Lizzie's Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

It was obvious. Lizzie was more excited than I was for our outdoor maternity photoshoot. She glowed as we met up, chatted for a bit and got ready for the session. After changing into her maternity outfit, however, we had a bit of a hiccup.

“Um, we have a bit of a problem…” Lizzie announced after changing. “It doesn’t fit.”

She suffered from the same struggle that almost every pregnant woman has had to deal with. A growing bust. Because of this, her top wasn’t covering as much as she’d like.

I’ve been there! I’ll never fit into the same cup size that I did before my first baby. It can be so frustrating, dealing with all these changes. But instead of being upset, Lizzie laughed it off. After a bit of adjusting and taping, we managed to find a solution. Lizzie’s relaxed personality made it easy to go with the flow and enjoy the evening.

Wandering the Woods

We started off by taking a walk through the forest. Lizzie looked like a bohemian princess with her flowy pant skirt and crocheted halter top. She ducked under vines and caressed plants and trees while I captured her quiet moments with nature. This is why outdoor maternity photoshoot sessions are my favourite. There is something new and grounding about being outside.

At one point, Lizzie leaned against a vine-covered tree and breathed in the forest.

“Send love and peace to your baby.” I said. “Bask in this moment with your little one. He will be here so soon!”

The sun bathed her serene face. She looked up, savoring this intimate moment with her unborn child. Then she looked down at her belly. The love in the air was tangible and beautiful. This was something I hope to help every mother feel. She is a goddess. A divine gift to her child. Her infant’s whole world.

An Orchard Treat

After we left the forest, we walked through a small orchard.

“You’re welcome to eat some fruit if you want to.” I mentioned. She took me up on the offer. Lizzie couldn’t help but taste a few of the delicious apples. After all, she had a baby to feed! Again, I was able to appreciate Lizzie’s easygoing personality. I couldn’t help but think that she looked like Mother Eve, surrounded with trees, foliage and fruit.

We talked a lot throughout the outdoor maternity photoshoot. Lizzie inspired me with her determination and love for her baby. I felt honoured to be a part of this special memory of her last weeks before becoming a mom. With all the stresses of having a first baby, pregnancy and the unknown of birth, it is so important to take time to breathe. I could tell that the infant inside Lizzie’s belly could already feel his mother’s love, peace, and acceptance.

Au Naturel

During our nude maternity shoot, Lizzie talked about wanting to remember and celebrate all the changes she went through for this baby.

“I love my stretch marks.” She smiled, “I think they are beautiful. I know they will fade, but I want to remember them.” She believed that these marks and other changes were just symbols of the love she had for her child. And I agreed. Her stretch marks and belly displayed the power and majesty of our ability to create life. I wanted her to remember her as I saw her. As a goddess and a queen.

A gentle breeze tickled the long grass, but the air felt warm and balmy. A part of me was sad when it ended. But a larger part was honoured and grateful to be a part of such a magical evening. This was no ordinary outdoor maternity photoshoot. It was a time to connect with baby and for Lizzie to feel beautiful and magnificent.

My goal with every expecting mother is to help her pause and feel one with her baby. To breathe baby in and take time to appreciate the life that she is giving to another human being. I want every woman to feel loved, adored, and appreciated. A pregnant momma is literally their child’s whole world. They know nothing but their mother’s womb. They hear her heartbeat. They are nourished and protected through her body. Each mom is a warrior.

Preparing for your Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot

Here are a few tips I have for your upcoming outdoor maternity photoshoot:

Dress comfortably. You want to feel you in your shoot. Also avoid tight clothing that could leave marks, especially if you plan to remove any layers for part of the shoot.
Take time for yourself beforehand. You will remember how you felt during your outdoor maternity photoshoot every time you look at those photos. Take time to breathe and allow yourself to feel peaceful.
Be open to go with the flow. Things happen! You will have a much better experience if you don’t have a set plan in your head that must be followed. Come ready for me to gently guide you through a beautiful session. I know you will be happy with the results!
Choose solid colours. If you have a significant other who will also be in the photos, wear colours that complement each other. Busy patterns can often distract from YOU!
Think of your shoes. Consider the location of your outdoor maternity photoshoot when choosing shoes! You will be moving around and I want you to stay safe and comfortable.

Saanich Peninsula and Victoria, BC family, newborn, maternity, and baby lifestyle photographer. For families looking for an artistic, laid back, emotional photography experience.

Let's Book it!

Let me know what you’re interested in and a little bit about you! I’m here to help. I have limited availability, so it’s better to book now while you’re already here. Send me an email and we can set up your very own amazing experience.