Why Motherhood Photography Matters | Columbia SC Photographer
Your Complete Guide to Motherhood Photography in Columbia, SC is below!
A Photo for Every Milestone
Motherhood is one of the most sacred times. I’d love to walk beside you.
From Baby Bump to Birthday Cake
Pregnancy has a funny way of making time feel incredibly slow and impossibly fast. One minute you're staring at two pink lines, and the next you’re celebrating your baby's first birthday.
Those months are filled with tiny moments that deserve to be remembered, not just the big milestones, but the ordinary ones too.
That's exactly why I created the Motherhood Collection at Stabor Studios. I’m a lifestyle photographer based in Columbia, South Carolina, and I’m expecting a sweet baby boy of my own…so I get it!
Rather than booking one session and calling it done, this collection serves you over the course of your motherhood journey, from your pregnancy announcement to maternity photos, a fresh 48, newborn session, milestone portraits, and first birthday celebrations.
If you're wondering when to book each session or which ones are right for your family, you're in the right place!
Why Document More Than Just the Newborn Stage?
When most people think about baby photography, they immediately picture newborn photos. But motherhood is so much bigger than one day.
It's sharing your life changing news, watching your baby bump grow, tiny newborn snuggles, belly laughs, and frosting-covered fingers on a first birthday. Each season tells a different part of your family's story, and years from now, you'll be grateful you captured more than just one chapter.
The Best Motherhood Photography Timeline
One of the most common questions I get as a Columbia SC motherhood photographer is: “When should we schedule everything?" Let’s talk about it!
Pregnancy Announcement Photos | 10-16 weeks
Announcement photos are usually pictures that announce your pregnancy and/or the gender of your baby. These can be done with you and your partner to celebrate your newest addition and can be shot at indoor or outdoor locations, depending on your preference. Ultrasounds, baby clothes, or any other sweet items are welcome as well.
Most families schedule these between 10–16 weeks.
Maternity Photos | 28 - 34 weeks
The sweet spot for maternity portraits is usually between 28 and 34 weeks.
Your bump is literally perfect, and you’re still comfy enough to move around and have a good time during our session.
This season can be overwhelming, but I can help with: Location ideas, outfit guidance, styling, posing, and whatever else you need.
Whether you love wide open fields, a downtown Columbia vibe, a cozy in-home session, or golden hour by Lake Murray, we'll create something that feels like your family! Defintiely bring all your sweet baby items for these, too.
Fresh 48 | 48 hours after baby
You just had your baby and your life is suddenly full of the sweetest 10 fingers and toes that you’ve ever seen!!!
Fresh 48 sessions happen within the first two days after birth, typically within the hospital setting, like PRISMA or Lexington Medical in Columbia.
You’ve just gone through one of the craziest days of your life, so these sessions are all about calm and quiet. We’ll document those tiny wrinkly little feet, siblings peeking into the bassinet, and all the emotions that come with those first hours together.
Lifestyle Newborn Photos | 2-3 weeks after baby
I usually recommend newborn sessions within the first two to three weeks after birth, but whenever you’re feeling up for pictures is when we can schedule these.
My newborn sessions are relaxed and baby-led. There's time for feeding, diaper changes, and time to soak in your new little family.
Milestone Sessions | 6 months, 9 months
Around six to nine months, your baby is starting to sit up, giggle, explore the world around them, and let their personality shine. This is a great season to snap some photos. The days are long but the years are short, right?
It's a season that often slips by without much fanfare, but when you look back, you'll be so glad you preserved it.
First Birthday Sessions | One Year Old
One whole year. A year of first smiles, sleepless nights, tiny milestones, and watching your little one grow more than you ever imagined.
Whether you envision timeless family portraits, an outdoor adventure, or a playful cake smash, let’s celebrate the past year and each moment that brought you here.
What Makes the Motherhood Collection Different?
Most photographers ask you to book each session separately. The Motherhood Collection allows you to bundle the moments that matter most to your family.
Booking more than one session automatically gives you a discount that increases based on the number of bookings:
2 sessions 10% off each
3 sessions 20% off each
4+ sessions 25% off each
If you’re not sure how many or what sessions to book, that’s okay! Let’s chat about what makes the most sense for your family.
What to Expect During Your Photo Session
During your Motherhood Collection photos there will be no pressure or stiff posing. All of it is gently guided, and I provide more assistance or suggestions for styling as you prefer. All the chaos of a new season is totally okay!
Motherhood Session Locations Around Columbia, SC
The best location for your session in Columbia, SC is wherever you feel comfortable, or wherever feels the most part of your story.
Columbia, South Carolina has some of the most beautiful locations! There is the Saluda Riverwalk, the SC State House in downtown Columbia, and Lake Murray in Chapin. There are also some gorgeous parks in the Irmo area, and Stabor Studios also has a studio space available to book in Cayce. We can also always accomodate your home, or a favorite location of yours.
I am here to capture the precious moments for you: the excitement and joy in welcoming a new addition to your family and the treasure of watching them grow.
I want to tell your motherhood story in a way that is affordable, low-pressure, and authentic to you.