A family maternity session is a chance to document life before a new baby arrives.
For this family, that meant photographing Mum, Dad and their toddler, who is getting ready to become a big sister. I first photographed her as a newborn, so it was lovely to welcome them back and see how much had changed.
Back then, she was the newest member of the family. Now, she is active, curious and preparing for a new role of her own.
Celebrating the Family You Are Now
Maternity photography often focuses on pregnancy, but family maternity sessions can capture much more than a baby bump.
They also document the family as it looks right now.
Before a new baby arrives, there is a brief stage when life still follows its familiar rhythm. Your older child still has their usual place in the family, while everyone begins to prepare for what comes next.
This session gave Mum and Dad time together, while also making their daughter an important part of the experience. We photographed the three of them playing, cuddling and spending time together, without expecting anything to feel overly posed.
These simple interactions often create the most natural photographs.
Including Toddlers in Maternity Sessions
Toddlers bring movement, unpredictability and plenty of personality to a photoshoot. However, they do not need to sit still or follow a long list of instructions.
I allow young children time to explore, play and connect with their parents in their own way. They might want to be carried, run around, climb on Dad or stay close to Mum. All of that can be included in the session.
This relaxed approach helps children feel comfortable. In addition, it creates photographs that reflect the way the family actually spends time together.
For a toddler who is about to become a big sibling, the session also gives them their own place in the story. The new baby may be the reason for the photoshoot, but the family’s changing relationships are just as important.
Photographing a New Chapter
One of the things I enjoy most about photographing families more than once is seeing how their story develops.
A newborn becomes a toddler. Parents become more confident in their family rhythm. Then, another baby begins to change the shape of the family again.
Photographs from each stage help show that progression.
Soon, this family will have new routines, new responsibilities and a different pace to their days. For now, these photographs show what life looked like while they were still a family of three.
Before 3 Becomes 4
A family maternity session does not need to feel formal or heavily styled.
It can simply be a relaxed afternoon together, with space to document the connections that already exist and the changes that are about to begin.
This session celebrated Mum, Dad and their daughter before she becomes a big sister, and before three becomes four.
