As an Alaska maternity photographer, maternity photoshoots are always incredibly fun and rewarding to do as we glam up any mama and make her feel gorgeous! The intent is to capture that “pregnancy glow” everyone talks about — and when mom sees her maternity photos after the session, she can finally see it in herself. Here with Amber from Wasilla, Alaska, we did just that.
HIGHSCHOOL SWEETHEARTS
Meet Amber, a beautiful expecting mother who runs Evergreen Aesthetics in Wasilla, Alaska, and asked me to photograph her maternity session for their first baby. She and her husband, Ryan, have been together since high school. I love the idea that these two are going to have photos for a lifetime — starting as far back as their high school prom, graduation, vacations, engagement, wedding — and now I have the honor of capturing the moments as her belly and their family grows. It’s one of my favorite parts of being an Alaska maternity photographer — witnessing these big milestones through the years!
COMFORT GLOW
Amber is sweet, beautiful, delicate, and absolutely glowing in these maternity photos. As an Alaska maternity photographer, capturing the essence of her is a privilege. She chose light and airy linen pants and a baggy sweater to maximize her own comfort, with beige and whites for an elegance that easily spoke to me as comfort glam or boho mom-to-be.
She’s a little bit of a hippy gal, so we dove into the neutral tones and used light to change the energy of each photo — from moody shadows to sunlit and dazzling. Later in the set, we popped out her belly from under the sweater for glowy, posh vibes that highlighted her bump. Leaning on the walls or sitting down, we extracted the most from her body position to accentuate her belly and highlight shape more than color.
CLASH OF LIGHT
Having a simple palette to work with — mostly light neutrals and an all-white background wall — we added depth and structure to some of the shots using the elements of light and shadow. Specifically, we captured strong lines and sharp angles, which gave variation and contrast to the softness of motherhood and the muted colors we had to work with.
On this sunny day, we used natural light through a tall, three-panel window. Depending on the angle, we either blocked or let in the light, which changed the dynamic of each shot from dramatic and moody to bright and fully lit. Going from shadowy darks to half-lit to glowing with full light, we played with each variation for a massive range of looks — all with subtle, natural changes.
BRING IN THE HUBBY
When Ryan came in, his presence brought a contrasting masculine energy to the photos — from his darker black and brown clothing to the way he adorned and caressed Amber. They cuddled and held the baby belly in classic maternity photoshoot style, moving to the bed for a very intimate, at-home feel that resonated throughout this entire shoot. For those seeking a true Alaska maternity photographer experience, moments like this — in a couple’s real home — allow me to capture their story in its most authentic, natural form. This couple is truly so in love and excited for the next step in their lives!
BABY BUMP
As Amber got more and more comfortable, we were able to capture the baby bump in full form. She removed her more baggy top and rocked a beige bralette. We did another round of shadow, wall, and bed shots — some of my absolute favorites!
Admiring the wonders of pregnancy and giving moms a chance to look back on the radiance of their strength and power is something that never gets old. This at-home maternity session was completely Amber’s vibe: sweet, sunny, beautiful, and warm. We kept it simple, personalized, and most importantly for an expecting mom — relaxed.
MOTHER KNOWS BEST
At-home sessions can be a great choice for any maternity photoshoot in Alaska, offering the comfort of your own space and the simplicity of capturing truly intimate photos where you feel most yourself.
Amber chose this approach not just for comfort and aesthetic, but because this no-frills style is exactly what she wanted. A white wall, her own bed, neutral tones — nothing too fancy. This shoot was about mom, baby bump, and dad. It was about capturing life as it is today, and the anticipation of how it’s about to change forever.
HOW DO YOU PICTURE YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT?
An Alaska maternity photoshoot (or wherever you’re located!) can be as cozy and relaxed as this one with Amber, or more adventurous depending on your style. My clients have explored all sorts of ideas — from wild landscapes and snowy backdrops to glam in-studio looks. I’ve done it all: elopements, destination weddings, boudoir, proposals, and of course maternity and newborn photography.
Amber truly encompassed her aesthetic — comfort, love, and simplicity — in a space that felt like her. No props, no extras, just real love and radiance. And it worked beautifully. But you don’t have to follow this formula. If you’re a goth witchy queen, a tatted biker babe, or a rainbow-loving mama-to-be, we’ll make it true to you. I’m here to celebrate your glow and your growing family, in whatever style fits you best.
CHELSA JAY | ALASKA MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
I hope this inspires you to take maternity photos in a style and comfort that suits you. I’d love to hear your vision and help you cherish this incredible piece of motherhood for years to come.
Whether you’re dreaming of cozy in-home photos like Amber’s, a snowy outdoor adventure, or something wild and creative — I’m your girl. Let’s capture your story with the expertise of an experienced Alaska maternity photographer.
If you want to learn more about me and what I do, [click here]. I can’t wait to hear from you and photograph whatever phase of life you and your family are blossoming into!
