Stories by Esi
Expecting mother in a white ruffled top in a summer meadow

Maternity · Asheville & Western North Carolina

Maternity photos for the waiting

The aching back, the nervous laughter, the first chapter before the first chapter.

Tell me your story

Pregnancy goes by slowly and then all at once. One day you'll want to remember exactly how it felt to carry this little person around: the weight, the waiting, the way your partner kept touching your belly without noticing.

My maternity sessions are gentle and unhurried. We go somewhere soft, usually a meadow or a quiet trail at golden hour, and spend time instead of chasing poses.

Expecting mother on a green hillside holding a flower basket

K's maternity, that last bit of summer

K's session happened in a meadow full of wildflowers at the very end of summer. A white ruffled top, a basket of flowers, a green hillside, and long, warm light. It's a good picture of what I love: simple clothes, real nature, and nothing staged.

You don't need to bring props. If there's something that means a lot, a tiny pair of shoes, an ultrasound photo, a blanket from your grandmother, bring it.

When to book

Most people feel best and photograph beautifully somewhere around 30 to 36 weeks, when the bump is clearly there but you can still walk a field comfortably. That's a guideline, not a rule. Listen to your body and your doctor or midwife.

Weather matters too. Summer meadows, fall color and soft spring green all look completely different, so tell me which season you're hoping for and we'll plan around it.

Woman looking up into the light, hand on her shoulder

Comfort first

My job is to make the hour feel easy, so you can forget about the camera.

  • We'll pick a spot with an easy walk and a place to sit.
  • Flowing dresses, soft knits, or one of your partner's shirts all photograph beautifully.
  • Bring water and snacks, and take breaks whenever you want.
  • Partners and older siblings are welcome. Some of the sweetest frames are the family waiting together.

Where we can go

Around Asheville, the gardens and meadows at the NC Arboretum, soft forest trails, or a field near your home all work beautifully. If you're in Charlotte, a garden like Daniel Stowe or a lakeside path at Lake Norman can give the same calm feel. I'm based in Asheville and travel to Charlotte.

Two hands reaching for each other in black-and-white

Questions

Asked and answered

Can my partner and kids be in the photos?

Yes, please. Some of my favorite maternity frames are the whole family, waiting together.

What if it's too hot or too cold?

We'll shoot close to sunrise or sunset in summer, when the air is cooler and the light is better, and keep winter sessions short with warm layers between frames.

Keep exploring

Family Family Portraits Portraits Asheville The North Carolina Arboretum Charlotte Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Questions, answered FAQ
She smiles back at him outside a storefront, hands clasped

Contact

Your story starts here.

Tell me who you are, what you love, and the season you're in. I read every word.

Based in Asheville. Coming from Charlotte or further? Tell me where you are, and travel details come with your collections.

Prefer Instagram? Message me at @storiesbyesi.