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Timeless Studio Maternity & Baby Photography in Yakima, WA

Aug 18 2026 | By: Charity Waddington

The Studio Collection

There is something about the simplicity of studio photography that I have always loved.

I love being able to shape the light. I love simple backdrops and thoughtfully chosen colors—sometimes monochromatic, sometimes complementary, but always intentional. Without a busy location or a lot happening in the background, the person in front of my camera becomes the focus.

That simplicity is really what inspired The Studio Collection, a series of short studio sessions created especially for maternity and baby milestones.

Simple, Feminine Maternity Portraits

Pregnancy is such a short season, even though somewhere around 35 weeks it may not feel particularly short anymore.

I can say that from experience. I've been pregnant six times, and I know there comes a point when feeling beautiful may not be at the top of the list of words you would use to describe yourself.

That's one of the things I love about maternity photography.

In the studio, I can use light, posing and simple styling to draw attention to the shape of a mother's body and, of course, that beautiful belly. My favorite maternity images tend to be feminine and uncomplicated. Beautiful light, soft colors and very little distraction.

You don't need an elaborate wardrobe to create that, either.

One of my recent maternity sessions was actually with my own daughter, who may be one of the least prepared people for a photography session. We pulled together clothing from my own closet and kept her hair and makeup very simple. It wasn't an elaborate production—and yet we created some of the most beautiful, soft, editorial-feeling images.

I think that's important for women to know.

You don't need to show up with an entire maternity wardrobe or have everything perfectly planned. A simple stretchy dress can photograph beautifully. So can a soft, flowing dress in cotton or linen. If you don't have something that works, I can help you find an inexpensive option. There are beautiful dresses available for under $50.

Less really can be more.

 

 Those Chubby Little Sitter Months

And then there's one of my absolute favorite stages to photograph: babies.

I love the months when they're starting to sit, but haven't quite figured out how to escape me yet.

They're usually wonderfully chubby, fascinated by the simplest things and full of expressions. They grab their toes. They clap their hands. They make the funniest little faces. Give them one tiny thing to investigate and suddenly it has their complete attention.

They don't need an elaborate set.

In fact, I'd rather not give them one.

A simple backdrop, beautiful light, a little texture and maybe a tiny prop to play with allows them to be the photograph.

I want to see those round cheeks and big eyes. The little hands wrapped around their toes. The belly rolls. The serious stare before the smile. The way they push themselves up on their tummy to see what's happening.

Those details change so quickly.

While the sitting stage around 6–9 months is one of my favorites, these milestone sessions don't have to happen at one exact age. Anywhere from around three months through the first year can give us something wonderful to document. Your baby may be lying on their back looking up at me, pushing up on their tummy, sitting independently or beginning to move around.

Every stage gives us something different.

What Should You Wear?

For both maternity and baby milestone sessions, I tend to come back to the same philosophy: keep it simple.

For babies, I love natural textures like knit, linen and cotton, along with muted and neutral colors. Those materials are soft on babies, photograph beautifully and add just enough texture without competing for attention.

For maternity sessions, soft flowing fabrics can be beautiful, as can simple fitted dresses that allow us to see the shape of your belly.

You don't need a closet full of options, and you certainly don't need to figure it all out by yourself. I'm happy to send recommendations and help you choose something that will photograph well.

The goal isn't to turn you into someone else for your photographs.

It's to photograph you beautifully.

What Is a Studio Collection Session Like?

I intentionally wanted these sessions to feel simple.

Pick a date. Do a little preparation. Show up.

Yes, you'll want to think about your clothing. You'll want to do your hair and makeup, and I'm happy to give recommendations if you need them. But you don't need an elaborate makeover or hours of preparation.

Once you're here, I'll take care of the photography.

I'll guide you through posing, watch the light and make the little adjustments that make an enormous difference in a photograph. With babies, we'll follow their lead a little more. We'll play, make ridiculous noises if necessary, and let their personality come through.

The Studio Collection sessions are short intentionally. We don't need hours to create something beautiful.

Photographs That Still Feel Like You

More than anything, I want these photographs to feel timeless.

I don't dramatically change colors or turn your photographs into something that didn't exist. Yes, they're carefully edited, but I want skin to look like skin and colors to feel true to life.

It's another reason I'm drawn to simple clothing, soft textures, neutral and muted colors, uncomplicated backgrounds and beautiful light.

Trends change.

Your baby's tiny fingers will change. Those rolls will disappear. That pregnant belly that currently feels as though it couldn't possibly get any bigger will someday be hard to remember.

The photograph doesn't have to be complicated to matter.

Sometimes the simplest photographs are the ones that allow us to remember the most.

The Studio Collection is available for maternity sessions, typically around 30–35 weeks, and baby milestone sessions throughout the first year.

 
Explore The Studio Collection →

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