Saya & Steve

Natural, Cozy & Authentic maternity Memories at home

When Saya and Steve first reached out to me for their maternity photoshoot, I could sense their excitement even through a quick chat. As they described their vision, it felt like they were describing my work—natural, intimate, and filled with personal touches. They wanted the photoshoot to capture the joy and anticipation they felt as they prepared to welcome their first baby into the world. My creative gears were already turning.

One of the first things I like to do when planning a maternity photoshoot is to learn about the couple's journey. I asked Saya and Steve what they had been doing together to prepare for the arrival of their little one. Saya mentioned they had been reading every parenting book they could get their hands on. That was it—Bingo! It was the perfect personal element to incorporate into their photoshoot. I always aim to include elements that are meaningful to the couple, making the session more personal and unique. For Saya and Steve, books represented their eagerness to learn and dive into this new chapter of their lives.

Setting the Vibe: An Intimate, At-Home Photoshoot

Saya and Steve expressed a desire for an intimate photoshoot, so I suggested doing it at their home. Home sessions naturally lend themselves to a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, which is ideal for capturing genuine emotions. It also allows couples to interact in a familiar environment, resulting in more natural and candid moments.

As we discussed potential locations, Saya mentioned that they had a small park near their house. Perfect! We could do a two-location shoot—starting at their home for a cozy and intimate vibe and then stepping out into the park for some fresh, outdoor shots. This would give us a beautiful mix of indoor and outdoor settings, capturing the different facets of their journey.

Creating the Visual Story

On the day of the shoot, I arrived at their home with a clear vision in mind. The first setup was simple yet meaningful—Saya and Steve sitting on the couch, each engrossed in their parenting books. This setting not only provided a candid glimpse into their preparation for parenthood but also set a relaxed tone for the shoot. They were already in their comfort zone, doing something they loved, which made for some truly authentic moments.

Next, we moved on to capturing more intimate shots around the house. I always encourage couples to interact naturally during the shoot. I guided Saya and Steve to just enjoy the moment, whether it was Steve tenderly resting his hand on Saya's belly or the two of them sharing a laugh. These small, unposed moments are often the most beautiful because they capture the genuine bond and love between the couple.

Incorporating Sentimental Details

Saya had a lovely necklace with a small charm representing their baby, and we decided to highlight that in some close-up shots. These little details are what make each maternity photoshoot unique. It’s the personal touches, like the baby shoes they held, that tell their story in a way that words can't. They add layers of meaning to the photographs, making them cherished memories for years to come.

The Outdoor Shots

After capturing a variety of moments inside the house, we decided to step out to the nearby park. The natural setting provided a refreshing backdrop and a different kind of energy. The park was quiet and serene, the perfect setting for capturing the couple's connection against the beauty of nature. We took some playful shots as they walked hand in hand, as well as some more intimate moments where Steve gently kissed Saya's belly. The outdoor shots added a new dimension to the photoshoot, reflecting the blend of their private world at home and the vast, exciting world they were about to introduce their baby to.

Capturing Emotions, Not Just Poses

One of the things I focus on in every maternity photoshoot is capturing the emotions—the excitement, the love, the quiet anticipation. Saya and Steve were naturally affectionate, which made my job easy. My goal was to translate their excitement and love into every shot. Whether it was a quiet, tender moment shared between the two or a burst of laughter, every image was a reflection of their journey to becoming parents.

The key to capturing these emotions lies in making the couple feel at ease. I often use prompts instead of poses, encouraging the couple to interact with each other rather than the camera. This approach brings out genuine emotions and creates a narrative within the photos. For Saya and Steve, the result was a series of images that felt true to their story—natural, intimate, and full of joy.

The Album

After the shoot, as I went through the images, I was thrilled with how they turned out. The mix of at-home coziness and the natural beauty of the park created a perfect visual story of this exciting time in Saya and Steve's lives. I chose a mix of black-and-white and colour shots to give a timeless feel to their collection. The black-and-white images, in particular, added a touch of classic elegance, highlighting the emotions in a raw and beautiful way. With the photos chosen e created a beautiful album.

Working with Saya and Steve was a wonderful experience that reminded me why I love maternity photography so much. It’s about more than just capturing a baby bump—it's about documenting a unique chapter in a couple's life, filled with anticipation, love, and the start of a new journey. Every photoshoot is different because every couple's story is different. For Saya and Steve, it was all about the joy of learning and preparing for their new adventure together.

By incorporating elements that were meaningful to them—like their love for reading and the comfort of their home—we created a collection of images that truly represented who they are. This maternity photoshoot wasn’t just about the pictures; it was about capturing the essence of their journey to parenthood.

In the end, the best part of my job is knowing that these photos will become a treasured part of Saya and Steve's story. They will look back on these images not just as a reminder of how they looked during this time, but how they felt—excited, hopeful, and so very much in love as they awaited the arrival of their little one.