From Bump to Baby: The Story You’ll Never Want to Forget


There’s a quiet, almost electric anticipation that fills a home in the weeks before a baby arrives. It’s in the way parents-to-be gently sort tiny clothes, in the late-night talks about names and dreams, and in the way a mother’s hands rest protectively on her growing belly. As a maternity and newborn photographer in Kempsey, I’ve always believed these moments—so full of hope, nerves, and love—deserve to be remembered, not just in our minds, but in photographs you can hold, share, and revisit for years to come.


I still remember the first “Bump to Baby” story I captured here in my studio in the beautiful Macleay Valley. The mum confessed she wasn’t sure she wanted maternity photos at first. “I just don't feel… like myself,” she said, half-laughing, half-nervous. But as we chatted and she relaxed, her real glow started to show—not just in her smile, but in the way she looked at her partner and the way he looked at her. There’s something so powerful about seeing yourself through someone else’s lens—especially in a season of so much change.


A few weeks later, I welcomed them back to my Kempsey studio, this time with a sleepy, squishy newborn in tow. I watched as the same hands that had cradled her bump now soothed her baby, and the nervous laughter from their maternity session was replaced by the quiet awe of new parenthood. It struck me again how quickly everything changes—how the curve of a belly becomes the curl of a tiny fist, and how those long days of waiting suddenly become nights of rocking and gentle shushing.


As a photographer, I’m invited into these intimate, fleeting moments. My job is to honour them by making every session gentle, safe, and true to who you are. I’m trained in baby airway safety, and I use carefully chosen poses and props so your newborn is comfortable and secure at all times. There’s no rushing, no forcing—just patience, warmth, and a focus on capturing the details that matter: the way your baby curls into your chest, the soft yawn, the first family cuddle.


Why do I believe these sessions are so important? Because time is slippery. The days blur together, and before you know it, your newborn is outgrowing their first onesie, smiling, crawling, and then running. Photographs have a way of pressing pause on the moments that would otherwise slip by unnoticed. They become a touchstone—a reminder of how far you’ve come, how much you’ve grown, and the love that carried you through.


Many families tell me that their “Bump to Baby” images are their most treasured possession. It’s not about perfection. It’s about remembering: the excitement, the exhaustion, the overwhelming love, and the tiny, perfect details that make your story yours. I hear far too often how new parents regret not getting these early photos. Don't live in regret.


If you’re expecting in Kempsey or the surrounding Macleay Valley, or know someone who is, I’d love to help you preserve these memories. As a thank you for reading and trusting me with your story, mention this blog post when you book your Bump to Baby package and I’ll include a special discount—my little way of celebrating your new chapter!


Let’s create something beautiful together. While these days may be fleeting, the memories can last a lifetime.


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