Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

We are thrilled to share the Martchek maternity photo shoot on the blog! Have we mentioned how much Fancy This Photography loves capturing maternity sessions? This blog post is full of beautiful, heartfelt maternity photo shoot ideas—from cozy crib-side portraits to intimate front porch moments. Emily Martchek and Daniel Martchek are absolutely glowing. Their love for each other and their growing family radiates in every frame.

Maternity photo shoots can take place anywhere! Fancy This Photography encourages couples to choose a location that holds personal significance—it adds an emotional depth to the session. The Martcheks opted for an at-home maternity photo shoot, and we love how personal and meaningful their space felt. Their house was full of color, memories, and warmth. The baby’s nursery was especially precious. And the moody window light in their dining room? Paired with that botanical wallpaper, it was a vibe.

Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to document this special time in their lives.

Q&A With Nikki Whitt Belch, Founder and Owner of Fancy This Photography

Q: Why do you recommend maternity photo shoots for expecting mamas and couples?

A: This is just such a sacred time. A mom is growing a soul. How amazing is that? Women are portals to this world and we should cherish that!

Q: When is the best time during pregnancy to schedule a maternity session?

A: I recommend at the end of seven months, to the beginning of the eighth month. Moms are generally showing a good bit, but they are not well into their third trimester where they feel miserable.

Keep scrolling for more maternity photo shoot ideas and inspiration!

Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography, was honored to capture Emily Martchek and Daniel Martchek’s maternity photo shoot.

Fancy This Photography Family Clients

Nikki Whitt Belch captured Emily Chrisman and Daniel Martchek’s Art Nouveau-inspired wedding ceremony and reception at Bay 7 in Downtown Durham on May 21, 2022. Their gorgeous celebration was featured in Durham Magazine later that year. Click here to read the full story.

“Not only are these two artful in style and grace, but also genuine and just all around kind people,” says Nikki. “I left their wedding feeling so inspired and filled with more love than I even thought I could give. It was a true honor.”

At Fancy This Photography, we are passionate about capturing life’s biggest milestones. It’s always special when wedding clients return for family portrait sessions. We are honored and grateful to have so many lifelong clients who trust us to document their journeys.

Your baby's nursery is an intimate, special place. Perfect for maternity photos!

Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

Let’s make some noise for the fabulous fashion featured in this maternity photo shoot!

Emily’s first look was a lovely blush and white botanical-print sundress with ruffled sleeves. It was giving warm, feminine, and effortlessly elegant. Daniel complemented her in a light blue linen button-down and dark gray pants. They looked timeless and paired beautifully with their baby-ready home.

For the second look, Mama Martchek embraced a monochrome turquoise wrap dress that accentuated her baby bump. A chic pair of loafers completed the ensemble. Meanwhile, Papa Martchek swapped his button-down for a classic crisp white T-shirt, keeping it casual yet composed.

Emily’s final look might be our favorite. She changed into a snug gray tank top layered under an unbuttoned cotton shirt, paired with faded blue jeans. This outfit allowed her to easily lift her shirt and showcase her beautiful baby bump. Our number one maternity photo shoot fashion tip? Show the bump! Choose outfits that highlight your belly rather than hide it. Soft patterns work best, as they keep the focus on your face and the bump, rather than drawing attention away with bold prints.

How to Pose: Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

When it comes to posing for maternity photos, please don’t overthink it. If you ever feel awkward or unsure of what to do, simply place your hands on your baby bump. That baby bump is precious, and your hands will always have a natural place to rest.

At Fancy This Photography, we love capturing solo portraits of moms-to-be as well as heartfelt moments with their partners. But we’re also here for maternity photo shoots that include best friends, family members, and even pets. Anything is possible!

The Martchek maternity photo shoot was filled with natural, flattering solo and couple poses. We loved photographing this sweet couple sitting side by side on the piano bench and snuggling together in bed. Emily looked absolutely stunning in her solo portraits—especially as she stood beside the botanical wallpaper, bathed in moody window light.

The front porch steps and picket fence provided the perfect setting for portraits with an American Gothic or Norman Rockwell-inspired touch. Every image is beautifully framed by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

The Martchek family maternity photo shoot by Nikki Whitt Belch, founder and owner of Fancy This Photography.

This colorful front porch was the perfect setting for maternity photos.

Bring Out the Baby Clothes

Once you’ve chosen your outfits, consider incorporating a few special baby items into your maternity photo shoot! A cheeky onesie from Auntie, a cherished baptism gown passed down through generations, or tiny baby booties make for heartfelt, sentimental photos.

At Fancy This Photography, we also love capturing the little details in the baby’s nursery. This could be handmade blankets from Grandma, a beloved childhood stuffed animal waiting to be passed down, or delicate decor that holds sentimental value. It’s all part of your life’s story.

Keep scrolling for more maternity photo shoot ideas!

The bedroom is such a sweet, intimate space. We love these images of Emily and Daniel—they are some of our favorites.

Photography by Nikki Whitt Belch, Founder and Owner of Fancy This Photography

Ready to book your maternity photo shoot? Click here to schedule a free consultation with Fancy This Photography. Our portrait collections start at $899.

