Deanna and Greg: Lifestyle Session

If I were to write a reference book about pregnancy, the term “pregnancy glow” would have Deanna’s picture beside it. Deanna, a good friend of ours, epitomized what a pregnant woman should look like. Radiant skin, shiny chocolate brown hair, rosy cheeks. She was absolutely beautiful. The photos from their Lifestyle Session definitely shows that off!

So when she asked us to do a Lifestyle Session of her and her husband, Greg, to celebrate their journey together, Kasia and I were more than happy to help.

Maternity portraiture, also known as “belly shots”, celebrates the woman whose womb houses the beginning of a new life. It captures the image of a pregnant woman at her best, something that she could look back to for many years to come. It is also meant for her child, so he or she could see what their mother looked like when they were still inside. Photos like these are family treasures, images that document the family’s journey together over the years.

Kasia and I drove to Hamilton where Deanna and Greg lives, along with Phil, their friendly St Bernard. As we approached their house, it was Phil that first greeted us. We have never met Phil before, and we had no clue how big he was. So when we actually saw him, we were surprised by his size. If he had stood up on his two hind legs, he would definitely be taller than me (I’m 5’3).

Deanna was behind him and she assured Phil that we were friends. Deanna was 2 weeks before her due date at the time though when viewed head on with her empire waist blouse, she did not look like she pregnant at all. It was only when she viewed on her side that you would know that she’s carrying little Sypher (their name for their little guy) in her womb. Deanna welcomed us to her home, and that was Phil’s cue to work his charm on us. As big as he was, Phil was a very gentle, very loving dog. Kasia and I loved him immediately.

We met Greg inside and like Deanna, he was a laid-back, easygoing person with a good sense of humour. As a good supporting husband, he agreed to pose with Deanna for her maternity portraits.

Kasia suggested a great idea beforehand to have Deanna’s belly painted with her baby’s name, Sypher. Kasia had planned to use henna ink but we found out that it takes about 2 hours for the ink to dry. So instead, Kasia used a brown eyeliner, which kinda looks like henna without the long drying time.

Kasia also wrote the word “Mom” on Deanna’s hand, and “Dad” on Greg’s, which we thought looked cool. 

After Kasia finished painting Deanna’s belly, we went out for a little walk on our way to the nearby park, our location for the shoot. Deanna and Greg were easy on the eyes, and were fun-loving people, so our photo shoot with them was a blast. It almost did not feel like work for us!

Deanna and Greg, we hope that you love these photos as much as we do. Little Sypher is so lucky to have you as parents! We look forward to meeting the little guy soon.