There’s something undeniably magical about maternity photography, especially when it feels less like posing and more like pressing pause on a fleeting, beautiful moment in time. Diana and André are expecting their first child, little Martim, in June. And joining them, as always, was their beloved dog Pipoca, who followed every step of this maternity photo session as if she were the eldest daughter, full of personality and presence.
This session took place in the charming coastal village of Azenhas do Mar. We began in a cozy house perched on the cliffs, with Diana and André wrapped in that quiet kind of joy that only soon-to-be parents radiate. It wasn’t just a photoshoot—it felt like watching a slow, romantic film unfold in real time, with natural interactions, laughter, and that gentle touch of anticipation that surrounds expecting couples.
We had planned to begin earlier, but due to a small mix-up with the meeting time, we started later than expected and were left with just about an hour of daylight. Still, the overcast skies offered a soft, diffused light that created a beautifully moody, cinematic atmosphere, something I’ve come to embrace this spring as clouds continue to accompany almost every session.
We wandered down to the beach, where the tones felt gentle and pastel-like, the landscape calm and timeless. As evening settled in, we climbed to a nearby cliff to end the session with a view over the village. Azenhas do Mar, now softly illuminated by its streetlights, revealed its iconic white houses scattered across the cliffs like glowing brushstrokes on a canvas.
Diana and André’s connection was effortless, their excitement for Martim’s arrival glowed in every glance and gesture. And Pipoca, their loyal companion, brought a warm and playful energy to every frame, as much a part of this family story as any of them.
It was also so special to know that they came to me through a recommendation from another couple I’ve followed through the years and growing stages of their family. That kind of trust and continuity is something I deeply cherish.
This maternity session at Azenhas do Mar is a celebration of new beginnings, quiet joy, and the tender beauty of waiting. Even when the sun hides behind the clouds, love lights the way.
