Capturing Strength and Radiance: Claire Yanta-O’Mahoney’s Maternity Journey

I've had the privilege of working with many incredible women throughout my career as a maternity photographer, and Claire Yanta-O/Mahoney is one who truly stands out. A dedicated fitness professional, Claire embodies both strength and grace—qualities that made capturing her maternity journey such a rewarding experience.

Strength and grace with a bump. Claire shows how surreal and divine a bump is.

Claire and I collaborated on two separate maternity shoots, one for each of her pregnancies. Each session reflected a different side of her personality and journey. As she put it, "I was very impressed with how Ethan photographed my two pregnancies in equally stunning yet different ways; my first shoot with him had a very stylish essence to it, while my second shoot was very athletic." Her words perfectly encapsulate our approach to maternity photography—embracing the uniqueness of each pregnancy and celebrating the evolving identity of motherhood.

For her first shoot, we focused on an elegant, fashion-forward aesthetic, highlighting the beauty and sophistication of pregnancy. Claire’s big, round belly became the focal point of these artistic images, capturing the glow and anticipation of impending motherhood. The second session took a different direction, emphasizing her passion for fitness with a strong, athletic feel. Showcasing her strength and determination, we incorporated dynamic poses that accentuated both her toned physique and her growing belly, demonstrating that pregnancy is not a limitation but a phase of power and transformation.

Beyond the artistic side, working with Claire was a reminder of the importance of movement and strength throughout pregnancy. As a fitness instructor, she is deeply passionate about empowering women to feel their best in every stage of life, and that confidence translated effortlessly into her maternity portraits. She moved with ease and poise, showing that a woman’s body, even in its most changed state, is still capable of remarkable feats.

A women’s body is capable of remarkable feats.

Reflecting on our time working together, Claire shared, "Both times I appreciated [Ethan's] absolute professionalism, guidance in posing, communication, creativity, and collaborative spirit. The maternity photos Ethan took of me in both my pregnancies are images I’ll forever cherish." Her kind words mean so much, as my goal is always to create images that resonate on a deeply personal level.

As a photographer, I strive to highlight both the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy—the anticipation, the joy, the strength, and the tenderness. Claire’s journey is a beautiful example of how maternity photography can be tailored to reflect a woman’s individual essence. Whether you want something stylish, athletic, intimate, or entirely unique, maternity photography is a way to honor this transformative time in a way that feels true to you.

Each pregnancy is different, just as each woman is unique. Claire’s shoots demonstrated that whether draped in high fashion or sporting athletic gear, the common thread is confidence and celebration. Pregnancy is not just about waiting for a baby to arrive—it’s about embracing the power of creation, the transformation of the body, and the emotional depth that comes with growing a new life.

Thank you, Claire, for trusting me to capture these milestones in your life. It was an honor to work with you, and I look forward to seeing how you continue to inspire others on their fitness and motherhood journeys!