The Martchek Maternity Photo Shoot
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.