HI, IM BARBARA,

I’m a maternity and newborn photographer based in Dubai, and I’ve been working professionally as a photographer for 18 years, with maternity being part of my work for over 13 of them. I’m also a mother to Tom and Mila, and becoming a mother changed the way I see this work completely.

WHY MATERNITY

I have always thought pregnant women beautiful, and at the same time, I know many women do not always feel that way while their bodies are changing so much. Some may feel insecure or not quite recognising themselves, and this is why I want to show them what I see. I want them to look at their photographs and think, “I really was beautiful in that moment.”

After my first son, Tom, was born, maternity photography became the centre of my work. Living through pregnancy myself helped me understand this stage in another way — the physical changes, the emotions, the hormones and everything a woman may be carrying with her when she arrives for a session. It also made me more intentional with my time. I knew I would have less of it, so I wanted to spend it doing work I genuinely loved.

I love getting to know each woman, hearing her story and talking about what she is going through. Over the years, I have studied posing, light and direction carefully so I can guide different bodies with confidence and care. My approach is minimalist and delicate, and I help with outfits and colours to make it all look very clean and the focus the woman. I want the session to feel comfortable and natural, while creating photographs that help her see the beauty I saw from the beginning.

HOW MOTHERHOOD CHANGED MY PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom also opened the door to newborn photography for me. Before he was born, I had turned down every newborn enquiry because I associated these sessions with elaborate props, costumes and very posed setups. I knew that style was not for me, but I did not yet know there was another way.

When he arrived, I photographed him exactly how I wanted to remember: as he was, in our arms, in our home, feeding, sleeping, stretching and simply being our baby. I did not know at the time that this approach had a name: Newborn Lifestyle. I only knew I had finally found a way of photographing newborns that felt right to me. I fell in love with it, and I still get emotional during these sessions because I remember that little world so clearly.

Breastfeeding also found its way into my work through him. I never expected it to become such an important part of my experience as a mother, but after Tom was born, I began learning more and was genuinely fascinated by what I discovered. I wanted to express that through my photography, and this is how Breastfeeding Moment began — a personal project created to document breastfeeding as part of a family’s story.

THE EXPERIENCE

For me, the experience matters just as much as the photographs. My team and I want every part of the process — from the first message to the final gallery — to feel thoughtful, organised and personal. Nathalia and Juliana are part of the team behind each experience, helping with communication, preparation and all the details along the way.

During the shoot, I keep things calm and easy, especially for anyone who may not feel completely comfortable in front of the camera at first. I guide gently and give enough direction without making things feel forced, so everyone can relax and enjoy the experience in their own way.

Every session is treated with the attention it deserves, from planning and styling to the shoot itself and the final delivery of your photographs.