Tuesday, January 06, 2026 | By: Jennifer Strode
Every so often, I like to put two images side by side—not to critique, not to dwell on what was, but to celebrate growth.
The two images you see here tell a story far bigger than lighting or editing. They tell the story of experience, intention, and the quiet commitment to never stop learning.
The first image represents an earlier chapter of my journey. The vision was there. The emotion was there. The desire to create something beautiful for my client was always the driving force. At that stage, I was experimenting—learning how to work with light, movement, fabric, and the trust of a client stepping into something vulnerable and artistic.
That phase is important. Every photographer starts there. You say yes to learning. You try. You grow. You push boundaries.
The second image reflects years of growth—both technical and creative. The posing is intentional. The lighting is controlled yet soft. The fabric flows effortlessly, supporting the body instead of distracting from it. The image feels calm, confident, and refined.
This didn’t happen by accident.
It came from:
Investing in education
Studying fine art photography
Learning how bodies move and rest naturally
Refining safety practices (especially important in maternity work)
Listening to my clients and understanding how they want to feel
Growth as a photographer isn’t about ego—it’s about service.
When you trust me with your maternity portraits, you’re trusting me with a fleeting season of your life. You deserve more than just a photo. You deserve:
Thoughtful, guided posing
A safe and comfortable experience
Artistic images that feel timeless
A photographer who sees you, not just the camera
By continuing to grow, learn, and evolve, I’m able to offer my clients something truly special—images that feel elevated, intentional, and worthy of being passed down as heirlooms.
These before-and-after moments remind me why I do this work. Photography isn’t static. Art isn’t meant to stay comfortable.
My promise to my clients is simple: I will never stop learning. I will never stop refining. And I will always strive to give you something extraordinary.
Because your story deserves nothing less.
— Jen
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