chantal & carlton
There is something incredibly special about photographing a couple as they wait to meet their baby. That anticipation, the excitement, the tenderness — and the feeling that life is about to change forever.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing Chantal and Carlton for their maternity photoshoot at Studland Beach in Dorset, and their session was every bit as beautiful and relaxed as I had hoped.
With the soft evening light, the dunes, the sand beneath their feet and the sea stretching out behind them, Studland provided the most beautiful setting for documenting this incredibly special chapter in their lives.
maternity photography at studland beach
For me, maternity photography isn't about creating a collection of perfectly posed photographs. It's about capturing how this moment felt.
The little touches between two people who are completely in love. The way a partner instinctively reaches for a growing bump. The quiet smiles, the laughter and those moments where you almost forget you're having your photograph taken.
And that's exactly what I loved about Chantal and Carlton's session.
There was such a natural connection between them. They didn't need to do anything complicated — simply being together created so many beautiful moments to photograph.
a beautiful setting for an expectant couple
Studland Beach is one of my favourite places in Dorset for outdoor photography. The combination of the sandy beach, grasses and rolling dunes gives us so much variety without needing to travel far.
We were also treated to some gorgeous evening light, giving the photographs that soft, dreamy feeling that works so beautifully with maternity photography.
Chantal looked absolutely beautiful in her flowing pink maternity dress, which moved perfectly in the gentle breeze. I can provide a variety of different open maternity dresses for photoshoots so please do ask if you're interested. We made the most of the beach and dunes, creating a mixture of photographs together as a couple, individual portraits of Chantal and lots of little details.
I particularly love the photographs of Carlton's hands resting around Chantal's bump. There is something so simple about those images, but they say so much.
Their baby was already so loved before they had even met.
capturing the connection
One of my favourite parts of maternity sessions is making sure the photographs aren't just about the bump.
Of course, documenting your pregnancy is incredibly important, but this is also the story of two people becoming parents together.
The photographs of Chantal and Carlton looking at one another, laughing together and simply holding each other are some of my favourites from their gallery.
They feel genuine and full of emotion.
And then there are the quieter photographs — Chantal sitting amongst the sand and looking towards the camera, Carlton's hands around her bump, and those beautiful close-up details.
These are the photographs that I hope they'll look back on years from now and remember exactly how this chapter of their lives felt.
Timeless black-and-white maternity photos
I provide some black-and-white photos too during a session, and I absolutely love how timeless they feel. Don't worry, I always give you the colour version too if you're not a black-and-white fan.
Removing the colour puts all of the focus on the connection, expressions, textures and emotion within the photograph. There's something beautifully nostalgic about black-and-white maternity photography, particularly when photographed somewhere as natural and timeless as the beach.
These are the kinds of images that I can imagine becoming favourites on the walls of their home.
Dorset maternity photography
As a Dorset maternity photographer, I'm incredibly lucky to have so many beautiful outdoor locations on my doorstep.
Whether it's the beach at Studland, woodland, fields, cliffs or somewhere that has a special meaning to you, I love creating maternity photographs that feel natural and personal rather than overly posed.
Your maternity session doesn't have to feel like a photoshoot.
It can be a walk along the beach.
It can be cuddling together in the sand.
It can be laughing because the wind has completely ruined your hair.
It can be holding your bump and taking a moment to appreciate just how much your lives are about to change.
It can simply be you, together, waiting for your baby.
And that is exactly what makes these photographs so meaningful.
Chantal and Carlton, thank you for trusting me to capture such an incredibly special part of your story. It was an absolute pleasure to spend this evening with you both, and I hope these photographs always remind you of the excitement, love and anticipation you felt while waiting to meet your little one.
If you're expecting a baby and would love to document this chapter with a relaxed Dorset maternity photoshoot, I'd love to hear from you.
Nikki House Photography
Dorset Couples, Maternity & Family Photographer
Capturing love, connection and all the little moments in between. 🤍
