The Iconic Image of Pregnancy: Working with Model Christiana Sylvia-Austin
Some clients leave an indelible mark on your career, shaping your creative vision and pushing you to elevate your work. For me, that client is Christiana Sylvia-Austin—a woman whose presence in front of the camera redefined what maternity photography could be. Across two pregnancies and seven unforgettable shoots, we captured moments that ranged from elegant brand work to avant-garde artistic expressions, culminating in a session just 17 hours before she gave birth. Christiana isn’t just a model; she’s an icon of pregnancy, resilience, and artistry.
One of my favorite pregnancy looks of all time.
A Collaboration Spanning Two Pregnancies
Christiana’s approach to pregnancy was refreshingly candid. She openly shared her struggles with nausea, discomfort, and the challenges of carrying life, but instead of letting these hardships define her, she found empowerment in front of the camera. In her own words:
I’ve been pregnant twice. I tell people all the time—I LOVE motherhood and I adore my children. I don’t mind the birthing process—I find it very empowering. Even the newborn phase isn’t bad. But pregnancy? I hate it! I’m round, nauseous, and uncomfortable. Despite all this, as a commercial model, I tried to stay positive and use this time to my advantage.
Her mindset transformed our shoots into something more than just maternity sessions. They became an artistic celebration of strength, beauty, and identity—proof that pregnancy does not have to overshadow a woman’s individuality but instead can be a powerful aspect of her story.
Brand Collaborations That Defined Her Style
Throughout both pregnancies, Christiana and I worked together to create stunning campaigns for some of the most sought-after maternity brands. Each shoot showcased a different facet of her, proving that maternity photography can be dynamic, elegant, and fashion-forward.
Kindred Bravely
With its focus on comfort and function, Kindred Bravely’s collection allowed Christiana to embody the balance between grace and real-life motherhood. These images highlighted the softer, more intimate side of pregnancy—cozy moments, tender embraces, and the quiet strength of a woman preparing to bring life into the world.
Glowe Collection
Known for its elevated maternity wear, Glowe Collection provided the perfect medium for Christiana to showcase high fashion in pregnancy. These images exuded confidence, proving that maternity clothing can be bold, stylish, and empowering. She wore their signature pieces with ease, bringing an effortless sophistication to every shot.
HisseyFit Maternity
HisseyFit Maternity's focus on athleisure was a natural fit for Christiana. She proved that pregnancy does not mean slowing down but instead embracing movement and flexibility. Whether she was striking a powerful pose or demonstrating the stretch and versatility of the garments, these images captured the essence of strength in motherhood.
PinkBlush Maternity
This brand offered a more feminine, romantic aesthetic, allowing us to explore softer, ethereal imagery. Flowing dresses, gentle color palettes, and natural lighting emphasized the beauty and serenity of pregnancy, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that encapsulated the anticipation of new life.
An Avant-Garde Maternity Shoot: Defying Expectations
One of our most unforgettable sessions was a conceptual film shoot with a dance theme. Christiana stepped onto the set in heels, a bowler cap, a crop top, and tight dress pants that accentuated her pregnancy curves. The mood was dark and artistic, a stark contrast to the traditional maternity aesthetic.
This shoot was not just about capturing pregnancy; it was about redefining it. The avant-garde styling, combined with Christiana’s powerful presence, created imagery that was both striking and unconventional. The bold lighting, expressive movement, and high-fashion elements transformed pregnancy into something almost cinematic. It was a statement—pregnancy can be edgy, dramatic, and intensely personal.
The Final Shoot: 17 Hours Before Birth
The dedication Christiana brought to her work was unparalleled, and nothing speaks to that more than our final shoot together before she gave birth. Just 17 hours before welcoming her child into the world, she stood in front of my lens one last time. There was an almost electric energy to that session—a culmination of months of collaboration, an unspoken understanding that this was the closing chapter of a profound artistic journey.
Her body was working tirelessly to bring life into the world, yet she radiated an ethereal calm and quiet power. These images remain some of my most cherished—raw, real, and a testament to the resilience of motherhood.
Why Christiana Chose Me as Her Photographer
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with Christiana was knowing that she saw something in my work that resonated with her. She sought more than just traditional maternity photography; she wanted something unique, something that honored her as a person beyond just the pregnancy experience. In her words:
Ethan doesn’t do the stereotypical maternity photos. He can, and they’re beautiful, but his taste is a bit more elevated. His eye for artistry adds a creative edge to his work. On his website, you’ll see photos of practically full-term women scaling cliffs, biking down mountains, and inverting in pointe shoes. Wow. It’s easy to hide behind a bump and make it your entire personality for nine months, but Ethan wouldn’t let me! His work and vision were something unique that I had never seen before. He encouraged me to lean into the things that make me ME. He was able to pull me out of my “slow and pregnant” mindset and helped me embrace the joy and empowerment that pregnancy brings.
The Legacy of Our Work Together
Looking back on our shoots, I realize that Christiana was more than just a client—she was a creative partner who helped push the boundaries of maternity photography. She brought not only professionalism and skill but also vulnerability and authenticity, allowing our work to capture something truly special.
She is the embodiment of what I strive to achieve with every maternity session—images that honor both the journey of pregnancy and the individual power of the women who experience it. Christiana’s photographs tell a story of strength, perseverance, and beauty, proving that maternity is not just about waiting for a baby to arrive but about celebrating the person you are in that moment.
If we are ever lucky enough to work together again for a third pregnancy, I can only imagine the magic we will create. Until then, I am endlessly grateful for the journey we shared, for the art we made, and for the lasting impact she has had on my vision as a photographer.
