Punching Through Limits: Madison Hernandez’s 37-Week Maternity Boxing Session

Madison, a boxing coach in Denver, choose to do her maternity shoot at 37 weeks.

When most people imagine a maternity photo session, they envision flowing gowns, soft lighting, and gentle poses in a sun-drenched field or elegant studio. But for Madison Hernandez—a seasoned boxing coach, competitive athlete, and soon-to-be mom—that version of maternity photography didn’t fully reflect who she is.

At 37 weeks pregnant, Madison stepped into the ring wearing boxing gloves, not ballet slippers. No lace or flower crowns—just grit, muscle, and a quiet fire behind her eyes. What she created wasn’t just a maternity photoshoot. It was a statement.

The Power of Portraits That Reflect Who You Really Are

Maternity photography has come a long way. While there will always be a place for dreamy, soft-lit portraits, more and more women are craving something different—something that reflects the strength, individuality, and multidimensionality of their pregnancy journey.

Madison’s shoot didn’t just capture what she looked like at full term. It captured who she is: a fighter, a leader, and a soon-to-be mother who’s rewriting the narrative of what it means to be pregnant.

“When I found boxing, I was at a point of rediscovery in my life, and it allowed me to really learn what I’m made of. It still teaches me that.” – Madison Hernandez

In the boxing gym, sweat glistened under moody lighting. Her baby bump stretched proudly beneath a sports bra. Her stance was solid, her eyes focused. These weren’t novelty photos—they were portraits of identity. And yes, as she admits, they made her laugh too.

“Sure these photos kind of make me laugh, because a full term pregnant lady boxing is inherently kind of hilarious. But it’s also a reminder that my body, and mind can achieve incredible things. More than I ever thought they could. I’m just embracing it. Without fear or shame.”

Who Is Madison Hernandez?

Madison’s story is one of evolution.

She’s been an athlete since childhood, but it wasn’t until she found boxing that she truly began to understand her own power. Sparring and competing pushed her confidence to new heights. And when she transitioned into coaching, it became about more than personal growth—it became about service.

“When I became a coach, it became about giving back to my community. Now as I become a mother, it’s about becoming a beacon for my baby girl.”

Her maternity shoot was the next natural evolution of that journey. Not just a celebration of her changing body, but a visual legacy for her daughter—proof that strength and softness can live side by side.

“I get excited about giving her the tools that took me years to develop right out of the gate. She will have a head start when it comes to overcoming fear, insecurity, self doubt, and even protecting her against developing a negative self-image.”

Why Do a Maternity Shoot at 37 Weeks?

A lot of women wonder if it’s “too late” to do maternity photos once they’re nearing full term. But 37 weeks is often one of the best times to capture the journey—especially for moms who want that full, dramatic bump.

At this stage, your body is fully transformed. You’re past the awkward in-between phase and deeply in your motherhood era. There’s a richness and power in that moment—especially when it’s photographed with intention.

For Madison, boxing at 37 weeks wasn’t about being defiant or proving something. It was about honoring where she’s been and where she’s going. And it turned out to be one of the most memorable maternity photo sessions we’ve ever done.

The Studio Meets the Ring

Most people know Colorado Maternity Photography for its editorial, magazine-style studio work. But we also know how to get gritty—literally. Madison’s session was half in the boxing gym, half in the studio. She wanted something that reflected both sides of her personality: the raw athleticism and the refined portraiture.

In the ring, we captured her mid-punch, gloves up, sweat on her brow. In the studio, she switched into a minimalist black bandeau and boxer briefs, standing strong against a simple backdrop—letting her form, her bump, and her presence do the talking.

Whether it’s maternity outdoor photography, studio glamour, or something bold and unexpected like this, every session we create is deeply personal.

Who Are These Sessions For?

Not everyone’s a boxer. That’s not the point.

These kinds of empowered maternity photo sessions are for any woman who wants her images to reflect the full truth of her experience—not just the pretty parts. They’re for the women who don’t feel represented in traditional maternity imagery. The ones who are strong, but also exhausted. Confident, but sometimes unsure. Fierce, but also tender.

You don’t have to be an athlete to deserve powerful portraits. You just have to be willing to be seen.

Why Unique Maternity Photography Matters

Maternity photos are more than just keepsakes. They’re declarations. They say: I was here. I did this. And I did it my way.

For a woman like Madison, the choice to photograph herself boxing at 37 weeks was both funny and profound. Because yes, there’s humor in throwing a punch with a baby belly. But there’s also raw, undeniable truth.

These photos tell her daughter: This is who your mom is. And this is what’s possible.

That’s the real power of unique maternity photography—it doesn’t flatten your identity. It elevates it.

Embracing Strength, Not Just Softness

Pregnancy changes your body, but it doesn’t erase who you are. If anything, it reveals more.

Too often, maternity imagery focuses solely on the gentle, ethereal aspects of pregnancy. But there’s so much strength in this season too. There’s determination. Endurance. Grit. Women are lifting weights, running marathons, starting businesses, and yes—boxing—while growing a human being.

Madison’s session reminds us that maternity photography doesn’t have to follow any rules. It can be strong. Unapologetic. Funny. Honest.

And it can be absolutely stunning.

Planning Your Own Empowered Maternity Photo Session

Whether you’re 27 weeks or 37 weeks, you deserve photos that feel like you. Here’s how to make your session meaningful and memorable:

1. Be Yourself—Loudly

Are you a climber, runner, painter, chef, or CEO? Don’t feel like you have to conform to a certain maternity “look.” Bring your hobbies, passions, or career into your session. Let your photos show more than just your bump.

2. Book Early

Even if you’re planning for a 37-week session like Madison, book it early so we can plan a personalized concept that’s safe and aligned with your vision.

3. Mix It Up

Combine editorial studio shots with something location-based or unexpected. This creates visual contrast and tells a fuller story.

4. Trust the Process

You don’t have to know how to pose or perform. That’s my job. Your only job is to show up, be open, and allow yourself to be celebrated.

The Takeaway: You Are Already Powerful

You don’t have to wait until after birth to feel like a badass mom. Madison Hernandez didn’t. At 37 weeks pregnant, she stood in a boxing ring and showed the world what’s possible when you embrace your full self—without apology, without fear, and without shame.

Her maternity photos weren’t just about boxing. They were about becoming. And that’s something every mother can relate to.

Madison shows us how pregnancy is a super power.

Ready to Create Your Own Bold Maternity Portraits?

Whether you want to step into the ring or simply step into your power, let’s create something that reflects your story.