I'm Michelle
Because you shouldn’t have to choose just one moment to remember, this is your way to hold on to the whole story.
Because some moments are meant to be seen as they unfold, movement, emotion, and the beauty of this season, just as it was.
As both a mother and a photographer here in beautiful Wilmington, I understand the mix of emotions you’re experiencing right now. Those butterfly kicks, the gentle curve of your growing bump, the way your hands naturally rest upon it—these are moments that deserve to be with maternity pictures that preserve with the tenderness with which they’re experienced.
Let me share something I’ve learned both through my camera lens and my own journey: there’s a sweet spot for maternity pictures. I recommend scheduling between 28-34 weeks pregnant when you have a nice round bump, yet are not far enough along where you are starting to feel really uncomfortable or swollen.
I see the way you sometimes look in the mirror, perhaps uncertain about these new curves and changes. But through my lens, I see something sacred—the strength and beauty of a woman creating life within. Your body is writing a love story, and every stretch mark, every new curve, is part of that narrative. Let’s celebrate these changes together, capturing them in ways that make you feel as radiant as you truly are.
Here in Wilmington, we’re blessed with several perfect settings for your portraits. My warm, light-filled studio offers privacy and comfort, especially for those intimate bare-bump photos you might want to create. For those drawn to the beauty of nature, the soft morning light at Topsail Beach or the tranquil ambiance of Airlie Gardens offer the perfect backdrop, creating serene portraits filled with natural beauty.
Some of my favorite maternity pictures emerge from real moments—your partner’s hand gently resting on your bump, the way you naturally caress your belly when lost in thought, or that radiant smile when baby kicks. These authentic moments tell the true story of your journey into motherhood.
Something many mothers don’t realize until after their session: these portraits aren’t just for you. They’re the first days of your baby’s life journey. Imagine years from now, showing your child these images, telling them about how much they were loved, even before they were born. These become treasured family heirlooms, speaking of love across generations.
Let me share a secret that took me years to learn: comfort creates beauty. That’s why I’ve curated a collection of maternity gowns that not only photograph beautifully but feel wonderful against your skin. Like flowing gowns that catch Wilmington’s gentle breeze that hug your curves just right, you’ll find pieces in my client wardrobe that make you feel like the goddess you are.
Each season in Wilmington offers its own magic for maternity portraits. Spring azaleas create gorgeous color at Airlie Gardens. Summer evenings at Topsail Beach paint everything in golden light. Fall brings perfect temperatures and rich colors to Greenfield Lake. Winter offers is perfect for intimate studio portraits.
As someone who has stood on both sides of the camera, I understand the vulnerability of this moment. The awkwardness, every concern about how to pose or what to wear—I’ve been there. This session isn’t just about taking pictures; it’s about honoring your journey into motherhood with grace and understanding.
Creating Your Legacy
These portraits become more precious with time. They remind us of the strength we possessed, the love we felt, and the dreams we held for our little ones. They show our children how deeply they were loved, even before their first breath.
Sweet to-be-moms, this is your time. Let’s chat and create something beautiful together—images that capture not just how you looked during your motherhood journey, but how it felt to carry this miracle within you. Here in Wilmington, surrounded by natural beauty and bathed in golden light, we’ll preserve these fleeting moments forever. Contact us to schedule your maternity session today.
With love and understanding,
Your photographer and fellow mama!
These photographs become treasures passed through generations. Your children will one day hold these images close, seeing themselves through your loving eyes and discovering the quiet grace that surrounded their earliest days.
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Michelle Popp Photography is a Wilmington NC newborn photographer also specializing in family, maternity, and baby photography serving all of Wilmington, Hampstead, Topsail Beach, Jacksonville, Figure Eight Island, Leland, Surf City, Swansboro, Wrightsville Beach, Ogden, Porters Neck and surrounding areas.
Pure, Organic & Timeless
If this season feels tender, beautiful, or just a little fleeting, it may be His way of inviting you to pause and hold it close. I’d be honored to walk with you.