The Maternity Session I Always Dreamed Of – Featuring Hayden

There are some sessions that stay with you — not just because of how they looked, but because of how they felt. Hayden’s maternity session was one of those for me.

It was soft, simple, honest… and so close to the kind of session I had dreamed of for myself. When I was pregnant with Niko, I had this vision: natural light streaming into the studio, a mix of skin and softness, delicate florals, and a quiet, grounded celebration of the moment. But Niko had his own plans — he arrived earlier than expected, and I missed my chance to step in front of the camera that way.

So when Hayden arrived for her session, everything about it — from the styling to the stillness — brought me back to that vision. Photographing her felt like honoring that missed opportunity, not just for me, but for every mother who wishes she’d taken a little more time to be in the frame.

What made this gallery especially beautiful was how it translated into two different visual stories — one in color, and one in black and white.

✨ The Color Edits:

The color gallery is soft and warm, focused on creamy skin tones, airy light, and a fresh, editorial feel. The tones are neutral and classic, allowing the connection and styling to shine without distraction. These edits reflect the lightness and joy of pregnancy — calm, elegant, and full of life.

🖤 The Black & White Edits:

The black and white gallery tells a slightly deeper story. These images carry more contrast and emotion — the kind of timeless, stripped-back edits that feel cinematic. In removing color, you’re left with nothing but the feeling: the strength of her posture, the quiet intensity of her gaze, the bond between mother and daughter. It’s storytelling at its most intimate.

📷 Scroll down to view both versions of the gallery below — each one offers something uniquely powerful.

Or, if you’d like the full experience:

🎶 Click here to explore Hayden’s complete delivered gallery — set to music.

Hayden, thank you for trusting me to capture this moment. It was a gift — both personally and professionally — to witness you in this season and to create the session I once imagined for myself.

If you're expecting, I can’t say this enough: don’t wait. These fleeting chapters are worth documenting. Whether you're drawn to the softness of color or the timelessness of black and white, we’ll create something that feels true to you.

With heart,

Deanna

Deanna Dunham Designs | Little Joys Studio