When Miss K first reached out to me, she was 21 and about to embark on one of the most transformative experiences of her life—becoming a mother. Like many women, she wanted to capture her pregnancy in a way that was authentic, intimate, and true to who she was at that moment. After a few conversations, we decided on a topless maternity boudoir photoshoot. She wanted to document the beauty of her changing body without the typical trappings of a “maternity shoot.” She didn’t want overly staged or cliché images; instead, she wanted something raw and honest, yet soft and graceful.
I’ve been doing boudoir photography for a long time, and I’ve worked with all kinds of women in all stages of life. But every shoot is a little different. It’s always about the connection. I made sure to listen closely to what Miss K wanted. She spoke about her pregnancy glow, about feeling beautiful but sometimes feeling disconnected from her body. This shoot would be a way to reclaim that feeling—something just for her, a private moment captured. I knew exactly how I wanted to approach it.
We decided on a location that would complement the vibe we were going for. A resort hotel in Orlando, with its luxurious, quiet atmosphere and sun-drenched windows, felt perfect. The large suite had an openness to it, lots of natural light, and elegant details without distracting from the subject. I prefer locations like this for maternity boudoir shoots because they allow for a certain freedom in the shots, a balance between soft textures and the boldness of a woman’s form. The neutral tones of the room—earthy beiges and soft whites—helped her skin and the natural curves of her body stand out in a way that didn’t feel too staged.
The shoot itself was smooth, but also intimate. There’s something about a woman’s pregnancy that’s so beautiful yet fragile. I always make sure the space is comfortable, relaxed, and free of distractions. It’s amazing how different each session can feel. With Miss K, there was a sense of youthful joy in her demeanor, even though I knew she was probably nervous at first. As we moved through different poses, she started to let go of the tension, her confidence rising. By the end of the session, she was beaming, and the images reflected that calm, natural beauty that she had wanted to preserve.
The final photos were a mix of soft, gentle images and a few more daring, sensual ones. We wanted to capture the fullness of her pregnancy but also showcase her youth and energy—her youthful glow. As a photographer, those are the kinds of moments I aim to capture. There’s nothing quite like the soft curve of a belly or the subtle way light plays across skin. It’s a blend of tenderness and strength. Miss K was thrilled with the results, and I could tell it meant so much to her to have this chapter of her life documented in a way that felt true to her spirit. It wasn’t about the typical “maternity photos,” but about her—just as she was, in that moment.