How Winning Beer Led Me to Newborn and Maternity Photography

I didn’t expect to find myself in the world of newborn, maternity, and family photography. But sometimes, life has funny ways of leading you down a path you didn’t expect and for me, it all started with winning a year’s supply of beer.

The Beer That Changed Everything

In August 2023, I entered a competition a friend at the time tagged me in, and, believe it or not, I won. The prize? A year’s supply of beer, a bar and a speaker. I like beer but I lean towards wine, ginger beers, whiskey, and cider. Thanks Rí-Ra. It’s nice beer. Check it out!

The prize included about 30 to 32 beers a month, or 60 every two months then 48 every two months after they went pint cans. So, let’s just say it was quite a lot too much for me to drink on my own.

Naturally, I started sharing the beers with friends. I’d tell them they could have a 4-pack in exchange for a portrait.

I messaged my friend Anna and asked her:

Me: “Do you like beer?”
Anna: “Hi Jite :) How are you? Not really, and I’m also pregnant 🐣”
Me: “Congratulations! When’s the baby due?”
Anna: “Thank you! 20th December.”

I had no idea she was pregnant because I’d been muting a lot of people on Instagram, so I hadn’t seen any pregnancy announcements.

Discovering a New Passion Through a Friend

A few months earlier, I’d bought a Minolta X-700 film camera and was getting more serious about photography, particularly street photography and portraits. I loved the way film captures people that timeless, organic feel. So when Anna told me she was expecting, I offered to take some photos for her before the baby arrived.

In November 2023, I went to Anna’s house and took photos of her and her husband. I shot a roll of Cinestill 400D film. Sure, I missed focus on some shots, but I liked the candid, relaxed vibe we captured.

Shooting for a friend made it comfortable and easy. It was simple and genuine. I loved that.

My first maternity shoot — Captured on Cinestill 400D.

Welcoming Baby Beau

Beau was born in December 2023, a month after my initial shoot. I stopped by shortly after the birth with a small gift but didn’t take photos at first.

Then, about six weeks later, in February 2024, I returned to photograph Beau. Those fresh, fleeting moments when everything is new were exciting to capture. The shoot was candid, a little chaotic, and full of real, unposed moments. It felt more like a friend dropping by than a formal photo session.

Beau’s newborn session captured on Cinestill 400D

Capturing Life’s Changes

What I really wanted to show through these photos was the profound change a new baby brings to a family’s life. You see it in the little things: how the home layout shifts, the tiredness in their eyes, even how they dress differently. Life’s rhythm changes completely.

Though I’m not a parent myself, I’ve spoken with many friends and family who are. Everyone agrees: having a child transforms your world in profound ways. I wanted my photos to reflect not just the smiles but those honest, quiet moments that say so much.

How It Grew Into a Business

Anna shared the photos on Instagram, and some of her friends saw them. They asked if I could do shoots for them too. I told Anna, “Of course, but they don’t get the 100% discount you do!”

That’s how my passion for newborn and maternity photography grew organically—from friendship and generosity into something I truly enjoy and feel proud to offer. I love giving families timeless memories frozen in time, ones they can cherish for generations.

Capturing the excitement

Why I Love Newborn and Maternity Photography

It’s not just about beautiful photos. It’s about the feelings the joy, the exhaustion, the wonder, the changes. And it’s about connection.

When a family looks at those photos years down the line, they remember more than just how they looked. They remember how they felt. And that’s a privilege to be a part of.

What are some of your favorite ways to capture those little everyday moments with your family or loved ones? I’d love to hear your stories!