Marie Nehl: Maternity Photos at Schnell Ranch

North Dakota Maternity Photographer: Brittany Schnell

Marie made the trip to the Schnell Ranch for her Maternity Photo Session. We executed a flawless session plan: use the can-am to zip up to the canyon, the rocky hill and a patch of tall grass. Our aim was to use the stunning scenery to elevate her regal portraits. Even though the grass isn’t green and everything is brown, these spots still take my breath away.

Canyon Maternity

Our first stop is the canyon on the north side of the Schnell Ranch. We spotted a few beavers and a muskrat while on location. Marie and I made a short hike down to a spot out of the sun with the river and canyon in the background.

Marie loves blues and teals, so this made-by-me multilayer Ocean Kimono Wrap Gown was an obvious choice. This is the first time I’ve seen the gown on a client and I am blown away with the results. I’m so happy with this piece and how it moves on Marie. I also have a mini me dress in this same style, which would be perfect for girls ages 6-10.

Full body maternity portrait in custom maternity gown

Rock Formation

The second stop on our location list is this gorgeous rock formation at the top of the highest hill on the Schnell Ranch. Carson drove us all the way to the top, so we only had a short walk to this location. Personally, these are my favorite images from our time together. I think the mustard gown, rock formation, neutral colored grass and setting sun come together perfectly to compliment and display Marie in this stage of Motherhood.

Marie’s hair was flowing in the wind so beautifully that I created a short, animated GIF.

The Boho Regal Gown is a purchased gown in the Client Closet. I’ve had this piece for a year and it’s great year round- in the spring when the grass is brown, in the summer as the sun is setting, in the fall with the golden shades of falling leaves or in the winter with a giant fur coat.

Marie posing in white lace maternity gown

Neutral Grass

Brown grass doesn’t mean bad grass- it’s only dormant and can still be beautiful as the day it turns green. I chose a thick patch in a pasture that we have not housed cattle in for several months. Since we haven’t had cattle here recently, there are no cow pies to obstruct the view or walking path. To add a layer of comfort and interest to the portraits in this area, I brought a neutral, gray colored chair.

The gown Marie selected for this final location is the Boho White Lace Gown. It’s a made-by-me gown from recycled materials. It was the first gown I created for the client closet.

A special ‘Thank You’ to Marie for making the trip to the Schnell Ranch and trusting me with these photos. I’m delighted to be photographing you again!!

PhotographyBrittany SchnellMay 3, 2022maternity