Maternity in Bloom
As an Alameda-based maternity and family photographer, I spend a lot of time behind the camera capturing growing families, quiet moments, and the beautiful chaos of parenthood. But every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the lens — and this session in the almond blossoms was one of those rare and meaningful times.
Photographed by a talented friend, this maternity session was taken a little earlier in my pregnancy — the first of a few moments I intentionally set aside to document this chapter of our family’s story. With baby number five on the way, I wanted to make sure I captured not just my growing belly, but what life looks like right now, with our four boys in all their personalities and energy.
The setting — soft, blooming almond trees — was absolutely beautiful, but the shoot itself? Mostly chaos. The boys were full of movement (as usual), and my youngest was feeling extra shy, spending most of the time trying to hide or be held. There wasn’t much stillness — and honestly, that felt like the most accurate portrait of this season of life.
And that’s exactly why I love these photos.
Even amid the chaos, they reflect something real. Something worth remembering. Being the subject of a maternity session reminded me how important it is for moms to be in the frame — not just when everything is picture-perfect, but when it’s messy and real and true. This season — every curve, every kick, every emotion — deserves to be remembered. And not just digitally.
One of my favorite images from this session now hangs in our living room as a large canvas. It’s more than a photo — it’s a piece of our family’s story, preserved as printed fine art. As someone who believes deeply in the power of tangible photographs, it means everything to see that moment on the wall each day, woven into the space we live in.
If you’re an expecting mom, I can’t encourage you enough to document this season — even if your kids are climbing you, even if your toddler’s hiding behind your legs. These images become part of your story. And your child’s story, too.
I’ll be sharing more from this pregnancy journey soon — including self-portraits, another maternity session, and recent newborn and family sessions from the wonderful families I’ve had the joy of photographing this spring.
And if you’re in the East Bay and looking to turn your maternity, newborn, or family session into meaningful printed artwork, I’d be honored to help tell your story.
