Emma & Ethan – Maternity Session

Getting to photograph this maternity session for my brother Ethan and my sister-in-law Emma was such a beautiful and full-circle moment for me. We did their session in two parts - first in the studio with just Emma, and then outdoors at my favourite paddock location in Widgee at golden hour. It was such a creatively fulfilling and emotionally special shoot, and I’m so excited to finally share it.

Part One: Studio Session

Emma did her own hair and makeup, and we used a range of fabrics to create elegant, timeless looks that felt like works of art. I love working this way - styling with draped fabrics rather than traditional gowns - because it lets the focus fall fully on the mama-to-be and her connection to this moment in time.

✨ Look One: We started with a soft beige chiffon against a warm brown backdrop. The tones were earthy and calm, and Emma looked absolutely radiant. It was the perfect gentle beginning to the session.

✨ Look Two: We moved to a copper satin fabric, still using the same brown backdrop. This created a stunning monochromatic feel, like a rich, glowing portrait straight from a painting.

✨ Look Three: This one was particularly meaningful to me. Emma has always loved the colour blue, and when I found a deep blue satin fabric while shopping one day, I immediately thought of her. I imagined that one day, she’d be having a baby of her own and I’d get to use it for her session - and then, that moment came. We photographed it both on the brown backdrop and a matching blue one, and it was absolutely magic.

✨ Look Four: For the final studio look, I wrapped Emma in a black stretchy jersey fabric, styled to look like a form-fitting gown. I created a shrug with an extra piece of the same fabric to drape from her bent elbows, and then topped it all off with a crown I’ve been dying to use. She looked fierce, regal, and completely stunning.

And of course, I can’t forget to mention that Ethan ended up playing a very important role in the studio too - he was our chief fabric tosser! He was behind the scenes launching fabric into the air like a total pro, and it honestly had all three of us in stitches. It made the whole experience even more fun and memorable, and the movement in the photos turned out beautifully because of it.

Part Two: Sunset Paddock Session

For part two, we headed out to my go-to paddock location in Widgee just before sunset. This time, Ethan joined in for some beautiful couples shots under the golden light. Emma wore unbuttoned jeans, a simple white singlet, and a broad-brimmed cowgirl hat - laid-back, natural, and so perfectly her.

One of the highlights of this part of the session was recreating a photo I had taken years ago when they were just dating. Seeing them now, expecting their first baby, and being able to echo that same image was honestly such a sweet and meaningful moment. I love getting to weave that kind of continuity into my work - it reminds me just how special it is to walk through life’s seasons with people.

After our session, Emma left this lovely review:

“Hannah did our maternity photos for us and it was so much fun! She did a beautiful job and made it such a special experience. Cannot recommend her enough!”

I feel so grateful to have captured this milestone for them. Emma looked incredible, and the connection between her and Ethan just glowed through the whole session. These two are going to make the most amazing parents, and I already can’t wait to meet their little one.