During a sunny afternoon at Shelly Beach in Nambucca Heads, I had the pleasure of photographing Melissa, who was 38 weeks pregnant at the time. She was accompanied by her two adorable boys and her husband. Melissa is an Aboriginal painter living on Gumbaynggirr country on the Mid North Coast of NSW.

The photos I took of Melissa captured her in full bloom, radiating joy and anticipation as she prepared to welcome her newest family member. The session was filled with fun and playfulness, as Melissa's boys ran around and interacted with their mother in candid moments that truly captured the essence of maternity photography.

Despite the imperfections that come with capturing moments in real time, the photos turned out beautifully, showcasing the love and connection within Melissa's family. I am grateful to have been able to document this special time in their lives and create lasting memories for them to cherish.