“Early autumn, apple orchards, and a story that came full circle.”
Some sessions feel extra special long before the camera comes out. This one did, for more reasons than one. V + S were the very first couple I ever photographed, and when they reached out again, this time to capture their maternity story – it felt like coming back to the beginning, only with so much more history, growth, and emotion layered in.
Planning the Maternity Photo Shoot in the Netherlands
We originally had a different location in mind, but as the shoot date got closer, it became clear that it wouldn’t work with the weather conditions. With just about a week to go, we had to rethink everything. What felt stressful at first quickly turned into something unexpectedly perfect. Early autumn had just arrived in the Netherlands, and apple picking season was in full swing. An apple orchard felt right – not just visually, but emotionally too, especially for a maternity photo shoot in the Netherlands. A season of change, growth, and something new about to begin.
We reached out to a few orchards and found one that felt just right. Lush green rows, trees heavy with bright red apples, and that soft, moody atmosphere that only comes with early autumn rain. From there, styling became an essential part of telling the story.
I’ve always believed that color matters. While a lot of advice leans toward neutrals, I’m drawn to color, when it’s chosen with intention. Just like in films, outfits aren’t random. They’re designed to complement the scene, the mood, and the story being told. This session was no different.
For V, we chose a bubbly, cream-toned mini skirt paired with a butter-yellow cardigan and black knee-high boots. A classic trench coat layered over everything felt perfect for the rainy day. S wore an earthy-toned sweater with blue denim – simple, grounded, and timeless. The yellow from her cardigan and the blue of his denim created a beautiful balance, and we added a red gingham picnic mat to tie everything together. Against the green orchard and bright red apples, the colors sang.
The Day of the Photo Shoot
It rained for most of the session – not heavily, but steadily. Umbrellas became part of the story rather than something to fight against. We started in a lane where the trees were bursting with red apples, picking them straight from the branches, tasting them, laughing, and running between the rows. Their chemistry was effortless, full of warmth and playfulness.
As the rain picked up, we searched for shelter, and one of the orchard workers pointed us toward a small tower-like structure tucked away among the trees. With broken windows and views of rain pouring down outside, it became the perfect final scene. It felt intimate, almost cinematic, like a quiet hideaway where they could pause, watch the rain, and simply be together. A little Rapunzel moment, high above the orchard.
We ended the day by buying the apples they’d picked and driving home with full bags and full hearts grateful for a change of plans that led us exactly where we were meant to be.
If this feels like the kind of story you’d want to see yourselves in – something thoughtful, personal, and shaped around the season you’re in – this is exactly the kind of work I love creating. Whether it’s a maternity session, a couple shoot, or an elopement, my approach is always rooted in intention, colour, and moments that feel real rather than staged.
I travel across Europe throughout the year, and if our dates align, you’re welcome to book a session during my travel dates without any additional travel fees. Sessions in locations I’m not already visiting are always possible as well, with travel costs applied where needed. I take on a limited number of sessions each year to make sure every story gets the time and care it deserves. If this resonates with you, you can reach out through the inquiry form and tell me a little about what you’re dreaming up. I’d love to hear your story.
