The Joy of Maternity
Maternity is the journey of bringing new life into the world. It is a truly remarkable and inspiring experience. It is a time filled with hope, anticipation, and an overwhelming sense of love. The bond between a mother and her unborn child is immeasurable, as she nurtures and protects this tiny miracle growing within her. Maternity is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of women, as they endure the physical and emotional challenges that come with pregnancy. It is a time when families come together, offering their unwavering support and showering the expectant mother with care and affection. Maternity is not only about the birth of a child, but also the birth of a mother, as she discovers a newfound strength and selflessness within herself. It is a time of profound joy and wonder, as the miracle of life unfolds before our eyes. Maternity is a celebration of the purest form of love, and it is a reminder of the beauty and magic that exists within each and every one of us.
I am so proud and honored to share two of my recent maternity portrait sessions with Nishi and Micaela. While working on these sessions, it truly felt like a beautiful celebration of these wonderful and strong women. The stories of their pregnancies had reminded me of my own experiences into motherhood and I felt we had shared all the joys, as well as the tough times, of this journey. The supportive and caring husbands of gorgeous moms-to-be play such an important role in these women’s lives, as you can tell by the loving energy captured in these photographs.
Nishi’s session was taken at Croton Gorge Park and Croton Landing Park next to the Hudson River. It was a beautiful spring day and her light pink dressed matched the energy of her happiness and excitement to be a mom. Her husband Chris was extremely supportive and game for any posing suggestions. Nishi’s bright smile glowed in waves and Chris’s charming and fun personality kept the everyone’s spirits up. When we moved to the second part of the session at Croton Point, at the corner of my eye, I was able to catch the flowers beginning to blossom on the trees at the entrance of the park - a special way to symbolize the beauty of maternity and new life. The way the colors of the flowers and her dress contrasted told the story of the joy of motherhood. For the Nishi and Chris, it is the story of a bright and fun future full of love.
Micaela’s vision for her session was for indoor and outdoor portraits. We were so grateful for her to have invited us to her home and meet her family. The minute I saw Micaela in her lace white maternity gown, I knew that this was going to incredible. She looked absolutely stunning. Rob, her husband, was so excited to be a new dad. His role in the session was so special because the connection and support that he gave Micaela. Their strong bond is evident through the photos. The indoor session with Micaela was intimate and emotionally driven. The warmly lit room, some soothing music and peaceful silence set the vibe for the session. She was one with herself and her future child. I was honored to capture these moments. When we moved to Croton Point park, the sky was a moody gray, giving way to cracks of sunshine within its bed of clouds. We set the mood with a blanket in a field of wheatgrass and Micaela added some boots and a cute country hat to her outfit. During the session, a flock of swans flew across the scene, closing the day with one of my most majestic shots ever.
To all the future moms out there, embarking on this incredible journey, may your days be filled with anticipation, love, and boundless joy. Embrace each moment, for you are nurturing the miracle of life within you. Trust your instincts, cherish the connection with your little one, and know that you possess the strength to navigate this beautiful path of motherhood. May your days be filled with gentle moments of peace and the overwhelming happiness that only a mother's heart can hold.
- Shanti 📸
Here are some tips for a successful maternity photo session:
Plan ahead: Schedule your session when you're around 7-8 months pregnant. This timeframe usually provides a nice baby bump without being too close to your due date.
Choose the right location: Consider locations that have sentimental value or that resonate with you. It could be a beautiful outdoor setting, your home, or a meaningful indoor location.
Dress comfortably and confidently: Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident while showcasing your baby bump. Flowing dresses, form-fitting tops, or even maternity gowns can look stunning in photos.
Coordinate with your partner and family: If you plan to include your partner or other children in the photos, coordinate your outfits to create a cohesive look. Choose complementary colors and styles to ensure a harmonious feel.
Consider professional hair and makeup: Professional hair and makeup can enhance your natural beauty and make you feel pampered for the session. If budget allows, it's worth considering for that extra touch.
Bring meaningful props: Consider incorporating props that hold sentimental value, such as ultrasound images, baby shoes, or a cherished stuffed animal. These items can add a personal touch to your photos.
Embrace natural poses and emotions: Relax and enjoy the session. Candid and natural poses often result in the most beautiful and authentic photos. Let your photographer guide you, but also feel free to express your own ideas and emotions.
Capture different angles and close-ups: Variety is key, so experiment with different poses, angles, and close-up shots. Focus on capturing the details, such as your hands cradling your bump or the interaction between you and your partner.
Consider timing and lighting: If shooting outdoors, aim for the golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for soft, warm lighting. If indoors, ensure the room is well-lit and consider using natural light sources.
Relax and enjoy the moment: Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and celebrate this special time in your life. Let your love and excitement shine through, and trust your photographer to capture beautiful memories that you'll cherish forever.
