Luxurious Maternity Photography
That Supports You in Your Motherhood Journey
At my recent maternity session with the Zuidersma family, we beat the heat with a special sunset session at the lake (or should I say, in the lake!) In this blog we’ll see how this soon-to-be-family-of-five made their maternity session all their own, and how having photography can support you on your own motherhood journey.
Oh, the sweet summer days of motherhood. Soak it in Mama. Every sticky popsicle kiss, every squeal you hear as they run through the sprinkler, and the smell of sunscreen on their skin as they splash past you in bare feet.
These are the days you’ll crave later – the sights, the smells, the sounds, the feelings. The afternoons your children will remember with so much love in their hearts. These are the evenings you’ll all want to recreate decades from now with your grandchildren. And the best way to preserve these memories, and all the feelings that come along with them is through photos – natural, effortless photos you can hang on your walls and hold onto in heirloom albums.
As I’ve mentioned before in Reasons to Get Maternity Photos:
“At Reflections, I am devoted to helping you capture the best parts of this quick, 9-month moment in your life’s story….no matter what season you’re pregnant in, and how it’s making you feel, I am dedicated to bringing out the deep, natural connection that is already forming between you and your baby.”
Maternity Photography that Supports You:
In my maternity photography sessions, I am devoted to helping you feel beautiful, and cared for. I want your photography to feel as luxurious as it looks! For some moms, their favourite part is having their hair and makeup done professionally before their session (I send a hairstylist and makeup artist to your house before the session if you’d like – I include this option in all my packages). For other moms, luxury may feel like not wearing any makeup at all, and letting their hair curl naturally into those loose windswept beach waves. Whatever makes you feel your best! I also offer a curated collection of maternity outfits for you in my studio wardrobe – if being styled in your favourite dresses is a luxurious experience to you (without having to deal with shopping malls, shipping times, clothes shrinking in the dryer and returning online orders) then I’m thrilled to help you with that too! During the photo session, I’ll be there to guide you through each and every scene, as I help you with poses, and simply capture the candid moments as they happen.
Family Spotlight:
As Kayla and Wes prepare to welcome their third child into the world, we celebrated their growing family with an outdoor maternity photo session. They’ll always remember the fun they had creating these in-the-water photos! Their two children Ben and Bella absolutely loved being at the maternity session, and took such mischievous-pleasure in splashing through the water with their clothes on.
Their Wardrobe:
What I love so much about the colour palette in this session is the contrast of light and dark – the light neutral greys, pinks, and blues and the way they were darkened by the water lines when they jumped in the water. And isn’t that the perfect metaphor for motherhood? It’s all a contrast – joyous and difficult, hilarious and heartbreaking, hanging on and letting go. It’s when we choose to embrace all of it that we find ourselves in the most perfect, magical moments (even amidst the imperfections, mess and chaos).
The Moments we Captured:
And there were some truly magical moments in this maternity session. At the golden hour of sunset, we headed for the beach in Grimsby, Ontario and I helped the Zuidersma’s make some memories as a family of four – skipping rocks, jumping through water, hugging, splashing, and whipping our hair back and forth…
I love the way the water-soaked her dress to create the silhouette of Kayla’s 32-week baby bump. These water photos make me tear up every time I look at them.
Did you know that water has long been a symbol of birth, and new life around the world throughout history? I loved learning about this as we planned these water photos – it made them extra meaningful! The natural connection between waters breaking at birth (or having a water birth) and cleansing ourselves spiritually for new life (ie. baptism) is such a beautiful and unique way to celebrate your pregnancy and upcoming birth.
Mothering the Mothers:
This amazing mother and entrepreneur Kayla knows how important it is for mothers to feel supported during pregnancy and onward. She is a local doula in Niagara, and owner of TruLove Birth Services. Kayla has dedicated her career to supporting mothers with education, care, birth trauma counseling, and birth photography. And even with all her expertise and years of experience, Kayla also knows that every mother needs support in every stage of their journey. We were never meant to do it alone.
We all need a “mother-hood” – a group of women who form a community linked by their common goals as mothers.
It’s all too easy to fall into the story that we’re in it alone. The days are long, and so are the nights. Our partners go back to work, and the meal trains don’t last forever. So often we put pressure on ourselves as mothers to “finally” be able to do it alone, without needing so much help. But Mama, our need for support, and our need for each other never ends. In both my photography work and Kayla’s doula work, we understand that it’s an important balance – empowering ourselves with knowledge, skills, and confidence, while also staying connected with our support systems throughout our entire lives.
Who is your support system?
Your partner? Your friends? Your sisters? Parents? I know that my people and my faith have been the most important sources of support on my journey as a mother of four.
“Your maternity photo session is an opportunity to savour the moments of your pregnancy, while preserving memories for you and your child in the future.”
Conclusion:
Photography to Support You On Your Journey:
And one other thing has been a source of support to me, and so many of my clients – our family photos through each changing season of our lives.
Your photos will always be there for you too. Your memories will be art on your walls, and they’ll live in your heirloom albums, ready to take you right back to that beautiful moment where you were all together, living in the moment. And the best part about it? When my clients keep their family photos around their homes, they spend their days remembering that there is always this much magic available to us in every moment if we just keep our eyes open for it.
About This Beautiful Family
Kayla, Wes, and their children Ben and Bella had the most spectacular evening at their beach maternity session. It’s been an honour capturing their baby session previously. If you’d like to learn more about Kayla’s exceptional doula work, visit here website at TruLove Birth Services.
Preserving Family Stories
- In Customized Heirloom Photo Albums -
If you want to create something beautiful for your home and family, message me. I'd love to give you more information on booking a portrait session here at Reflections.
Client Testimonial
“We had the privilege of doing our maternity photos with Karen and the entire experience was absolutely lovely. She takes care of every detail including making sure you find that perfect outfit. Her wardrobe selection is an incredible help for us busy mamas. During the session Karen was amazing! We had so much fun during the session. Even our little ones loved it. Not to mention that the images were absolutely precious and simply breathtaking! I highly recommend Karen if you are considering having any kind of family or maternity photography done. You won’t be disappointed!” - Kayla Zuidersma
Hi there!
I’m Karen, a professional, trained photographer in the Niagara Region of Ontario, specializing in maternity, newborn, baby and family portraits. Hundreds of mamas just like you have come to Reflections to capture the stories of their family’s growth.
As a mama of four, I understand the busy-ness of everyday life. I’m here to help you slow down time, even just for a moment, to embrace the beauty of that busy, full life.
