Why At Home Maternity Photoshoots Are One of the Most Meaningful Ways to Capture Your Pregnancy | Ella’s Intimate Leicestershire Session
Pregnancy is such a powerful, fleeting chapter in a woman’s life. One filled with transformation, anticipation, and quiet moments of reflection. More and more women are choosing to celebrate this time not only with studio portraits or outdoor locations, but with at home maternity photoshoots, one of the most meaningful ways to capture the real, raw beauty of this season in one of the most meaningful to you places.
A milk bath maternity photoshoot by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
Recently, I had the honour of photographing a truly special maternity session for the radiant Ella, right in the comfort of her home in Leicestershire. This shoot was everything I love about documenting pregnancy, intimate, expressive and deeply personal. You can view more of Ella’s shoot here.
Why Choose an At Home Maternity Photoshoot?
There’s something incredibly powerful about being photographed in your own space. Your home is where your story is unfolding already, it holds your memories, your energy, and your everyday life. And that makes it the perfect backdrop for maternity photos that feel authentic and deeply connected.
Unlike studio sessions or even some outdoor shoots, at home maternity photography allows you to completely relax, as it’s your own space. There’s no pressure, no unfamiliar setting, and no need to perform. It’s a gentle, slow paced experience that centres around connection and comfort, with your body, your baby, and your loved ones.
Ella’s session was the perfect reflection of this. From the moment I arrived, it was all them. Their home, their style. Her partner Joey was by her side, supporting her every step of the way, and even their cat Mia wandered in to steal the show (and eat the flowers), confidently posing like she knew she belonged in the frame all along, as you can see!
Capturing Every Side of Pregnancy
The beauty of at home sessions is how versatile and true to you they can be. With the comfort of home as our canvas, we’re free to move through different outfits, moods, and backdrops effortlessly.
Ella embraced that freedom beautifully. We started with simple, casual moments in jeans and whites — the kind of outfits that make you feel yourself, and remind you that motherhood begins in the everyday. There’s something timeless and honest about those shots, soft light, real giggles, quiet moments of connection.
Then, we shifted into something bolder. Ella slipped into a striking set of black lingerie, celebrating her pregnancy with power and confidence. It was a moment of pure self love. A reminder that this chapter isn’t just about softness, but about strength and transformation too.
A Milk Bath of Dreams
Milk Bath Maternity Photoshoot in the Midlands by Marley & The Wildlings Photography
To close the session, we created a stunning milk bath setup, complete with floating blooms and the warm glow of candlelight. What was once a regular bathroom became something sacred: a space to pause, reflect, and honour the feminine power of creation.
This part of the session felt almost dreamlike. Ella looked serene, surrounded by soft petals and warm light, the perfect visual metaphor for this season of growing, changing, and becoming.
Safe, Supported, and Seen
More than anything, what struck me throughout Ella’s shoot was how comfortable and confident she was in front of the camera. That’s the magic of being at home, it allows you to feel truly safe, supported, and seen.
There’s no rush. No need to pretend. We take our time, let the moments unfold naturally, and capture the in between. The laughter, the quiet, the love, and also for poor Joey the moment where we realised he was kissing the bump right after the cat! Ha!
And when your partner (and even your cat!) jois in, those everyday memories become even more meaningful.
Thinking About Your Own Maternity Session?
Whether your dream is a golden hour field or a peaceful morning in your own home, your maternity shoot should reflect you. I photograph beautiful outdoor maternity sessions all across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, and Leicestershire, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the raw intimacy of at home sessions.
You don’t need a magazine worthy home or a wardrobe full of dresses. You just need to be you. These shoots are gentle, guided, and relaxed, a chance to celebrate your body, your baby, and your becoming.
Looking to book your own at home maternity shoot in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire or beyond?
Let’s create something beautiful together, in your favourite place, at your own pace. Reach out here to get started.
You deserve to feel powerful, present, and beautifully documented, in whatever setting feels most like home.