Meaningful Moments with Anne, Dan, & Panda

Jenny Freiermuth
Jun 29
2 min read

When Anne and Dan reached out about capturing this season of their lives, they had one big request: a location that truly meant something to them. So when they mentioned this beach—a spot they visit multiple times a week to unwind, breathe, and connect—it was a no-brainer. It’s where they go to walk their first “baby” Panda (their pup), decompress after long days, and dream about life as a growing family. It felt like an extension of their story, not just a pretty backdrop.

The Location

Tucked along the coast, this beach offers more than just beautiful scenery—it holds emotion. With soft dunes, crisp ocean air, and a quiet, lived-in feel, it was the perfect setting to reflect the calm, grounded energy of these two. It’s not just where they relax, it’s where they live, and it made the session all the more personal.

Time of Day

We chose to start when the sun was still high enough to give us some clean, direct light. As it lowered, the light softened into that golden, dreamy glow. That balance between bold sun and warm sunset light gave us so much variety in mood and movement, and allowed us to keep things simple and real.

Outfit Styling

Anne and Dan nailed the casual-but-elevated vibe. They didn’t overthink it—they wore what felt like them. Anne paired her favorite high-end denim (hello, raw edge details) with a crisp white button-down that framed her bump effortlessly. Dan stayed true to a relaxed look that complemented her perfectly. The result? Comfortable, confident, and so photogenic without looking styled for photos.

Props + Personal Touches

No props necessary—just Panda, their fluffy first baby. Including her kept the session true to their everyday life and added such a fun, loving energy. She was clearly thrilled to be part of it (and possibly stole the show a few times).

Natural Movement & Connection

One of my favorite things about this session was how little “posing” we actually did. Instead of stiff smiles, we focused on movement and connection. Walk toward me and hold hands. Tuck her hair behind her ear. Look at each other, not me. Play with Panda. Those moments always end up being the ones you come back to—the ones that feel like you.

Celebrating the Bump

From the gentle way Dan held her hand to how Anne instinctively touched her belly mid-laugh, every frame highlighted the excitement, the tenderness, and the love that’s already so present. That baby is already so loved, and it shows.

Weather + Light Tips

Yes, we wanted that bold sun. But I also kept in mind their comfort—no one likes staring into the sun or shivering in the wind. Understanding your clients’ vibe and comfort level helps you adjust on the fly. We stayed flexible and shifted angles when needed, all while keeping it natural and easy.

This session is exactly what I hope for every time: clients who know what they love, trust the process, and let me bring their vision to life through my lens. We didn’t use anything from my client closet this session, but the result still felt totally me (and them!): real, connected, and beautiful in its own way. All the best to this fam on their next chapter!