The Placey Family

Photographed at the Hillsborough, NC Riverwalk by Nikki

Capturing the Beauty of Family Bonds: A Hillsborough Photography Session to Remember

Imagine a warm autumn day, the sun shining through the trees, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. Now, add in a beautiful family full of love, joy, and laughter. That's what we captured in this unforgettable family photography session in Hillsborough, NC. In this article, we'll take you through the process of capturing the essence of familial connection against the stunning backdrop of the Hillsborough Riverwalk. From preparation to execution, we'll share tips and tricks for capturing the unique personalities of each family member and why it's essential to hire a professional photographer. Whether you're considering a family photo shoot or just looking for inspiration, this article will show you how to capture the beauty of family bonds.

The Hillsborough Riverwalk: A Perfect Backdrop for Family Photography

When it comes to family photography, choosing the right location can make all the difference. That's why we love using the Hillsborough Riverwalk as a backdrop for our sessions. With its scenic trails, rustic bridges, and charming river views, the Riverwalk offers a picturesque setting that perfectly captures the beauty of family bonds. As we walk and explore, we encourage our clients to relax and have fun, allowing their personalities to shine through in the photographs. In the next section, we'll provide tips for preparing for the perfect family photography session, so you can make the most of your time on the Riverwalk and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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Preparing for the Perfect Family Photography Session

A family photography session can be a daunting experience, especially for those who may not be comfortable in front of the camera. However, with a bit of preparation, you can ensure that your session runs smoothly and that you capture the most beautiful and authentic family moments. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next family photography session:

Choose Appropriate Clothing: Clothing is a crucial element of a successful photo shoot. Coordinate your outfits and try to aim for a theme or color palette that complements the location. Avoid loud patterns and stick to solid colors to keep the focus on your family's faces.

Plan Ahead: Ensure that everyone is well-rested and fed before the session. Hungry or tired family members can make for a difficult photo shoot. Keep some snacks and water on hand in case anyone needs a quick energy boost.

Communicate with Your Photographer: Let your photographer know what you're looking for in your family photography session. They can offer suggestions on poses, angles, and even locations that they think will work best. A good photographer will also take the time to get to know your family and understand each member's unique personality.

Relax and Have Fun: Most importantly, try to relax and have fun during your photo shoot. The more comfortable and natural you feel, the more authentic your photographs will be. Let your family's personalities shine through and enjoy the moment.

By following these tips, you'll be able to create lasting memories with your loved ones that you can cherish for years to come. In the next section, we'll discuss how we capture the unique personalities of each family member during our photography sessions.

Capturing the Unique Personalities of Each Family Member

During a family photography session, it's essential to capture the unique personalities of each family member. Every family member has a distinct personality, and it's this uniqueness that makes the family bond special. As a photographer, it's crucial to create an environment where each family member feels comfortable expressing themselves. By doing so, you can capture their personalities and emotions, making the photos more authentic.

One of the ways to capture each family member's personality is by engaging in conversations with each of them. As you talk to them, you'll discover their likes, dislikes, hobbies, and interests. You can use the information you gather to create personalized shots that showcase who they are as individuals. Additionally, you can also suggest specific poses or actions that embody their personalities, making the shots more personalized.

It's also vital to let families be themselves and have fun during the photography session. When families are relaxed, they can naturally express themselves, making it easier for the photographer to capture their personalities. By creating a fun-filled and relaxed environment, the photos will not only be authentic but also genuinely reflect the family bond.

Capturing the unique personalities of each family member is crucial for creating memorable photographs that reflect the true essence of the family. In the next section, we'll discuss why hiring a professional photographer is crucial to achieving this goal.

The Importance of Hiring a Professional Photographer

Capturing beautiful family moments is a valuable investment that creates lasting memories. While anyone can take pictures with their smartphones, hiring a professional photographer can make all the difference in creating an exceptional experience. Professional photographers have the expertise to capture each family member's unique personalities and create stunning, high-quality images. With professional equipment and knowledge of lighting and angles, they can create artwork that will last a lifetime.

It's also important to note that a professional photographer can handle the logistics of a photo session, from location scouting to coordinating outfits and photo albums. They can also guide families in posing and capturing interactive moments that reflect their personalities. Overall, hiring a professional photographer can help families relax and enjoy the moment without the stress of taking pictures themselves.

If you want to capture the beauty of your family bonds, hiring a professional photographer can ensure that your memories are preserved in a way that reflects your true essence. With their help, you can create photographs that will become cherished keepsakes for generations to come. Speaking of which, let's take a look at some inspiration for your own family photo shoot.

Inspiration for your Own Family Photo Shoot

If you're feeling inspired to capture your own family bonds through photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, choose a location that is meaningful to your family, whether it's a favorite park or your own backyard. This will add a personal touch to your photos and help everyone feel comfortable and relaxed.

Next, think about coordinating your outfits without being too matchy-matchy. You want your family to look cohesive without being too uniform. Choose a color palette and mix and match patterns and textures to add visual interest.

