This summer, I co-hosted an incredible motherhood photography content day with Steph G Photography at Our Handcrafted Home in Asbury Park, NJ. Over the course of two content days – days where photographers can come and photograph models for social media and personal advertising content – we hosted 14 photographers and 4 amazing models – 2 new moms with their babies and 2 maternity mamas-to-be.
All four moms were eager to capture this special time in their lives, fully aware of the transformative nature of motherhood. The two moms with babies both mentioned how crucial it was for them to see themselves as mothers. As a mom myself, I completely understand the challenge of feeling maternal when caught up in the daily happenings of parenting. That’s why reflecting their own beauty back to them through my lens was so meaningful and necessary. Watching these women reconnect with their motherhood journey was truly special for everyone involved.
Maternity Photography at Our Handcrafted Home
We held our content days at the stunning “Our Handcrafted Home” in Asbury Park, NJ. This amazing location features a beautiful pool, which was perfect for our maternity moms, while the motherhood moms utilized the cozy, sunbeam-drenched bedroom and gorgeous clawfoot tub upstairs. The natural light in every area of the home and pool was absolutely magical, allowing us to capture incredible, dynamic photos full of life and depth.
Outfit Inspiration for Maternity Photography
Our maternity moms wore black two-piece bathing suits. We wanted a somewhat understated look that empowered the mamas-to-be by showing off their beautiful bumps, but that didn’t steal the spotlight from the main focus: the moms themselves. But we still wanted them to feel confident and beautiful, so we added some cute accessories, including a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, and a fun pool cover-up.
For our motherhood moms, we went for a more intimate vibe. We provided them with oversized shirts with a subtle bralette, paired with comfy boy shorts and tube socks. The idea was to create a relaxed, lounge-like atmosphere. We wanted these mamas to feel like themselves – comfortable, confident, and at ease with their babies.
The Importance of Seeing Yourself as a Mom
The whole experience was incredibly intimate, reflecting what motherhood is (and should be) at its core. I loved capturing the skin-to-skin contact moments and focusing on those precious details – the moms holding their baby’s little hands, the tender breastfeeding moments, and the sweet interactions in the tub. We also spent time in front of a beautiful mirror, where we could capture those tiny details like the baby’s rolls and feet, and the moms cradling the back of their little heads.
As babies grow up, it’s so easy to forget these little details and the feelings you have as a mom. That’s why it felt so special and sweet to be able to freeze time like this for these mamas. The same goes for our maternity shots – many women say they never felt as beautiful as when they were pregnant (I know that was true for me too!), so being able to let these gorgeous mamas-to-be show off their bumps and bask in their maternity beauty was truly unique and special.
Chrissy Marie Photo Co. | Intimate Motherhood & Maternity Photographer
As a mom myself, I know how quickly these precious days fly by. The chance to freeze time, to bottle up the feeling of your baby in your arms, is truly a gift. Whether you’re expecting and wanting to document your pregnancy journey, or a mama seeking to capture the precious bond with your little one, I would be honored to help tell your story.
If you’re interested in booking your own maternity or motherhood session, I’d love to chat! I offer a range of lifestyle maternity photography packages to suit your needs. And I’m thrilled to announce the opening of my new private studio for intimate motherhood sessions! It’s a cozy space perfect for intimate maternity sessions, motherhood portraits, and even boudoir photos. Feel free to explore my maternity and motherhood blogs to see more loving sessions like this one!
One of the things I cherish most about being a photographer is building real relationships with my clients. Stephanie, my co-host for this content day, is not only a dear friend but a talented photographer herself, with a passion for maternity and newborn photography. You can see her beautiful work on Instagram @stephg_photography or at www.stephgphotography.com.
