With just three weeks to go until their baby was due to be born, I was invited by Tatum and Mike for a relaxed maternity shoot in their home. Their beautiful and light house worked perfectly as a backdrop for their pregnancy photographs. Whilst Storm Eunice was roaring outside, we stayed cosy inside. As I chatted and I photographed Tatum and Mike as they cuddled up on the sofa, played with their dog Darcy and chatted about their plans for their impending arrival!

During our pre shoot phone call we talked through how we will use the time. I suggested that they think about incorporating a few outfit changes as I find this adds to the range of images they would receive and I find different clothes sit differently on a pregnancy bump to enhance it. Tatum also told me where the light fell during the day in the rooms as that’s really useful knowledge for a photographer. 

As with all of my shoots I find adding props that give people something to do is really helpful. It helps everyone relax and take their minds of being photographed but also makes for more natural photographs as they are being encouraged to move around and think about the prop/activity rather than me taking their photograph. For this photo shoot we brought in their much-loved family dog, Darcy. Pets are a fantastic way to add movement and distraction. Bouncing around, licking faces and demanding a cuddle adds natural energy as well as including him in the family photographs. 

I love a maternity shoot. Whether at home or on location at a location special to you they record a moment in time that is both full of excitement, promise and beauty.