Half-Baked + Whole Hearted: A Cozy Home Maternity Shoot

There’s something so sweet about celebrating milestones in the place you already feel most yourself—home. For Exzandra and Kenton, their home maternity shoot wasn’t about epic mountain views or sweeping city skylines. Instead, it was about warmth, comfort, and joy tucked into their own kitchen. And honestly, I can’t imagine a better setting.

Why an At-Home Maternity Session?

Pregnancy is such a tender, fleeting season. You’re counting down days, maybe feeling all the emotions (and all the cravings), and dreaming about the little human you’ll soon get to meet. Having photos taken in your own home adds this layer of intimacy—you’re surrounded by the walls that hold your everyday memories.

Plus, it means you get to cozy up on the couch, bake cookies barefoot in your kitchen, or just snuggle in without having to bundle up and trek somewhere. It’s relaxed, it’s fun, and it feels so you. Exzandra was halfway through her pregnancy when we took these photos (20 weeks), and it made the session feel extra sweet and “half-baked.”

The Half-Baked Cookie Twist

Here’s the fun part: instead of just doing “standard” maternity photos, Exzandra and Kenton made it an experience. Enter: cookies. 

But, real talk, you don’t need to go full Martha Stewart here. We didn’t actually bake cookies from scratch. They had premade dough (Nestle Tollhouse from the fridge section does the trick perfectly), and we set up each stage for the photos:

• Prepping the dough (cute candid moments!)

• Placing cookies on the tray

• The “baking in progress” shots

• Enjoying fresh, warm cookies together

We even had some cookies already baked ahead of time so we could capture that “fresh out of the oven” joy without stressing about timing or mess. Honestly, the less you have to worry about during your session, the more you can just enjoy it.

And because no “half-baked” theme would be complete without it, they pulled out a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked ice cream for a few fun shots—another sweet, playful detail that tied the whole session together.

Making It Cozy + Personal

The best part of a home maternity shoot is that it feels authentic. Exzandra and Kenton wore comfy outfits that reflected their style—think soft tones, and easy textures. We layered in a few cozy props: a mixing bowl, cookie ingredients, a cookie tray, and of course, a plate of warm cookies for the “after” shots.

And because their home is also where their family feels complete, their three dogs joined in for snuggles, licks, and some candid moments that made the gallery extra special. The pups wore little bandanas that said “Mom’s pregnant,” which just made my heart melt. 

To top it all off, we captured a mix of digital and film photos. The film brought in this soft, nostalgic touch that perfectly matched the warmth and coziness of the session.

Why This Idea Works for Any Maternity Milestone

Maternity sessions don’t have to be stiff or posed. They can be playful, fun, and rooted in the simple joys of your life together right now. Baking cookies is just one idea, but the concept works for anything that feels like you.

Think:

• Saturday morning pancakes

• Reading baby books in the nursery

• Snuggling on the couch with tea and a movie playing in the background
  

It’s about celebrating the milestone while keeping the focus on comfort, connection, and what makes your relationship special.

Ready for Your Own Cozy Maternity Session?

If you’re dreaming of photos that feel like you—sweet, relaxed, and true-to-life—consider a home maternity shoot. As a Northern Colorado photographer, I love capturing these cozy, intimate moments right where life feels most comfortable. Add a little cookie dough (or whatever feels fun), and suddenly you’ve got photos that celebrate not just this milestone, but the everyday magic of life at home.

Because sometimes, the sweetest memories are the ones half-baked.

You can check out more of my work over at emilytcarterphotography.com or just say hi on Instagram. I'm always down to connect, cheer you on, or be your biggest fan behind the camera.

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