Portrait & Headshot Photographer • Plymouth, New Hampshire

Hally’s Maternity and Family Session

Congratulations to Hally and Peter, whose baby daughter was born this week! Hally’s maternity and family session was toward the middle of last month.

She booked a portrait experience not only to document this special time in her life, but to create images that are timeless, that she and her family will cherish.

Part of my collaborative design process is an online mood board — a collection of images that someone is drawn to, for any reason.

Hally is an artist, and she has a degree in fashion design. As I was beginning to design Hally’s maternity and family photo session, I made notes about her mood board. She is particularly drawn to black and white photos. Her mood board included images that evoked a sense of peace, as well as confidence. I also observed, joy, movement, and some fashion-inspired images. The color palettes were limited and the backgrounds simple, allowing a greater focus on the people.

Hally chose a bespoke album as her heirloom piece. Here are some of her favorite portraits, along with a few behind the scenes images.

Behind the scenes: hair and makeup styling for Hally by Donna Cotnoir
Behind the scenes: hair & makeup styling by Donna Cotnoir
Black and white maternity portrait of Hally
Hally and Peter - two black and white maternity portraits

Hally’s parents, Caryn and Tim, joined the session

Behind the scenes: hair and makeup for Caryn by Donna Cotnoir
Black and white portrait of Hally and her mother, Caryn
Black and white portrait of Hally and her mother, Caryn
collage of three photos: behind the scenes, two portraits of Hally with her father, Tim
Black and white maternity family portrait - Hally and her father
Maternity portrait of Hally wrapped in long, flowing, white silk fabric
Portraits of Caryn and Tim
Two black and white casual portraits of Peter
Hally's maternity and family portrait with her partner and her parents
Black and white fashion-inspired maternity portrait of Hally
Maternity portrait of Hally wearing an open jacket and looking to the side
Maternity portrait of Hally wearing an open jacket

It was a great honor to photograph Hally, Peter, Caryn, and Tim. I can see that Hally & Peter’s baby daughter will be showered with all the things that matter in this world, the greatest of which is love.