Some portraits hold more than just artistry—they capture stories of love, support, and transformation. This particular shoot is especially close to my heart, featuring the mother of my child—an incredible woman who, after taking a break from modeling for her pregnancy, is absolutely ready to step back in front of the lens where she shines.
The Story Behind the Shot
At 27 weeks pregnant, she radiated both strength and excitement about motherhood while embracing her identity as a model. Wanting to make this session even more special, she wore a stunning outfit custom-made by her friend, designer Timmy Ajulo (worth checking out on Instagram for some serious creative talent). Completing the look, her sister brought her makeup skills, ensuring every detail reflected personality and poise.
Artistic Touches
Photographed against my all-time favorite—the classic grey backdrop—I later transformed the mood with some creative post-production in Photoshop. The background became a rich, brown mocha style, enhanced by ethereal smoke drifting just behind her. To blend everything together harmoniously, I added a subtle mocha gradient map at low opacity across the entire image, giving the portrait a cohesive, warm, and almost cinematic feel.
Lighting the Moment
For lighting, I went with a dramatic, editorial-style setup: two rectangular softboxes placed behind each of her shoulders to sculpt her silhouette with soft, dimensional light, and a beauty dish front and center to highlight her face and expression. This combination brought out the best in her features—and in the gorgeous textures of Timmy’s custom outfit.
A Personal Touch
What made this night especially memorable was her excitement and pride—not just in the image, but in herself and the journey she’s on. For her birthday, I surprised her with a framed, printed version of the portrait. The look on her face was everything: joy, confidence, and a quiet sense of accomplishment that she truly still has it. (I’ll be sharing that birthday reveal soon!)
The Heart of the Session
This portrait isn’t just a celebration of motherhood—it’s a celebration of identity, support, and fresh beginnings. It’s about a woman embracing the next chapter with style, strength, and love from her circle. Every choice, from the mocha tones to the lighting and the hand-made outfit, was a tribute to the artistry and spirit she brings.
Inspired by the love, the creative teamwork, and the spirit in this shoot? If you’re ready for portraits that celebrate you—your journey, your style, your next chapter—let’s make it happen together.
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