When I think about maternity photos, I don’t just think about “photos before the baby comes.” To me, they’re about celebrating the stage your family is in right now—waiting, hoping, preparing, and maybe even chasing around a toddler while doing it.

This sweet family of three (soon to be four!) met me at Historic Oak View County Park in Raleigh for their maternity photos, and it was such a joy. The park is one of my favorite spots for sessions—it has beautiful open fields, old oak trees, and little hidden corners that make the perfect backdrop without feeling crowded.

What I loved most about this session was how natural everything felt. Instead of stiff posing, we let their toddler run, play, and be herself. (Because let’s be real—toddlers don’t sit still for long, and that’s okay!) My favorite photos are in those little in-between moments that are always the ones families look back on with the biggest smiles.

For mom and dad, we also carved out time just for the two of them. Maternity photos are about connection, too—not only with your baby on the way but with each other. These two had such an easy way of laughing together, and it showed in every frame.

One of the things I always tell my families is that maternity sessions don’t have to feel “perfect” to be meaningful. If your toddler is busy, we embrace it. If the wind catches your hair, we roll with it. Real life makes for the best photos, and that’s exactly what we captured at this Raleigh maternity session.

If you’re expecting and want maternity photos that feel like you—relaxed, fun, and full of connection—I’d love to hold space for your family. Whether you’re in Raleigh, Greenville, Goldsboro, or Eastern North Carolina, I’d be honored to document this exciting chapter in your story.

Maternity sessions are best scheduled between 28–34 weeks, so if you’re in that window (or getting close), now’s the time to reach out. You can learn more about maternity and newborn sessions here or contact me to start planning.

Madison Z Photography provides newborn and family photography in Eastern North Carolina for busy moms who want a stress-free and luxury portrait experience. Also offering maternity, milestone, and baby photography. Based in Kinston, NC, I serve families in Greenville, Goldsboro, New Bern, Washington, Jacksonville, and all throughout Eastern North Carolina.

I offer a high-end, full-service experience including pre-session preparation, exclusive access to the carefully curated Client Closet, a beautiful gallery of emotion-filled images, and an array of family heirlooms such as albums, prints, custom framing, and more to pass down to your children. If you are searching for the perfect maternity, newborn, milestone, or family portrait photographer near Greenville, NC and want to create heirlooms for your family, I can’t wait to serve you!