Keira’s Sunshine Maternity Session
Keira and her husband Michael are expecting their third child in just a few short weeks.
When she reached out to me to inquire about some newborn photos to capture the first few weeks with the addition of baby number three, I knew we had to get a few maternity shots too!
We decided on an outdoor spring maternity session, and I told Keira I would scout out a few photo locations that she could choose from. I knew I wanted the scene to feel a bit whimsical, a bit overgrown, and private - like we were far away from everyone and everything.
We managed to find exactly that, (a secluded private feeling spot for maternity photos), right in the thick of the city of Edmonton, believe it or not!
Now I’ve lived in Edmonton almost all my life, and thought I knew what all it had to offer. But the spot we chose – MacTaggart Sanctuary – I had never even heard about before! I was stoked on how location scouting gave me a new and fresh perspective on Edmonton and its surrounding areas.
After her first two babies, Keira felt like she was a seasoned pro with this third pregnancy and let me tell you…she absolutely was.
She carried herself with a kind of quiet pride and a natural comfortability. Dressed in her white sundress, her skin was glowing and tan, though it was only still May.
Keeping with the vision of a natural, effortless, and authentic session – Keira dressed in a neutral palette. We combined resources and both brought a collection of fresh and dried flowers from our homes.
Keira was easy-going and open to my random creative ideas. I had brought a chair and a spare white curtain, and Keira brought a flower bouquet she recently received for her birthday.
We had a blast playing around with the different props we had brought - brainstorming and laughing as we attempted some creative shots and ran around in the tall grasses.
She walked barefoot through the grass and patiently swatted at the mosquitos as the sun began to set. Her energy was calm and warm, and she exuded strength and fearlessness. The hour flew by, and we got so many fun shots out of just a small area of field.
I think there is something so special and intimate about solo maternity photos. I love capturing these personal and intimate moments of love and pride between mother and an unborn baby, without distractions of other little ones or partners to include.
Don’t get me wrong - those are great too, but pregnancy is such a deeply personal and unique journey for the person that is carrying. And with two other boys running around at home, it can be hard to get some quiet time to yourself to be reminded of the magic that’s inside you.
In my humble opinion, individual photographs of this stage of life are necessary.
It is quite literally the biggest change our bodies will likely ever go through, no matter whether it is baby number one, or baby number seven. It is no small feat, and it should not be downplayed either. Pregnancy can be hard, taxing, and exhausting. It can feel long, perhaps never-ending. Yes – it can also be fun, freeing, and gratifying.
The reality is that no one else will ever know what it truly felt like for you, but you.
The immense amount of love, attention, effort, and intention that goes into growing a little baby is so crucial to capture and be able to look back on forever. An opportunity for you to connect to your body and your growing baby, while allowing someone else to capture you in a real and genuine way – exactly in the moment you are in.
The photos Kiera and I captured together have blown me away. They exude power and a special kind of fierceness, while also showcasing a soft underbelly of warmth and unconditional love.
My hope is that when Keira’s third child is grown up, perhaps about to move out for the first time – she will look back on the maternity photos from our session and be reminded of all her power, strength, love, and resilience.
