Maternity Lifestyle Session in Essex | The Smith Family

In-home maternity session with a warrior mama

A little over a month ago I had the pleasure of photographing this amazing couple for their maternity photography session, at their beautiful home in Essex.

The mummy-to-be is actually a very dear childhood friend. We met when we were 12 years old and formed a friendship that holds many of my fondest memories. As her friend, I was truly honored to capture this time in their lives, but even more honoured, to capture this stage in their journey to bring their little babies home.

Last year, on the 19th March, Sarah and Rob had and lost their beautiful baby girl Thea-Rose Ivy Smith, born sleeping at 38 weeks. Over the following months, this incredible couple, along with their family and friends celebrated her little life in every way they could. Their crowdfunding page reached a total of £4,500, with the money split across three wonderful charities:

SANDS- who provide information on stillbirth from emotional support, medical information to planning funerals and legal information. 

Tiny Souls- A small local charity who came to the hospital to take professional photos of Thea just shortly after she was born to make sure they had pictures to remember her by.

For Louis- A charity which provides memory boxes to hospitals, so parents can capture as many memories as they can.

Sarah also took to Instagram with her page: Notes to Thea, to share little Thea's life and her experience of loss. In sharing, she has been able to connect with hundreds of families, who themselves may have experienced loss. 

In reading Sarah's Instagram page, you will notice that the latest post is one that brings happiness to so many hearts. On the 16th February, Rob and Sarah welcomed their second little girl into the world, baby Arla. All are doing just perfectly and are preparing to celebrate Thea's 1st birthday, later this month.

Waiting for baby Arla to arrive, was a journey for this couple, and I am so glad we got to capture just a little of it. Congratulations guys xoxo


Jo Shannon-Little of J S-Little Photography is is an award-winning maternity photographer in Reading, Berkshire, who focuses on capturing beautifully natural and emotive images inspired by the love and laughter of family and childhood. She is one of the very few photographers in Berkshire that blends her love of natural lifestyle photography with beautiful maternity portraits. Jo's unique in-home sessions allow you and your family to capture your wonderful memories in a place that is special to you - creating beautiful, meaningful and authentic images in the place so loved by you, your home. Jo is an in-home and on location maternity photographer, serving areas in Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire and Surrey. For more information about Jo, check out her about me page. For pricing information, visit her pricing pageClick here to contact Jo directly. Thank you so much. x