A Beautiful Maternity Photoshoot at Cannock Chase

There’s something incredibly special about photographs taken during your first pregnancy. It’s such a short chapter in your life, and one that can be difficult to fully appreciate while you’re living through it. So when Emma and Dan were gifted a maternity photoshoot at Cannock Chase by a friend, I thought it was such a thoughtful and meaningful present!


This was their first pregnancy, and they wanted to capture this exciting time before their little family grew. Their gorgeous dog came along too, making this even more special, a little family of three, very soon to become four!

Kind Words from Emma & Dan


" Pippa helped us to capture our pregnancy in a gorgeous natural setting accompanied by our fur baby. The pictures came out beautiful and Pippa ensured there was nothing awkward about the shoot. She guided us and had all the best creative ideas. Thanks so much, Pippa! "

Pregnant couple standing on forest path with their black and white Shih Tzu dog among tall pine trees.
Couple kissing their black and white Shih Tzu dog on a wooden bridge surrounded by tall green trees.
Pregnant couple standing on forest path with small black and white Shih Tzu dog sitting in front of them.
A couple kisses their black and white Shih Tzu dog on a wooden bridge surrounded by tall trees.
Pregnant couple holding baby bump on wooden bridge in forest, man in navy polo and woman in denim jacket and grey dress.
Pregnant couple smiling at each other on a wooden bridge in a forest, man touching baby bump.
Couple on wooden bridge in forest, man embracing pregnant woman in gray dress and denim jacket, surrounded by tall trees.
A small black and white dog looks up at a pregnant woman cradling her baby bump outdoors on a gravel path.
Black and white Shih Tzu dog sits on gravel path while couple holds hands blurred in background forest.
Couple holding hands walking dog on forest trail surrounded by lush green trees on a sunny day.
Smiling man carries Shih Tzu dog while walking with pregnant woman on scenic woodland trail.
Pregnant woman and man sitting together in a forest, smiling, with man's hand on her baby bump.
Black and white photo of Shih Tzu dog sitting between pregnant woman and man on forest bench.
Couple sitting on a log in a forest, viewed from behind, wearing casual clothes including a denim jacket.
Couple sharing a kiss while sitting on a fallen log in a lush green woodland setting.

A first maternity photoshoot


When Emma and Dan arrived for their Cannock Chase maternity photoshoot, they were both a little nervous. Neither of them had been involved in a professional photoshoot before, so being in front of the camera was completely new territory!


And honestly, this is something I hear from so many couples!


You don't need to know how to pose, where to stand or what to do with your hands. That's my job! My approach to maternity photography is relaxed and natural, with plenty of gentle direction when it's needed, while allowing the photographs to capture genuine moments between you.


As we walked through Cannock Chase, those initial nerves soon disappeared!

Black and white Shih Tzu dog standing on a gravel path near a pond surrounded by lush green trees.
A fluffy black and white Shih Tzu dog sitting on a gravel path beside a calm forest lake.

Autumn at Cannock Chase


The timing of their outdoor maternity photoshoot couldn't have been better. Cannock Chase was looking absolutely beautiful, with the woodland full of rich autumn colours and fallen leaves.


The trees, woodland paths and soft autumn light created such a gorgeous backdrop for their maternity photography. Rather than making the session feel overly posed, we spent time walking, talking, cuddling and enjoying being together.


And their dog was very much part of it all!


I always love it when couples bring their dogs to a photoshoot. They're such an important part of the family, and including them means these photographs tell the story of the whole family rather than just the pregnancy.

Couple holding hands walking a dog on a forest trail surrounded by lush green trees.
Pregnant couple holding hands on a forest path with their black and white dog sitting between them.
Couple holding hands walking dog on a forest trail surrounded by tall trees.

From nervous to confident


One of my favourite things about a maternity photoshoot is seeing the transformation that happens during the session.


At the beginning, Emma and Dan were understandably nervous about being photographed. By the end, they were so much more relaxed and confident in front of the camera.


They came away from the session absolutely loving their photographs, which made me so happy.


For me, that's what maternity photography should be about. It's not about expecting you to arrive already knowing how to pose or feeling completely comfortable in front of a camera. It's about creating a relaxed environment where you can forget about the camera and enjoy this special time together.

Couple holding hands walking dog on scenic forest trail path surrounded by tall trees.

If you're considering an outdoor maternity photoshoot in Cannock Chase, it's a beautiful location for natural, relaxed maternity photography, particularly during autumn when the woodland comes alive with colour.

As a Derbyshire maternity photographer, I photograph maternity, family and portrait sessions across Derbyshire, Staffordshire, the Peak District and surrounding areas.

If you're expecting your first baby and would love to capture this special chapter of your life, I'd love to hear from you.