Golden hour at Pandora Estuary, capturing a first-time mother in quiet anticipation. Flowing dress, soft water reflections, and sunset light create a calm, timeless maternity portrait.
This summer maternity photography session at Pandora Estuary in Hawke’s Bay was a quiet celebration of becoming parents for the very first time. With open water, soft evening light, and space to slow down, it was the perfect setting for a relaxed, natural maternity session.
For first-time parents, pregnancy can feel both grounding and surreal — a season of waiting, imagining, and gently shifting into something new. This session was about honouring that pause before everything changes.
A Summer Sunset Maternity Session at Pandora Estuary
Pandora Estuary is one of my favourite locations as a Hawkes Bay Maternity Photographer , especially in summer. The light here is soft and reflective, with long horizons that create a sense of calm and openness.
As the sun lowered, the colours softened and the water held the light beautifully. There’s no need to rush in a place like this — the landscape encourages stillness, making it ideal for maternity photos that feel natural and unforced.
Maternity Photography for First-Time Parents
This session was particularly special because it marked the transition into parenthood for the very first time. There’s a tenderness that comes with that — the quiet anticipation, the small moments of connection, the way hands instinctively find the bump.
Rather than stiff poses, we focused on gentle movement and presence. Walking slowly along the water’s edge, pausing often, letting the evening unfold. These are the moments that tell the story honestly.
Multiple Outfit Changes for a Complete Story
One of the beautiful things about a maternity session like this is the opportunity to change outfits and create variety without feeling rushed.
For this session, we incorporated multiple outfit changes — flowing fabrics that moved softly in the breeze, paired back looks that kept the focus on connection and form. Pandora Estuary’s neutral tones make it easy to transition between looks while keeping everything cohesive.
Multiple outfits allow your gallery to feel rich and complete, offering both simplicity and softness within the same session.
Why Pandora Estuary Works So Well for Maternity Photography
Pandora Estuary offers a rare combination of accessibility and quiet beauty. It’s easy to reach, flat to walk, and open enough to feel private which all important considerations during pregnancy.
It’s especially suited to:
- Natural maternity photography
- Couples who prefer a calm, understated setting
- Sunset sessions with soft, flattering light
- First-time parents wanting something meaningful but relaxed
The simplicity of the location allows emotion to take centre stage.
When to Book Your Hawke’s Bay Maternity Photography Session
The ideal time for maternity photography is typically between 30–36 weeks, when your bump is beautifully round and you’re still comfortable enough to move!
Summer evenings in Hawke’s Bay are particularly beautiful for sessions at Pandora Estuary, with warm light and long sunsets that create a peaceful, unhurried experience – creating gorgeous variety in galleries
A Season Worth Remembering
Maternity photography isn’t about documenting perfection.. it’s about remembering how this season felt. The waiting. The becoming. The quiet strength of your body and the love already growing around your baby.
If you’re looking for a Hawke’s Bay maternity photographer, Pandora Estuary is one of the most beautiful locations for capturing natural, relaxed maternity photos. This summer session celebrated first-time parents expecting their first child, with sunset light and multiple outfit changes creating a timeless, meaningful gallery.
You can view more maternity sessions or enquire about availability here.
www.lightkeeperphotography.co.nz
