I’ve photographed Karolina many times over the years, often with her best friend Justyna. Her partner, Patryk, has also been a regular presence at our shoots, always supportive, always kind. So when Karolina asked if we could do a maternity shoot and include Patryk, I was honoured. I’ve known for a while that she was expecting, but she wanted to keep the news private until she felt ready to share it. This shoot marked that turning point.
We met in Tunstall Wood, not far from my studio. It’s a location I use often because it offers a mix of beautiful light, natural textures, and pockets of privacy, especially useful when you need space and calm. On the day, we were lucky: no dog walkers, no interruptions, just a peaceful, secluded area to work in.
Maternity photography requires a special kind of sensitivity. The focus is on celebrating a woman’s changing body and her journey into motherhood. It’s not about glamour, and it’s never sexual. Everything about the shoot is designed to be respectful and empowering. Clothing choices, lighting, body positioning, it all needs to feel comfortable and confident for the person being photographed.
Karolina and I worked together using a Pinterest board she had prepared in advance. That visual reference really helped us plan poses and outfits that felt natural to her. She wore a mix of sheer fabrics and elegant lingerie, with styling designed to enhance her shape while keeping the mood soft and artistic. We brought a vintage yellow chair from the studio to give her something to lean into and pose with. That single prop made a big difference to how relaxed she felt in front of the lens.
Patryk was an essential part of the shoot, not just in the images themselves, but as a chaperone and support person. For any maternity or intimate-style shoot, having someone there you trust makes a big difference. In this case, Patryk helped with outfit changes, held props, and simply stood by offering encouragement. He also stepped in for a few key photos that showed the connection between them as a couple preparing to become parents.
We even strung up a small line of baby clothes in the woods, creating a whimsical setup that added a playful element to the gallery. It’s the sort of detail that tells a story, a hint of the life to come.
Every photo you see here was taken with the full knowledge and consent of Karolina and Patryk. We agreed together that this set would be shared only after they had told their friends and family their news. For me, photography is always about trust. I take that seriously.
There are a few key takeaways for anyone thinking about a maternity session like this:
- Privacy matters. Choose a location where you feel safe and unobserved.
- Props can help. A chair, a blanket, or even a clothesline can ground a shoot and give your hands something to do.
- Chaperones are essential. They make everything easier and more relaxed.
- Planning helps. A Pinterest board, moodboard, or even a handful of saved images can really help shape the direction.
- Respect is everything. These images should feel empowering, calm, and genuine.
It was a privilege to document this chapter for Karolina and Patryk. Shoots like this remind me why I love portrait photography. It’s about people, their stories, and the moments that matter most.
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