When people think of maternity photos, they often picture flowing dresses on the beach at sunset or standing in a field holding a tiny pair of baby shoes.

And while those sessions are absolutely beautiful, they're certainly not the only way to celebrate your growing family.

One of my favourite maternity sessions ever took place somewhere completely unexpected... outside Messina in Marrickville.

Bright colours, scooters, bikes, ice cream, belly laughs and three energetic little boys running circles around us. It was joyful, chaotic, completely authentic and everything this beautiful family is.

Celebrating Baby Number Four... and Their First Little Girl

I've had the privilege of photographing this gorgeous family through so many milestones, so when Mum told me they were expecting baby number four—and their very first little girl—I knew this session had to feel extra special.

After three busy boys, this pregnancy deserved to be celebrated in a way that reflected their family's personality.

Not perfectly posed. Not overly styled. Just fun. Because that's exactly who they are.

Forget Pinterest. Tell Your Story Instead.

One of the things I always encourage my clients to remember is that your maternity session doesn't need to look like everyone else's.

The best photographs aren't the ones copied from Pinterest. They're the ones that feel unmistakably like you.

If your family spends weekends riding scooters together, let's bring the scooters. If your kids live for ice cream, let's grab a cone. If your favourite memories are made wandering colourful streets and laughing together, then let's photograph exactly that.

Your children will one day look back at these photos and remember who their parents were, what made your family unique and the little traditions you shared together.

That's far more meaningful than recreating someone else's vision.

Why Messina Marrickville Was the Perfect Backdrop

Who says maternity sessions have to happen at the beach?

Messina Marrickville gave us something completely different. The vibrant colours, urban textures, leafy streets and playful atmosphere created the perfect backdrop for a family that loves to have fun.

The boys rode their scooters. They raced their bikes. We laughed constantly. And of course, we finished with ice cream.

Sometimes the best locations aren't the obvious ones. They're the places that bring out genuine smiles and real connection.

Maternity Photos Should Feel Like a Celebration

Pregnancy isn't just about documenting the bump. It's about celebrating your family exactly as it is in this moment.

The anticipation. The excitement. The beautiful chaos.

The little hands that won't stop touching your belly. The children who can't quite believe they're about to become big siblings again. Those moments are the real magic.

Your Session Should Be As Unique As Your Family

Whether your dream session is at sunrise on the beach, wandering colourful inner-city streets, exploring your favourite park or eating gelato with your kids, I'm all for creating something that's personal to you.

Your photos should tell your story, and not someone else's.

So if you're expecting and you've been worried that maternity photos feel too posed, too traditional or just "not really us", consider this your permission to think outside the box.

Bring your bikes. Bring your scooters. Bring your favourite place. Bring your family's personality.

We'll create something that's beautiful because it's real.

And years from now, when your fourth little baby girl is all grown up, these photographs won't just remind you what you looked like. They'll remind you exactly who your family was in this wonderfully wild season of life… and I think that's pretty special.