An Underwater Maternity Shoot at Alligator Reef

Some maternity sessions are sweet and simple. Others are filled with saltwater, fins, and baby sharks. Kay and Brian turned their babymoon into a meaningful adventure to celebrate their first baby,  and the result was an underwater maternity shoot that felt equal parts magical, nostalgic, and deeply personal.

Why Alligator Reef?

Kay found me while searching for Florida maternity photographers near Islamorada. She loved the look of my underwater sessions, especially the ones I’d done at Alligator Reef, and instantly knew this was the place.

Turns out, she had childhood memories of diving here with her family. Now, as a mom-to-be (with a little free-diving experience under her belt), she wanted to come back. Full circle. Same water, different story. This time with her husband and baby boy on the way.

Prepping for the Shoot

Before we ever jumped in, Kay and I worked together to make sure she felt confident and ready. I sent her my underwater maternity prep guide with posing tips, what to bring, and how to get comfortable moving in the water while pregnant.

She practiced ahead of time and  picked out a swimsuit that felt good and showed off her bump. We wanted her to feel like her, not like she was performing for the camera.

March was the perfect time for this underwater maternity shoot. The water was 74 degrees and glassy, with sunshine all around and no storms on the horizon. Islamorada Private Charters took us out to Alligator Reef, and from the moment we anchored, it felt like we were exactly where we were supposed to be.

The Magic Beneath the Surface

When we arrived, Kay was a little nervous, which was totally normal. But the second we got in the water, it was like she’d been doing this forever.

She brought goggles and fins as I suggested (even though we didn’t use them the entire time), and eased into each pose with so much grace. Brian was the ultimate hype man. Cheering her on, diving with her, and joining in for some truly heart-melting moments.

We floated, swam, and laughed our way through the session. And then, at the very end, we spotted a baby shark.

And you better believe we swam as hard as we could to get a photo with him. He was quick!

The Sweetest Surprise

After Kay got her photos back, she turned them into a baby book.  Not just a photo album, but a full storybook with a rhyming storyline built around the session. Every page held a piece of their adventure, and it all led up to the arrival of their baby boy, Wyatt. 

Just a few days after he was born, they sent me a video of them reading the book to him. It was one of the most meaningful client moments I’ve ever had. Not just because the photos were used in such a thoughtful way, but because it reminded me why I do this in the first place.

Why Underwater Maternity Shoots Are So Special

There’s something about water. It holds you gently but powerfully. It reminds you that life is always shifting and moving. That your body is capable of more than you know.

An underwater maternity shoot isn’t just about the photos , it’s about the experience. It’s about celebrating who you are, right now, as you grow something brand new. It’s about memories that stretch beyond the surface.

Let’s Get You in the Water

You don’t need to be a professional swimmer or freediver. You just need to be open to the experience. To trust the process. To show up with your bravery and your bump, and let me take care of the rest.

Whether it's your favorite childhood dive spot or somewhere brand new, I’ll travel to meet you there.

So... where are we diving next? Contact me so we can start planning!

Check out this blog to learn more about what to expect from an underwater session with me!