Before diving into these nostalgic and timeless maternity portraits documented on 35mm film, here’s a little backstory-

When I was on my way to our annual college best friend trip in Iowa, my friend Danielle asked if I’d be willing to snap a few portraits of her while pregnant to remember this season by. As overjoyed as I was to document such a sacred moment, I was initially bummed at the fact I left most of my gear back at home in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Thankfully, as a documentary-style photographer, I always have a camera of some kind of me. In this case, it was two of my 35mm film cameras, packed with plenty of Portra 400. Her maternity portraits were captured entirely on 35mm film, and looking back, I wouldn’t have done it any other way. There’s something about the grain, warmth, and rich colors of film that doesn’t just capture an image- it preserves a feeling.

Why Choose Film for a Maternity Session?

There’s a reason film photography has made such a comeback, especially in modern maternity photography. It slows everything down. Unlike digital, where you can fire off hundreds of images in seconds, film forces you to be intentional. You wait for the right moment- the quiet breath between laughter, the soft way a hand rests on a growing belly, the sun slipping just below the horizon.

For Danielle’s impromptu film maternity portrait session, we leaned into that timeless, documentary approach, embracing:

1. Natural light that shifted beautifully throughout the late afternoon.
2. Interesting corners and organic compositions that made every frame unique.
3. Gentle movement instead of stiff posing, allowing her to just be.

If you’re drawn to the idea of organic, nostalgic maternity photos that feel true to you, 35mm film might be exactly what you’re looking for. Whether it’s Saint Paul, Minneapolis, or beyond, let’s document your journey to motherhood in a way that feels effortless and real. Reach out here to start planning your session.