Thinking of planning your maternity session for golden hour? Picture this: you and your partner standing amidst fields of goldenrod and wildflowers, your silhouettes glowing in the soft, warm light. The quiet beauty of places like the West Perth Wetlands provide the perfect backdrop, with a large pond reflecting the gorgeous sunset. It's moments like these that remind me why I fell in love with photography.

When it comes to maternity photos, every bump tells its own story, and every journey to parenthood is one-of-a-kind. One of the best parts of my job is helping expecting parents capture photos that truly reflect their personalities and experiences. If you're planning a maternity photoshoot, here are seven fun ways to add a personal touch and make your session truly yours.

One of my favourite hidden gems isn’t so hidden after all - Arboretum Park often gets overlooked by the rest of the riverside parks, but it sure has some of the best summer sun in town. If there’s one thing Stratford has an abundance of, it’s green space! These three had an absolute blast at their maternity session, families and little ones are always welcome here. Documenting pregnancy doesn’t need to be stressful or complicated, sometimes it can be just sitting in the grass with your toddler. It’s often the most simple images that turn out to be the favourites!

Who would have thought a chilly November day would have brought such a witchy vibe? A & J were fully committed to this session, bare feet on the frozen ground and all. Being from Stratford, I wasn’t familiar with any potential photo locations in Aylmer, but by chance I discovered the Archie Coulter Conservation Area - quiet and covered, exactly what I was looking for. With some parking lot outfit changes and sheer willpower, we made it through this session without getting frostbite and it was worth every second!