There is something so lovely about photographing a couple who are about to become parents for the first time. The optimism and anticipation. Their hopes and dreams. Their knowledge that their lives are going to be forever changed soon, but for now all they can do is hurry up and wait. 

I remember that feeling, waiting for my daughter to be born. The plans and ideas my husband and I came up with as we tried to strategise our way through our world changing. I wouldn't say we were totally wrong, but becoming parents isn't something you can really prepare for. I don't think you can truly understand until your little one is placed in your arms are you just are. 

This maternity session was held at their lovely home in the north-east outskirts of Melbourne. Although I'm sure there were many other things Stu would have preferred to be doing, he snuggled in for his Emma.    

When I put out a call on my Facebook page that I was looking for a pregnant someone for a maternity shoot, Melissa was one of the people who replied. Arriving at her house, we sat down for a chat and I remember commenting that maternity photography can sometimes be really staged and corny.

'Thank goodness you said that', I can remember Melissa saying, because she had looking into booking in for some maternity photos but everything had seemed so 'posey'.She was definitely my kind of client!

Looking through the photos (these are just a few of the 31 I provided Melissa) I am really pleased with what I have produced. And hopefully Melissa was too! Sure, I have ventured further into 'posey' with some shots than others - encouraging variety in placing of the hands is definitely something to work on - but I think this is a set of beautiful, relaxed and casual maternity photos.     

A friend of a friend, Brooke was the very gracious subject of my first maternity shoot. I experimented, fiddled with camera settings, tried different poses and perspectives, some of which worked and some which were dismal failures. But among the photos, a few absolute gems. 

It was lovely spending the morning with Brooke, and the sweet Blaise, sharing just a little in her anticipation and wondering as she awaits the arrival of her first child. Poor Blaise has no idea what she is in for!