Embracing the Unexpected: An Underwater Maternity Session with the Whole Family

Viera Maternity Photographer 

I'm the kind of person who likes to have a plan but can also pivot and adjust when things don't turn out as I'd thought. As a photographer who does many underwater sessions and also often works with toddlers (though mostly NOT in the water), being able to plan but pivot is an important skill! I always have a planning call with every client so that we can discuss their vision for the session and plan out the details to make sure I capture what they want. For this family, we planned for an underwater maternity session to also include Dad and 2 year old brother-to-be. 

But as toddlers often do, he had his own plans. And that was not to go under the water. 

Even on land, toddlers (especially 2 year olds!) often don't want any part of what we have planned. It's a little easier to go with the flow when we aren't requiring them to hold their breath and go under the water though. Sometimes, no matter how much they normally like to swim or go under the water, they may decide they no longer want to when it comes time for the session (though lots of practice leading up to the session can help!). 

The beauty of a maternity session, is that much of the focus is on that beautiful belly holding the growing baby that will soon arrive. So instead of being fully underwater, we were able to capture sweet moments of connection with mom holding Mr. Two on her belly with their heads above water. Then we let the little one have a break and had just mom and dad together underwater and then of course some with just mom, making her look like the goddess that she is. 

Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography
Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography
Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography

Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography Underwater Maternity Photos | Viera FLCopyright Kimberly Tank Art & Photography

It’s so easy to get caught up in what we think a session should look like — but sometimes the real beauty comes from surrendering to what is.

When kids don’t want to participate in the way we imagine, it’s not a failure — it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to observe, to capture what’s real. There’s something powerful in documenting those honest family dynamics, especially as life is about to change with a new baby on the way.

Capturing connections and love of a family are what I love most, whether it's on land or in the water, and we can still do that even if we can't get everyone all the way under the water. 

<3

Kim

Owner/Photographer-Artist

Kimberly Tank Art & Photography

Are you ready to capture some magic? Do you want to capture this time in your life with a beautiful work of art to display? No need to have your own pool (April-October)!  Contact me for information on scheduling an underwater session