Allison + Stu // Before We Meet You: A Nostalgic Film Maternity Session
There is something entirely timeless about capturing motherhood on analog film. We were so excited listening to Allison’s vision of soft and dreamy pregnancy photos and knew film would be the perfect add-on to this gorgeous photoshoot. The entire maternity session highlights the quiet, nostalgic beauty of pregnancy.
Allison + Stu’s Maternity Session / / A New Chapter
Documenting the Quiet Season Before Everything Changes
Before the midnight feedings, the soft weight of a newborn on your chest, and the beautiful chaos of motherhood begins—there is a quiet season. A time of soft golden hours, dedicated alone time with your partner, and gentle waiting.
This storytelling session was the absolute epitome of this threshold. Preserving nostalgic warmth, these images serve as an archive of their final moments before everything changes. It was an honor to document the stillness, the romance, and the profound anticipation of this chapter for them.
Finn’s Last Days as an Only Child
It isn’t just Allison and Stu’s lives that are on the threshold of a beautiful evolution—Finn’s world is about to expand, too! Right now, he is simply enjoying the quiet warmth of these golden hour strolls, entirely unaware that his future best friend is almost here. We love documenting the gentle bond a family dog shares with an expectant mother, as this is one of the most nostalgic elements of these sessions, capturing the sweet stillness and bonding with mama before he officially steps into his role as a big sibling.
FAQ
When should maternity photos be taken?
There is no hard-set rule here, but the sweet spot is somewhere between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy. Personally, I always felt like I had the most distinctive bump while still looking cute right around 32 weeks 😉 But we have also had some women come to us for “announcement” photos as well, even if they aren’t truly showing yet – we have lots of ideas to compliment your vision, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask about anything!
Are maternity photos worth it?
Well, yes, of course! A growing family is an expansion of your love story. Before the newborn snuggles, there is almost an entire year of preparation, profound growth, deepened connection, and anticipation. We believe that time is filled with memories worth keeping. Years from now, looking back at these photographs will remind you exactly of who you were on the brink of this next chapter—just before you found yourselves beautifully changed.
What should I wear for a Wisconsin maternity session?
Selecting your wardrobe is about choosing pieces that elevate the landscape while keeping you feeling completely effortless and elegant. For a dreamy, nostalgic golden hour session in Wisconsin’s fields or shorelines, consider these three styling pillars:
- Opt for Flowing, Textured Fabrics: Dresses with movement—like lightweight linen, silk, chiffon, or soft knits—catch the evening breeze beautifully. The movement of a long skirt adds an ethereal, editorial quality to your portraits, especially when backlit by the sun.
- Embrace Tone and Neutrality: Stick to a palette inspired by nature. Warm creams, soft taupes, muted earth tones, or soft pastels allow the emotion of the session and your natural glow to take center stage, avoiding bright or neon colors that distract the eye.
- Coordinate, Don’t Match: For partners and siblings, look for complementary textures rather than identical colors. If you are wearing a flowing cream dress, your partner can opt for a structured linen button-down in soft olive or tan to add visual depth to the frame.
Why film photography and maternity belong together:
Motherhood is an evolution born from quiet waiting, and film photography mirrors that exact patience and intentionality. Film photography and maternity portraiture are a perfect match for a few distinct reasons:
- An Organic, Nostalgic Texture: Unlike the clinical sharpness of modern digital sensors, analog film possesses a soft, organic grain and a unique depth. It yields luminous skin tones and captures the golden hour sun with a painterly warmth that perfectly mimics the dreamlike feeling of pregnancy.
- A Shift in Session Energy: Shooting film forces a slower, incredibly intentional pace on set. There is no instant digital screen to check or obsess over. Instead, it creates a quiet space where you can simply breathe, connect with your partner, and be entirely present in the moment.
- Timeless Heirlooms over Fleeting Trends: True film is entirely immune to internet editing trends. The colors captured on a roll of film today will look just as elegant, luxury, and deeply moving fifty years from now when you are showing these heirlooms to your grown child.
Preserving Your First Chapters
Every detail of Allison and Stu’s golden hour session was captured to serve as a tangible heirloom—a quiet look back at the final moments before life changed forever.
If you are waiting to meet your first or next baby, let’s preserve these fleeting weeks with the sentimental warmth of sunsets, walks on the beach, curling up with a cup of tea by the fire, or whatever you envision for your archives. Our premium Before We Meet You collections offer an all-inclusive, boutiq ue portrait experience tailored to your family’s unique story.
Let’s Document Your Quiet Season
The weeks leading up to your delivery fly by in a beautiful, exhausting blur. If you are looking to preserve the fleeting magic of this season with the nostalgic warmth of analog film, we would love to hold space for you. Our calendar accepts a highly limited number of custom maternity sessions each month to ensure an entirely bespoke, luxury experience for every family.
Let us help you preserve this next chapter you have already begun writing <3
