A Bittersweet Session – At Home Maternity Portraits with the Johnston Family

There’s something uniquely tender about at home maternity portraits—the way they capture not just a growing belly, but the heart of a family right where their life happens. And this session with my dear friend and associate photographer Sam was one that will stay with me forever.

The End of One Chapter, the Beginning of Another
In late spring, just as Sam was preparing to welcome her third baby into the world, she was also quietly preparing to say goodbye to someone very special—her 15-year-old dog, Nugget. Nugget had been her shadow for a decade and a half. He was the first to steal her heart, long before her wedding day (where he famously ate the groom’s cake—yes, the entire thing!), long before babies, and long before she and I ever shot our first wedding together.

We decided to do something a little different. Rather than waiting for a “perfect” moment or location, we carved out time for an impromptu at home maternity portrait session. Just her, her growing bump, her husband, her two older kiddos, and sweet Nugget.

Quiet, Fleeting Moments in a Familiar Space
The session was simple. No fancy wardrobe changes. No elaborate styling. Just love and light and presence. We moved slowly, taking our time to soak in the weight of the moment. Nugget, though slowing down, curled up close to Sam’s belly as if he knew there was a new heartbeat in the room. The kids played and snuggled around their mama while Nugget rested nearby.

It was emotional. There were tears behind the camera and in front of it. Because sometimes, a photo session isn’t just about what’s new—it’s about honoring what’s coming to a close. This was the Johnston family as they were in that exact moment: a family of four on the cusp of five, wrapped in the quiet grief of preparing to say goodbye.

Why At Home Maternity Portraits Matter
Sessions like this are why I’m always gently reminding clients that at home maternity portraits can be so much more than an alternative to an outdoor session. Your home is part of your story—it’s where memories are layered one on top of the other. It’s where your pets leave their mark on your rugs and your kids scribble on the walls. It’s real. It’s meaningful.

Sam’s living room, dining room, hallway—these spaces have seen so much of her life unfold. What a gift to freeze this little sliver of time there. To remember not just how she looked carrying her third baby, but how it felt to have Nugget curled up close one last time.

Sam has been by my side as a photographer since 2017 and as my associate since 2019. Watching her grow into motherhood—and documenting it each step of the way—has been one of the greatest honors of my career. Saying goodbye to Nugget wasn’t easy, but having these photos, these last pieces of his story, is a gift I know she’ll treasure forever.

If you’re thinking about capturing your own story—your home, your family, your right now—don’t wait. Whether it’s joyful, emotional, or a little bit of both, at home maternity portraits are a beautiful way to freeze time exactly as it is.

Check out Sam and Shawn’s backyard wedding here.