TINA + POUYA | HOME MATERNITY SESSION - TONY MCKAY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tina and Pouya are one of those families I keep coming back to. I've photographed them through Neil's pregnancy, his first birthday, and now their second pregnancy with Nico on the way. This session was the at-home one, studio lights set up in their lounge, two-year-old Neil doing his own thing in the next room.

Shooting at home made sense for this session. No travel with a toddler, no worrying about the weather, and Tina could change outfits and take breaks without any fuss. Neil could come in for a few photos when he felt like it and disappear back to his toys when he didn't. That's how you get genuine moments with a two-year-old, you don't force it.

Pregnant woman in black turtleneck dress cradling baby bump, posing sideways against brown studio backdrop.

Pregnant woman in black long-sleeve maxi dress with slit, cradling baby bump, posing against white curtain backdrop.

Smiling pregnant woman in jeans and open blue shirt sitting on wooden stool, showcasing baby bump in bright studio.

We started with a darker, more editorial look using studio lighting. Stronger shadows, more shape, slower pace. Tina had sent me references beforehand, so I knew exactly the feel she was after. Then we shifted to a brighter, softer setup for a completely different look in the same room. To finish, we took the backdrop outside and used the natural light for a few more frames.

Three different looks, one location, and a toddler who was happy the entire time because he was in his own house. That's the beauty of shooting at home.

— Tony