Pregnancy is such a wild journey, y’all.
Having delivered four babies myself, I can confidently say that I am not the same person as pre-pregnancy Keara. And I know I’m not alone in that! Yes, there’s a rollercoaster of emotions and changes—physical, mental, and emotional—but there’s also magic. Growing a whole-ass human (or humans, for my parents of multiples out there) is quite the flex!
As a photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I understand how important it is to capture these moments, especially for those of us who don’t always see ourselves in the more “traditional” maternity photos. Representation matters. For many, the images we see in mainstream media don’t reflect the diverse experiences of pregnancy. That’s a HUGE gap. As a Black, plus-sized woman and mother myself, I know how impactful it is to see someone who looks like you, celebrating their body and their journey in such an unapologetic way. For a long time, maternity photography seemed to focus on a narrow image of beauty and pregnancy that centered around perfectionism, but every journey is different. From my experience photographing expecting folks of all kinds of communities, I’ve learned just how meaningful it is to create space for stories that haven’t been told or highlighted in an authentic way.
Pregnancy is a time of immense change—physically, emotionally, and mentally—and those changes aren’t the same for everyone. Your body deserves to be captured as it is. Every curve, every stretch mark, and every moment of that journey is worth documenting. When you look at these photos years from now, you’ll want to remember more than just the way you looked; you'll want to remember how you felt. That's why representation in maternity photography isn’t just about aesthetics—it's about creating a space where everyone feels safe, celebrated, and seen in their most authentic form.
Preparing for Your Maternity Session
If you’re wondering when to schedule your maternity photos, the ideal window is typically between 30-36 weeks. You are still comfortable enough to move around/enjoy your session (IYKYK). Here are a few extra tidbits of important info to help you prepare:
- Wardrobe: I offer a range of wardrobe options through my Curve Closet, including lingerie in sizes 6X-SM, size inclusive accessories, and much more. When selecting your outfits, think about what makes you feel powerful, sexy, and comfortable. Whether you want something soft and delicate or bold and dramatic, we can style your session to reflect your personality perfectly.
- Pampering: Treat yourself to a little self-care before the session. Whether that’s getting your hair and makeup done professionally or doing it yourself, the goal is to feel your good as hell. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll feel and it will definitely show in your photos 🔥
- Relax and Be Yourself: I know it can feel a little intimidating to step in front of the camera, but trust me when I say that this experience is about celebrating YOU. My goal is to make you feel confident, guide you through poses, and photograph moments that reflect the beauty of this journey for you to look back on forever.
A Special Session with My Sister
Recently, I had the honor of photographing a maternity session for my youngest sister, Brelynn, before my sweet niece entered the world. Being able to hold space for my sister during this transformative time, share stories about motherhood, and photograph the essence of her beauty during this time felt so special. We laughed, reminisced, and bonded over this new commonality we now share. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever. I photographed her in one of the beautiful studio spaces I rent often, located in downtown Grand Rapids. With soft natural light streaming in, the atmosphere was cozy and intimate—perfect for a session that felt both personal and ethereal. The environment plays such an important role in creating images that feel relaxed and natural, and this space allowed us to focus fully on the emotions and connection.
Brelynn wore pieces from the Curve Closet, a collection of lingerie and accessories that my clients are able to use during their session. She started off in a stunning black tulle robe that cradled her baby bump in the most elegant way. This piece is perfect for adding a touch of drama, yet softness to your session. Then, she switched into this gorgeous, size-inclusive amber-colored glass body chain—perfect for enhancing all kinds of curves. To wrap it all up, we used a pair of my dreamy cream-colored cherub wings. The wings brought an ethereal, angelic vibe that made the entire session feel like a celebration of new life and femininity.
More than anything, Brelynn’s session was a reminder of why I do what I do—to celebrate every body, every journey, and every story. Maternity shoots, especially for those of us from marginalized communities, are more than just photos—they're a declaration that our stories, our bodies, and our experiences deserve to be seen and celebrated. Every pregnancy is unique, and every parent’s journey is worthy of being documented with care, intention, and love.
Whether you're celebrating your first pregnancy or adding another sweet member to your family, these sessions are designed to honor your unique experience. I promise we’ll create photos that are intimate, empowering, and unapologetically you.