When it comes to posing, don't be afraid to get creative and have fun. Encourage your family to interact with each other naturally. You can also incorporate props or activities that reflect your family's interests and personalities.

Finally, remember to relax and enjoy the moment. The best family photos are often the ones that happen spontaneously, so don't be too focused on getting the perfect shot. Instead, focus on capturing the love and joy that your family shares.

With these tips in mind, you can create your own beautiful family photos that will become treasured keepsakes for years to come.

This Hillsborough photography session was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family bonds and the joy that comes with capturing them. By choosing the perfect backdrop, preparing for the session, and hiring a professional photographer, this family was able to create lasting memories that they will cherish for years to come. If you're inspired to create your own family photo shoot, remember to focus on capturing the unique personalities of each family member and let your love for one another shine through. Don't miss the opportunity to create your own cherished memories - book your own family photography session today! As the famous quote goes, "In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony." So, capture the music of your family's love and cherish it forever.

Springtime Bliss: A Stunning Family Photography Session at Coker Arboretum

Spring is the season of renewal and growth, a time when the world comes alive with vibrant colors and fresh beginnings. And what better way to capture the essence of this beautiful season than with a family photography session at Coker Arboretum on UNC Chapel Hill's campus? In this article, we'll join the Gorski family as they bask in the springtime splendor of the arboretum and create memories to cherish for years to come. From the power of natural settings to capturing genuine expressions and playing with colors and textures, we'll explore how a skilled photographer can turn a simple photo shoot into a work of art. So come along on a journey of Springtime Bliss and discover how you too can create timeless family memories at Coker Arboretum.

The Power of Natural Settings

One of the most powerful aspects of a natural setting like Coker Arboretum is the way it can put people at ease and inspire genuine expressions of joy and connection. As we saw with the Gorski family, the lush greenery, blooming flowers, and tranquil atmosphere of the arboretum provided the perfect backdrop for them to relax, have fun, and be themselves in front of the camera. In the next section, we'll dive deeper into the art of capturing those authentic smiles and laughter that make family photos so special.

Capturing Genuine Smiles and Laughter

One of the most rewarding parts of family photography is capturing those genuine smiles and laughter that make each family unique. At Coker Arboretum, we were able to create an environment where the Gorski family could let loose and have fun. As a photographer, my goal is to create a space where families feel comfortable being themselves and enjoying each other's company.

It's important to approach a family photo shoot with a playful and lighthearted attitude. One way to do this is to encourage parents to interact with their children and make silly faces or tell jokes. This helps to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere that shines through in the photos. Another strategy is to give children activities to do, such as playing with bubbles or running around, which helps to distract them from the camera and allows for more natural moments to be captured.

When it comes to photographing families, it's not just about capturing posed shots, but also those candid moments of joy and connection. At Coker Arboretum, we were able to capture the genuine smiles and laughter of the Gorski family as they walked, played, and cuddled together against the stunning backdrop of the arboretum.

In the next section, we'll explore how playing with colors and textures can add depth and interest to family photos, building on the natural beauty of the setting.

Playing with Colors and Textures

At Coker Arboretum, the natural beauty of the setting provided a perfect canvas for family photography. But adding pops of colors and textures can take family photos to the next level. The Gorski family wore a mix of bright colors and patterns that complemented the lush greenery of the arboretum. The soft textures of their clothing and blankets added a cozy and inviting feel to their photos.

Playing with colors and textures doesn't have to be limited to clothing either. The vibrant pink blooms of a flowering tree or the rough texture of a stone wall can create interest and variety in family photos. Experimenting with different colors and textures can help capture the unique personality and character of each family.

In the next section, we'll dive into how incorporating activities and themes can create timeless family memories.

Creating Timeless Family Memories

Playing with colors and textures can create depth and visual interest in family photos, but there's more to capturing timeless memories than just aesthetics. By incorporating activities and themes, you can infuse your family photography session with personality and meaning that will make for cherished memories for years to come.

Think about what your family loves to do together. Is it baking and cooking? Head to the kitchen and capture those messy, flour-covered moments. Do you all enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors? Plan a photoshoot in a nearby park or nature reserve and let your family's sense of adventure shine.

Theme-based photoshoots are another way to create timeless family memories. For example, you could stage a vintage-inspired picnic complete with a checkered blanket and a wicker basket of goodies. Or, consider dressing up in your finest clothes and posing in a grand location for a formal family portrait.

No matter what activities or themes you choose, remember that the goal is to capture the essence of your family. Be yourselves, have fun, and let your personalities shine through. And above all, be present in the moment - after all, that's what you'll be looking back on with fondness for years to come.,

The Gorski family's springtime photography session at Coker Arboretum showcases the power of natural settings, capturing genuine smiles and laughter, playing with colors and textures, and creating timeless family memories. The beauty of the season and the love shared between family members are expertly preserved in these stunning photographs. If you're looking to create your own unforgettable family memories, consider booking a photography session at Coker Arboretum today. As the saying goes, "Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" and there's no better way to celebrate than with your loved ones in this beautiful setting. Remember, time with those you love is a treasure, so let's capture it while we can.