Pregnancy, photographed as art.

This isn't traditional maternity photography. There are no fields, flower crowns or matching outfits required. Instead, we create sophisticated studio portraits inspired by fashion, fine-art and classic boudoir photography.

Your bump becomes part of the composition. The curve of your back. The shape of your hips. The silhouette of your belly. The way light falls across your skin.

Sometimes the photographs will be sensual. Sometimes they'll be strong and sculptural. Sometimes they'll be incredibly simple. But they'll always be about you.

Classic black & white

Black and white photography has always been at the heart of our approach. Without colour competing for attention, the photograph becomes about light, shadow, shape and emotion.

Pregnancy lends itself beautifully to this style. A softly lit silhouette. A hand resting on your belly. The curve of your body disappearing into shadow.

Your pregnancy becomes part of the artwork rather than simply a feature of the photograph. Timeless photographs of a very particular moment in your life.

You don't need to know how to pose

If you've never done a boudoir shoot before, you might be wondering what on earth you're supposed to do in front of the camera.

Don't worry. That's our job.

We'll guide you through every pose, movement and expression, creating flattering shapes and beautiful lines while taking your comfort into account.

You don't need modelling experience. You don't need to feel confident when you walk through the door. And you certainly don't need to know what to do with your hands. We'll show you.

A private studio experience

Your maternity boudoir session takes place in our private Christchurch studio. We'll begin with a conversation about what you're looking for and how you'd like to be photographed. We'll discuss clothing, styling and the level of nudity you're comfortable with.

Nothing is assumed. Nothing is compulsory. You remain in control throughout the session.

Our role is to create beautiful photographs while making you feel comfortable, respected and looked after.

What can I wear?

Whatever makes you feel beautiful. That might be beautiful lingerie, a simple bodysuit, an oversized shirt, a flowing piece of fabric – or very little at all.

Some women prefer to keep their photographs fully clothed or partially covered. Others want to celebrate the naked form. There is no right answer.

Your session is yours. We'll work with what you're comfortable wearing and create photographs around it.

When is the best time?

For most women, somewhere around 30–36 weeks can be a beautiful time for maternity photography, when your bump is wonderfully defined but you're hopefully still feeling reasonably comfortable.

Every pregnancy is different, however. If you're considering a session, it's worth getting in touch early so we can talk about timing and what will work best for you.

A photograph you'll keep forever

Your maternity photographs don't need to live on your phone. These images are made to be photographs.

A beautiful black-and-white portrait, printed large and framed, can become a piece of art for your home. A small collection can become a private album – something you can look through years from now and eventually share with your child. Because one day they'll ask: “What was I like when you were carrying me?” And you'll have the photographs.

Christchurch's first boudoir studio

Smoke&Mirrors Studio established Christchurch's first dedicated boudoir studio in 2019. Since then, we've photographed women of many ages, shapes and backgrounds, helping them discover just how beautiful they can look in front of a professional camera.

Our approach is relaxed, professional and completely guided.

You don't have to be a model. You don't have to have the “perfect” body. You just have to turn up. We'll take care of the rest.

Pregnancy. Power. Beauty.

Your pregnancy deserves more than a snapshot. It deserves to be remembered as it really was: powerful, feminine, beautiful, yours.

If maternity boudoir sounds like something you'd love to experience, get in touch for a relaxed, no-obligation conversation.