you are

becoming

a mother

Why have a maternity Session?

In the final months of pregnancy, when you feel all the little kicks and flutters of a new life growing, you may forget that there is only a limited opportunity to experience these sensations. In a few short weeks, you will welcome your new baby into the world, but in that same moment you will say goodbye to a special relationship that only you, and no one else, fully understands. A silent, harmonious, relationship comes to a bittersweet end.

Many mothers-to-be report feeling awkward or isolated in their changing and unfamiliar bodies. It can feel as though you’re a stranger inside yourself as your body prepares to nurture and protect. But transformation is beautiful both in form and function. You have only nine months to celebrate your beautiful new curves as you imagine all the wonderful emotions you will experience when you finally meet your little one.

So although you may have hesitations about having yourself photographed based on how you physically feel right now, years from now, you won’t be thinking about how unlike yourself you looked at the time. Instead, when you look at your images, you will realize how much you miss this brief, life-changing time in your family’s story. You are photographing it not only for yourself, but for your child to cherish a glimpse into the relationship you shared before they were born and will never share again.

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Maternity Photographer based in Niagara

As a maternity photographer, the imagery I produce is focused on creating something visually captivating that does more than simply document an event or what you looked like at a particular time in your life. The meaningful photographs I produce will reflect the essence of who you are and what you are feeling during this exciting time in your life.

When you look back at these photographs in years to come, I want you to feel all the beautiful emotions you are feeling right now. A maternity session is a celebration. A celebration of the joy and excitement of your baby-to-be. I preserve that joy in still frames.

Any photoshoot is also a great excuse to buy an amazing outfit or visit a beautiful location. But it should still capture your personality and your femininity. I want to develop a real connection with you as you enter the next chapter of your life and present it a flattering and meaningful way.

Softly we draw in breath
to send aloft the seeds
of memories
we have yet to make

You are…

You are more than “mom”.

As soon as you learn that you’re pregnant, your whole world changes. People treat you differently. You feel like a different person. You may probably even look like a different person.

But that’s not your whole story and it’s not all that you are.

Some women readily accept an entirely new identity and immediately accept #momlife. End of story.
But you might not; There is more to you than that.

You’re not necessarily becoming a different person or changing roles. You are simply adding to the amazing person you already are. This incredible period of your life is only temporary. These changes will not stay with you after you become a mother. All the glow, the fluttering kicks and wiggles, the constant attention from everyone–even strangers–will fade away and otherwise be forgotten as you busy yourself with all the new challenges life presents.

Pregnancy is Romantic

The gentle curve of a mother-to-be is a visible symbol of the deepest and most committed love. A love sweeter than any other. A love more beautiful than anything ever experienced.

Your inner beauty will live on through your children. Your outward beauty will be forever cherished in timeless images.

A legacy began with the two of you.

—
From fairest creatures we desire increase,
That beauty’s rose might never die
—

What to Expect

Before your session, we will discuss your stylistic goals and vision, the reasons for doing a session, and possible locations that will suit your style. We will also talk about your outfit options (for example, you might want to rent one of our beautiful gowns or bring something of your own) and how you would like to style your hair and makeup. You can also send along any images you have collected that you think would suit you. I can steer the session in that direction.

Hair and makeup can either come to you at your house before you come to the location, or can meet with us at the location for your session. Before we start, we will review your outfit choices and arrange them in a way that will flow. If you brought any accessories, we’ll work out where they will fit best into the session.

Once we start shooting, I will offer as much or as little guidance as required. A session with Afterglow focuses on guiding you to feel and look your best and embrace your new, and temporary, body. This time is for you. We will spend lots of time working together to establish all your best angles. As the session progresses, you will being the see the results of your efforts and you will gain confidence. By the end of your session, you will realize that any nervousness was unnecessary and that you are more beautiful than you ever thought.

There is nothing like the soft dreamy look of film.
Only film physically captures and holds the actual light that was there at the moment you experienced.

Before it’s over

The tiniest heartbeat
only you can hear and feel.
A muffled cadence
that livens your step.
A comforting sound
that is lost forever
on the happiest day of your life.

Read more reviews or leave one of your own on Google

There is a new life growing inside,
and the fluttery feeling of an unborn child’s knock at your heart
eventually blends seamlessly with all the flutters of joy
and serves as our reminder of just how precious this brief period is.
Pregnancy is a time like no other. Will you remember the feeling?

Packages

I now have outfits available for rent! Ask for details when booking.

Contact

SUNSET or SUNRISE

( you decide)

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

Really, it’s totally up to you and it will depend on the look(s) you are trying to achieve. Generally speaking, black and white will go with everything. But feel free to bring a few pops of colour. A snuggly gray sweater is often a good choice. If you’re unsure, you can bring some items that you like and we can always mix and match at your session.

Do you offer hair and makeup services?

Yes. Although some clients choose to do their own hair and makeup, there’s nothing like the work from a professional. I work with the same hair and makeup professionals on most of my sessions and editorial shoots. The results are always worth it. Plus, it’s one less thing to worry about before your session. Just relax and let the professionals work for you.

Can I do my own hair and makeup?

Hair and makeup may be included in the session fee, but you are welcome to do it yourself if you prefer.

Can I bring my partner/husband/boyfriend?

Yes. Although the majority of the session time might focus on you, it is always nice to have some photos together. As much as a maternity session is a celebration of your new curves, it is also a reflection of the love between two people. So bring your partner with you if you would like some photos together or would just like the company. Some couples prefer to do more of a “lifestyle” session which includes a higher number of photos together to showcase the life you are living as a couple.

How much do you “photoshop” the images?

All images are adjusted in some way (e.g., colour, contrast, and tone)–but always in a way that remains faithful to you. You should see yourself reflected in an honest and beautiful way. You might even discover something new about yourself! We work together during the shoot to showcase all that makes you beautiful. When viewing your photos years from now, I want you to feel proud about yourself…not my photoshop skills. That being said, if you would like me to make an adjustment, I am happy to make you happy.

How do I get my image files?

Your gallery of images will be provided on a secure gallery. To further preserve online privacy, I use only initials (sometimes a different one) and never names. All image files are fully edited and in maximum resolution.

Is it awkward posing for a male photographer?

No and yes. Is it awkward posing for a female photographer? No and yes. This question is probably best answered by you. In reality, it probably doesn’t really matter who’s behind the camera. Most clients start a session feeling at least a little bit nervous. As the session progresses and you start to see how it’s all working, the nerves go away and you start to get more confident in yourself and what you are doing. By that point, it could be any person behind the camera. What’s more important is that the person behind the camera has genuine interest in guiding you to look and feel your best. When you’re looking at your photos, you’re going to remember you.

Trust is also a big part of a maternity session. As a successful wedding and editorial photographer, many brides, grooms, and families have placed their trust in me to capture and preserve once-in-a-lifetime events in a way that elicits the same emotions felt on the day all over again. Wedding clients trust that I will preserve fleeting moments of sheer joy while helping them forget any of the stresses that occur at every wedding. In a similar way, maternity clients trust that I will guide them and capture the elements that make them beautiful while making them forget about the nervousness felt at the beginning. Trust is earned by the person, not the gender.

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Niagara maternity photographer. Providing maternity styling and photography for pregnant women throughout Niagara, St. Catharines, Hamilton, Fort Erie, Stoney Creek, Muskoka, Toronto, and across Ontario Canada. I combine digital photography with film photography to provide a fine art experience. Available for outdoor photo shoots, indoor maternity boudoir sessions, or in-home lifestyle maternity photography. Meaningful and artistic photography.