink lace maternity dress that enhanced her beautiful baby bump. We found golden light through the eucalyptus trees right next to the parking lot and walked down to the beach for some epic beach shots! Big sister was able to play in the sand and find seashells along the shore while mama stood in the waves for amazing photos! There were even Egrets on the beach! (If you know Kissy, you'll know they're her fav!) Mama had an outfit change and we asked if she was open to sitting in the water and she had zero hesitation! We love when our clients are adventurous! We fell in love with these photos and the family were such fun people to be around!

When we got in the car, we sat for a minute, exhaled, looked at each other, smiled and said "Praise Jesus!" So, just a reminder–God is good, He is faithful, and He ALWAYS answers prayer–in His perfect timing and way! This photoshoot was a good lesson in waiting on and trusting in the Lord, as well as having peace and rest in His Sovereignty.

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ABOUT HK CREATE PHOTOGRAPHY

Located in the Bay Area in San Jose, California, HK Create is a sister photography duo who love connecting with people to capture lasting memories. Known for their joyful, candid, and creative photos, these natural light photographers want your experience to be more than just getting awesome photos, but aim for connection, interaction and authenticity in your photos, while embracing the joy and chaos that comes along with it!

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