Some celebrations are less about the programme and more about the people in the room. Severn’s baby shower was one of those. It was a [day/month] afternoon at [venue], Haarlem: a long white table, hydrangeas, rosé and a group of women who already love this little one. When Severn asked me to be her baby shower photographer in Haarlem, I knew it would be my kind of day.
What Severn asked for
Her brief was simple: a few posed group photos, and mostly natural, candid photos of her guests. She didn’t want the afternoon to turn into lining people up. She wanted people talking, laughing and celebrating, and photos that felt like that.
The afternoon
The table, before anyone arrived. Handwritten name cards in deep plum, white candles tied with satin ribbon as a small gift for each guest, white hydrangeas in smoky glass vases. Hours of thought go into these details, and they’re gone by the end of the day.
Arrivals and hellos. Coats on the old bentwood rack, the first hugs, and Severn laughing with a hand on her bump while friends caught up.
The toast. The whole table raised their glasses at once. A moment that lasts three seconds, and one of my favourite frames of the day.
Around the table. Long conversations, inside jokes, Severn listening and laughing. This is the part guests remember, and the part hosts usually miss.
Why documentary baby shower photos
When you’re hosting, you barely see your own party. You’re greeting people, checking the food and answering questions. Documentary baby shower photography gives you back what you missed: your friends’ faces while you were across the room, the details you chose for weeks, and how you looked at the end of your pregnancy, relaxed and happy, not posed.
Tips if you’re planning a baby shower with a photographer
- Choose a room with big windows. Daylight is the most flattering light, and much better than flash.
- Go for the afternoon. Softer light, and guests are more relaxed.
- Share the key moments in advance: a toast, a speech, gifts, a photo with your mum or best friends.
- Do the group photo early, while everyone is fresh and the table still looks perfect.
- Then forget the camera. The best photos happen when nobody is posing.
In Severn’s words
“Having Pau photograph my baby shower was the best idea! She met the brief I asked of her – some posed group photos, but mostly just casual photos of the guests. I also received my photos really fast after the event and love every single photo. I would definitely hire her again!”
— Severn
Your full gallery arrives within 7 days, in a private online gallery ready to download and share.
Expecting? Bump & newborn sessions in Haarlem
If you’re expecting, I’d love to photograph this chapter too: a relaxed bump session, and your first weeks at home with your baby. See the newborn sessions → or send me a message.