Laila and her partner didn’t want to travel anywhere for their maternity photos. We did the session at home, in the garden of their house in the Hauts-de-Seine (92), just west of Paris. The sun that day was harsh, the kind of hard light photographers usually try to avoid. The session still went beautifully, and I think the garden is a big part of why.
Why a garden at home works so well
At home there is no crowd, no travel and no rush. Laila could sit down, lie on the grass or take a break whenever she wanted, which matters a lot when you are carrying a baby. The garden also gave us everything we needed: trees, a lawn and soft green backgrounds in every direction.
Working with hard sun
Strong sunlight can be unkind on skin. Instead of fighting it, we used what the garden gave us. Under the trees the light softened, and in some places the leaves threw their shadows straight onto Laila’s belly. That became one of my favourite pictures of the day.
Small things that tell the story
They had a bouquet of gypsophila, the ultrasound prints and a pair of tiny white knitted mittens with them. I love it when a couple brings objects that mean something to them. They give the hands something to do and the photos something to say.
The two of them
A maternity session isn’t only about the belly. Some of my favourite frames are of the two of them: her partner kneeling with his hands on the bump while she holds his face, or their hands meeting beside it.
To finish, I photographed them from above, lying on the lawn with the ultrasound and the flowers beside them.
Quick answers
Can you do a maternity photoshoot at our home?
Yes. I photograph pregnancy sessions in Paris and across Île-de-France, outdoors or at home. A garden is ideal: calm, private, and the mother-to-be can rest whenever she needs to.
What if the sun is very strong on the day?
It doesn’t ruin the session. We move into the shade, use the trees and plan the poses around the light. Laila’s session took place under hard sun, and these photos are among my favourites.
What should we bring?
Anything that means something to you: the ultrasound, a first baby item, flowers. Simple light-coloured clothes work well, like the white tops Laila and her partner wore.
How much does a maternity photoshoot cost?
My pregnancy sessions start at €350. You’ll find the details in this article on pregnancy session prices in Île-de-France.
If you’re thinking about a maternity photoshoot, at home or in Paris, have a look at my pregnancy sessions or read my guide to a pregnancy session in Paris. Tell me your due date and where you’d like the session, and I’ll reply within 24 hours.