Meet Ethan Herrold of Colorado Maternity
Eight years. Five hundred mothers. The only photographer in Colorado dedicated to maternity, working out of a Denver studio and across the state. I’m the only maternity photographer shooting fine art film alongside digital. Let’s get to know each other.
I’m Ethan.
Your Maternity Photographer,
Experience Designer &
Pregnancy Hype-Person.
Don’t believe me? Just see what 30 past clients have to say ↓
The work that matters most happens in the first five minutes.
WHY I DO THIS
Most of my clients have no photos of their own mothers pregnant. That generation carried, labored, and raised entire families with almost no record of what their bodies did. Pregnancy was something to endure, not document. Not celebrated, not honored, not seen.
I'm trying to close that gap, one mother at a time.
The shift I see in my studio happens fast. A nervous mother walks in convinced she won't look right, won't pose well, doesn't deserve a session at all. Five minutes later she's looking at the first image on the screen and the doubt starts to dissolve. Some cry. Some go quiet. Some say "is that me?" out loud.
That moment is the real product. Not the photo. The shift.
A few months after I shot Elizabeth's session on the Oregon coast, she texted me from Hawaii. Said the shoot had given her confidence she didn't know she had. Said she'd worn her bump out everywhere, in the warm sun, all week. Said she felt like a new woman.
That's the work. Not the photo. The way you carry yourself afterward.
I didn't start in maternity. I started in fine art.
HOW I GOT HERE
Before pregnancy became my subject, I spent years shooting landscapes, commercial work, and portraiture. The shift wasn't random. It was a collision of two things I cared about deeply: the art of the human form and the power of showing someone a version of themselves they didn't know existed. What started as a fine-art portrait practice became Colorado Maternity Photography: the only Colorado studio dedicated entirely to expectant mothers
Pregnancy became the canvas for both.
Eight years and hundreds of sessions later, the work has grown into something unmistakable. Fine art studio portraits sculpted with editorial-grade lighting. Analog film shot on a Hasselblad and 35mm, unretouched and raw. The Pregnant Athletes series, published in Outside Magazine, featuring runners, climbers, boxers, and snowboarders redefining what pregnancy looks like in motion. Destination sessions from the Sand Dunes of Colorado to the beaches of Hawaii, the studios of Manhattan, and the coastline of Oregon.
A little about me.
CU alum, lifelong foodie, and the guy with strong opinions about pour-over ratios. I built Colorado Maternity for one reason: pregnant women deserve photographs that actually match how powerful they are. Off-camera you'll find me chasing good food and light with my fiancée Jillian, a wedding photographer, and our Golden-Newf Isla.
A studio purpose-built for this and only this.
The Studio
The studio sits in Denver's Art District on Santa Fe Drive. I built it for one thing: photographing pregnancy at the highest level possible. Warm, private, controlled in every way that matters.
Inside: a curated client closet with over twenty pieces specifically chosen for how they photograph. A professional hair and makeup artist on retainer who knows the pregnant body. Live image tethering so you see the work as it's happening. A private bathroom. Lighting equipment used by editorial photographers, not portrait studios.
Just an hour of being seen, celebrated, and shown the power you've been carrying all along.
No guesswork. No awkwardness.
You show up pregnant. I handle everything else.
HOW A SESSION ACTUALLY WORKS
You send me a note with your due date. I respond within a few hours with availability and a brief consultation. Sometimes a phone call, sometimes just text. You tell me what you're imagining. I tell you what's possible.
01
Inquire.
A flat deposit holds your date. Forty-nine dollars for the Glow Session. Ninety-nine for Signature. One ninety-nine for the Goddess Experience. Balance due the day of your session.
02
Book.
I send you the Maternity Style Guide and the Colorado Location Guide. We finalize wardrobe, location, hair and makeup, and any specific moments you want captured. If you're using the client closet, we coordinate that. If you're shooting outdoors, I scout the location and handle permits.
03
Plan.
You arrive pregnant. I direct everything. Posing, light, wardrobe changes, the pace. Most sessions run 45 to 75 minutes depending on package. Live image review throughout, so you see what we're getting in real time.
04
Shoot.
Your full gallery goes live within 24 to 72 hours. You select images for retouching from there. Hand-retouched delivery follows within two to three weeks.
05
Review.
Featured work and awards.
The Pregnant Athletes series was published in Outside Magazine and has over a million views on Instagram. The series featured runners, climbers, boxers, snowboarders, and skiers redefining what pregnancy looks like for active women.
I also founded and host the Colorado Maternity Excellence Awards, an annual program honoring the doulas, midwives, prenatal trainers, birth centers, physical therapists, and lactation consultants who make pregnancy in Colorado exceptional. Winners are chosen by the families they serve. Community-voted, mom-driven, no industry panels.
Behind the Scenes
FAQs
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The perfect time for maternity photos is between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. During this stage, your baby bump is beautifully prominent, and you’ll still feel comfortable and confident. If you're in Colorado or Denver, scheduling early ensures availability with sought-after maternity photographers.
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Maternity photos can be taken in a professional studio, outdoors in stunning Colorado landscapes, or even at home for a more personal touch. As a leading maternity photographer in Denver, I can help you decide between breathtaking mountain backdrops, elegant studio settings, or your favorite cozy spot for pregnancy pictures.
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Choosing the right outfit is key to feeling confident. Flowing maternity gowns, fitted dresses that accentuate your bump, or elegant wraps are all great options. We offer a curated collection of maternity photoshoot gowns in timeless styles, perfect for your session. I’ll also guide you on color palettes that complement Denver’s natural light and studio settings.
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Preparation is key to a smooth and enjoyable session. Start by booking early to reserve your date with a skilled maternity photographer. Choose wardrobe options that make you feel radiant—luxury maternity gowns are available to enhance your look. Finally, share your vision with me so we can create a session that reflects your unique story and style.
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Maternity session prices vary depending on the photographer and the experience offered. My maternity sessions in Denver are tailored to your vision and include access to luxury gowns, expert posing guidance, and a studio experience designed for comfort. Pricing starts at $749—contact me to create your custom package. Most moms choose to invest $1000+ in their maternity photos.
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From graceful poses in flowing maternity gowns to intimate maternity boudoir photos that highlight your strength and beauty, there are countless ways to personalize your session. Popular ideas include utilizing Colorado’s stunning natural light, incorporating meaningful props, or adding a touch of elegance with dramatic fabric draping. Inspired by the artistry of luxury maternity photographers like Lola Melani, these ideas are designed to celebrate your pregnancy with timeless sophistication.
Ready to plan yours?
Pregnancy is brief and unrepeatable. The window for these images is small.
Inquire with your due date and let's get on the calendar.