By Risa Kostis

When Neonatal ICU nurse Bri Anderson decided to start her own locally based photography business, she quickly found that specializing in maternity and newborn photos was her true passion and direction. It is clear she made the right choice; her gift for making expectant mothers feel beautiful, confident, and elegant is apparent in all of her work. Anderson’s genuine kindness, raw talent and experience as a nurse have been the ingredients to her success and ability to coach clients with ease through their sessions.

Bri is masterful at encouraging women to embrace their femininity and motherhood, and time in front of the lens with her is a chance for them to realize that their beauty is not lost. “Gone are the days of hiding beneath large layers of maternity clothes, cringing at awkwardly posed pictures from the mall, or resisting having your picture taken because you don’t feel comfortable in your pregnant body” says Anderson.

Recently Bri made the decision to push herself outside her creative bubble by teaming up with local stylist Risa Kostis of RISTYLE Consulting to bring a long-awaited photography vision to life. Inspired by the editorial spreads commonly featuring actresses and models in magazines, she had always wanted to style a group of pregnant women for a more sophisticated shoot than her usual maternity sessions with couples. She envisioned women of all shapes, heights, and body types, in various stages of their pregnancies, draped in beautiful gowns with flowers in their hair, and posed together at sunset.

“To me, it represents more than just a bunch of beautiful women dressed up for maternity pictures, rather it depicts the tribe of motherhood. Embracing each other, encouraging each other, and reminding each other that we are all beautiful in our journeys as moms,” says Bri.

Kostis curated gowns from local bridesmaid boutique, Bella Bridesmaids in Scottsdale, and found dresses from various online stores to pull together Bri’s inspiration of a soft, romantic, ethereal shoot. Eleven women were selected narrowed down from over seventy inquiries. Prim Unique Rentals provided floral headpieces, garlands, and furniture while a carefully chosen team of hair and makeup artists created natural yet unique looks for each glowing mother-to-be.

“We wanted to create something so real, yet stylistically aspirational and do it with the authenticity we both feel is important to our work. I felt so honored that Bri chose me to be by her side throughout this process, and it was truly an incredible experience to style such a kind and grateful group of women”, says Kostis.  “Motherhood doesn’t have to mean ‘mumsy’, and every pregnant woman should feel proud to put on a beautiful dress and look and feel her best. Everyone deserves that, and that’s what we wanted to show”.

For more information on booking Bri Anderson and Risa Kostis, please visit: www.briandersonphotos.com and www.ristyleconsulting.com.

Credits:

Photographer- Brianna Anderson of Brianna Anderson Photography

Lead Stylist- Risa Kostis of RISTYLE Consulting

Style Assistants - Angelina Davis & Kate Kyzrodeva

Makeup- Azure Schaffer & Lillian Fogel

Hair Stylists- Christin Collins & Drew Noreen

Rentals & Floral- Prim Rentals

Dresses - Bella Bridesmaids Scottsdale, For Love & Lemons, NastyGal, Asos, Buckle

On Bri (dress) - Rachel Pally On Risa (romper) - WAYF Jewelry - Stylist's Collection