Over the years, I have worked with Shannon on quite a few different shoots. We have done headshots, fitness images, and other portrait work together, so it felt particularly meaningful to photograph this next stage in her life as well. This time, the focus was on her pregnancy, and being asked to create these maternity portraits for her was something I genuinely valued.
By the time of this shoot, Shannon was nearly eight months pregnant, so the session needed to be approached with care, patience, and a clear understanding that comfort had to come first. My aim was not to overcomplicate anything. More than anything else, I wanted to create one or two photographs that she would keep for years and look back on as a true reflection of this moment in her life.
Photographing Pregnancy With Comfort First
Whenever I photograph someone who is pregnant, comfort is the first consideration. That applies physically, in terms of how long someone is standing, how often they need a break, and how the session flows, but it also applies personally. Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to posing, clothing, and how much of their body they want to show in photographs. That has to be respected at every stage.
With Shannon, that part of the process felt very natural because we have worked together many times before. There was already trust there, which made it easier to move through the shoot in a calm and relaxed way. As with all shoots, I generally prefer there to be a chaperone, but because Shannon and I have an established working relationship, she felt that it was not necessary on this occasion.
The atmosphere in the studio was quiet, comfortable, and easy for everyone involved. That matters more than people sometimes realise. A maternity shoot does not need to feel rushed or overly directed. In fact, it usually works better when the pace is slower and the person being photographed has the space to settle into it.
Keeping the Shoot Gentle and Unhurried
At nearly eight months pregnant, standing for portraits naturally takes effort. That was something I was very aware of throughout the session. Even when someone is feeling well, a photoshoot at that stage of pregnancy can still be tiring, so I kept the pace sensible and gave Shannon plenty of time to rest between setups.
Rather than trying to do too much too quickly, I built the session around short bursts of photographing, followed by pauses while I adjusted lighting or prepared the next look. That gave Shannon the chance to sit down, reset, and stay comfortable without the shoot becoming physically demanding.
For me, that is simply part of working properly. A studio portrait session should adapt to the person in front of the camera. It should never be the other way round.
Creating Variety Through Lighting and Styling
Although the session was gentle in pace, I still wanted to give Shannon a good variety of images to choose from later. One of the ways I approached that was through lighting. I tried several different lighting effects across the shoot so that the final set would not all feel the same.
Some of the portraits are soft, simple, and understated, with a classic studio feel. Those images place the emphasis very much on shape, expression, and the quiet significance of pregnancy. Others are more dramatic, especially the darker black and white silhouettes, where the lighting strips everything back and lets the outline of Shannon’s figure do the work. I wanted those images to feel more stripped-down and timeless, without becoming theatrical.
We also worked through several outfit changes, which helped shape the mood of the session. Some looks felt light and natural, others more refined, and some were reduced to very simple styling so that the form of the pregnancy itself became the focal point. Shannon’s tattoos also add something distinctive to the portraits. They give the images an extra layer of personality and help root them in who she is, rather than making the session feel anonymous or overly staged.
Why Simplicity Matters in Maternity Portrait Photography
One thing I have learnt over the years is that maternity portrait photography often works best when it is handled simply. Good lighting, calm direction, and a comfortable environment usually matter far more than overcomplicated props or forced ideas.
For this shoot, I wanted the photographs to feel honest. Not overly styled for the sake of it, and not trying too hard to become something they did not need to be. The point was to make images that reflected Shannon properly at this moment in her life.
That is often where the strength of studio portrait photography lies. In a controlled space, with distractions removed, the focus can stay on expression, shape, and mood. A well-lit portrait does not need much else when the subject already brings meaning to the frame.
Working With Someone Over Time
What made this session particularly special for me was the continuity of it. I have photographed Shannon through different stages already, from headshots to fitness work, and now maternity portraits. As a photographer, there is something genuinely rewarding about being asked back to document different chapters in someone’s life.
It gives the work more depth. You are not just producing a one-off set of images. You are building a visual record across time, and that brings a different kind of responsibility with it. You want the photographs to feel right not just now, but years later as well.
That was very much in my mind throughout this shoot. My objective was not to create dozens of complicated images for the sake of variety. It was to make sure there were a few strong, lasting portraits in the set that would continue to matter.
Looking Ahead to the Next Shoot
I am especially looking forward to the next session with Shannon because, all being well, the baby will be here and we will be creating a very personal image for Shannon and her partner. That feels like a natural continuation of the work we have already done together.
There is something very grounding about photographing people through real life changes like this. It reminds me that portrait photography is not just about lighting setups or technical choices, although those things matter. It is also about timing, trust, and understanding what the photographs are actually for.
This maternity shoot with Shannon was a calm, thoughtful session centred on comfort, trust, and keeping things simple. I am very pleased that we were able to create a set of portraits that reflect this stage in her life honestly, and I am grateful that she asked me to photograph it.
