Being awarded Maternity Photographer of the Year 2025 by The Society of Photographers (SWPP) International Photography Competition is an honor that feels deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. This recognition in the maternity category represents not only a professional milestone, but also a celebration of a genre that is closest to my heart. Maternity portraiture is where emotion, strength, vulnerability and creativity meet, and this image is a reflection of why I am so passionate about photographing this extraordinary chapter in a woman’s life.
The awarded image was created with a clear artistic intention: to design a timeless, classic maternity portrait inspired by a Mother Earth aesthetic. I wanted the photograph to feel raw yet elegant, grounded yet ethereal — a visual tribute to femininity, fertility and nature itself. Pregnancy is one of the most powerful and transformative states a woman experiences, and I wanted to honor that power by stripping the image back to its most essential elements.
The composition is intentionally sculptural. The seated pose highlights the natural curve of the pregnant body, allowing the eye to follow the lines of the form in a calm, unhurried way. The way the body turns gently towards the light creates a sense of quiet confidence and self-awareness, while the direct gaze establishes an intimate connection with the viewer. There is nothing accidental here — every line, curve and gesture supports the story of strength, calm and inner connection.
A restrained, earthy colour palette plays a vital role in the emotional impact of the image. Warm brown tones, soft taupes and muted neutrals dominate the scene, echoing the colours of soil, bark and dried foliage. These hues ground the portrait in nature and reinforce the Mother Earth theme, creating a timeless aesthetic that feels neither modern nor dated. The subtle tonal transitions between background, skin and fabric help the subject emerge organically from the scene rather than feeling placed within it.
To enhance this natural narrative, I brought organic elements into the studio. Dried, slightly rusty fern was carefully positioned to add texture, rhythm and a sense of quiet wilderness. The fern’s delicate structure contrasts beautifully with the strength of the human form, symbolizing both fragility and resilience — qualities that coexist so powerfully in pregnancy. All fabrics used in the image are natural, from the soft draping beneath the model to the textiles that interact gently with the body. Even the jewellery worn by the model was handmade, chosen for its raw, artisanal character rather than decorative perfection.
Working with Dijana was an absolute privilege. She is not only a beautiful woman, but a unique soul whose presence shaped the emotional depth of this portrait. Her calm confidence, expressive gaze and strong character brought authenticity and gravity to the image. In maternity photography, collaboration is everything — and Dijana’s energy elevated this concept beyond a visual idea into something truly powerful and alive. Please follow Dijana on Instagram: @dijanaandrocec_model
From a technical perspective, the image was created using a classic one-light setup. I deliberately chose a soft, directional light to sculpt the body gently and emphasise natural contours without harsh contrast. This traditional portrait illumination allowed me to focus on form, texture and mood rather than complexity. Post-processing was kept minimal, serving only to refine the tones and preserve the softness and depth of the light. My goal was always to let the image breathe and remain honest.
Ben Jones, The Society of Photographers’ Member Value & Experience Manager presenting the trophy to Sandra.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to The Society of Photographers (SWPP) and the competition judges for this incredible recognition. To have this image acknowledged at an international level is both humbling and motivating, and I am deeply grateful for the time and expertise invested by the judging panel.
To all my clients — thank you. Your trust means everything to me. Every expectant mother I photograph is unique, each with her own story, vision and emotional journey. I am endlessly inspired by the women who step into my studio, and it brings me true joy to create maternity portraits that reflect their individuality and the beauty they carry. I am honored each time I am chosen to create the maternity portrait a woman dreams of.
I am based in Sutton, Surrey, where I offer maternity photography alongside a carefully curated collection of beautiful maternity gowns. These gowns are sourced from talented creatives who design and craft each piece with intention and artistry, ensuring every mother feels confident, empowered and celebrated.
This award is not just a personal achievement — it is a celebration of motherhood, creativity, collaboration and trust. I look forward to continuing this journey, creating meaningful maternity portraits, and honoring one of life’s most powerful transformations through my lens. Please check our maternity galleries for more work.
With Love, Sandra x
From the maternity photo session with @dijanaandrocec_model and her partner @josenegrotracaya