



I always have such a great time photographing maternity shoots, because it’s a chance for us to use the magic that light gives us, to create amazing images, and give people a product that will have them remember their relatively short time being pregnant, in a special way. We feel we are artists in our own right because we get to play around with our abilities and different lighting set-ups, for different effects, and even though it comes through a machine – if you know what your camera can offer you, you can use it to its ultimate effect.
A maternity shoot is quite symbolic, we use both parent’s sets of hands in some of the photos, showing that all of these will carry baby, will take care of baby, and help it through its life. We use just the right amount of shadows, to show mommy’s tummy’s beautiful shape, and we have dad play a role in a loving way, holding mommy tight, showing their love and the bond they share, and the feeling of now going to be parents together of baby on its way, comes through in such a proud way.
Our maternity shoots is of such high quality, giving you great pictures of this memorable phase, and we have our parents come back after the little one is born, for their own first, special photoshoot.
Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne





Pregnancy is such a special time in any woman’s life. Some of us will be blessed with one or more pregnancies and each one is different with a unique individual softly being woven together close to your heart.
In our pregnancy photoshoots we portray you as a Goddess (don’t laugh, cos it’s true
) We make use of low-key lighting (as seen in the pics above) to accentuate all and everything which is beautiful – the love you and your hubby share, the joy and laughter,, placement of your hands, your beautiful tummy (and if you have stretch marks I have a “magic wand which you will just adore”, so don’t even think to stress about that ) and simply the beautiful shape of your pregnancy body. Let’s face it, there is something very magical about the shape and silhouette of a pregnant woman.
And of course we also use this low key lighting to “hide” everything you are not too fond of, so it’s a win-win scenario
You are also more than welcome to bring along every and any prop you like and we will incorporate this into your shoot, be it blocks spelling baby’s name or pearls you got from your grandmother.
Have your pregnancy capture at the perfect time which is 33-37 weeks and you will have memories to last you forever.
Riani Labuschagne & Yolandi Jacobsz





I truly enjoyed this couple, because of the fact that they are differently put together that most. Mommy-to-be is a very petite Caucasian lady with a small frame and only this beautiful bump in front of her. Proud daddy is dark and big-built, and completely in love with her wife. They are expecting twins soon, and we can’t wait to welcome them to the studio when they arrive. When we get interesting couples like these we enjoy the interesting images that come from that shoot, and we love that fact that we were able to use Mom’s small frame, and Dad’s big darker arms to frame her so tenderly.
A maternity shoot is a very special shoot, especially for couples like these who had been trying for awhile to get pregnant and now have their chance to see their double blessing being born. Being pregnant might not always be glamorous, but when at a time when it’s starting to feel very real now, and close to the big day, it’s a great idea to have photos taken of your tummy. It’s nature’s best shape by far, and we get to use lovely lighting to accentuate that feature to its best.
Have your maternity shoot done at Louise Diesel Photography studio, The Real Life Studio, for a special experience for parents to be.
Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne




We truly wish more people would realize the significance and special value of a maternity shoot, for Mommies- and Daddies to be. Not only is it a fun shoot for us – because it’s in actual fact very artistic and technical at the same time, we get to provide you with a product, which will have you remember the special time of pregnancy, and the preparation for baby on its way.
The Maternity shoot at Louise Diesel photography, is a shoot done with so much care and level of expertise, because we know every woman wants to look great in photos, and we use our lighting strategically, so that nothing but her beautiful pregnant glow shines through. It’s the final step before your little one arrives and you get to bring them for their own special time in the studio.
A baby is a gift, and we treat that as such, and we’re always amazed as to how fast they actually grow and change. So bring your little one in for their first shoot when still small and tiny, and you’ll always remember that newborn look, that goes away after awhile. Come and have a stunning shoot done in our studios, and we’ll get to connect with you on a level that will make you feel comfortable with using the studio’s services time and time again.
Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne



For very few people, we would know exactly what to buy as a gift for them. People have such different tastes and interests and it’s quite hard to tell what would be something that would be viable to them. A photo shoot as gift, is something that would work for absolutely anyone, no matter how their family is put together or what it consist out of.
We have the great privilege to work with an amazingly wide variety of people, each family different, each model unique, and they always enjoy the shoot tremendously. So a photo shoot gift voucher is the perfect gift, and a great idea, as everyone would want to have great photos of themselves taken, and have the chance to have fun in a professional photo studio.
We always take great care, to make sure everyone that visits our studio, know that we are professionals, using professional high-end cameras and equipment, and we use skill to technically create great images – but apart for everything, we connect with our clients, and they always feel like family to us. Treat yourself, or a loved one or friend, to a shoot at Louise Diesel Photography, The Real Life Studio, it’s the perfect gift, and will create a lifetime of memories.
Yolandi Jacobsz & Riani Labuschagne





Capturing someone’s pregnancy is a very special occasion indeed. You get to witness a very special bond as well as adding your creative flair. Personally I love taking photos of pregnant women. They are all beautiful and their tummies unique in shape and size. Sometimes their little one will even start kicking when the flashes fire and we get to feel that precious little person inside using their foot or hand to tell us they know something is happening “outside”
For me, to capture the perfect pregnancy shot is all about low-key lighting to accentuate the shape of mom’s tummy. Add in her sentimental props which she brought with and don’t forget to capture the chemistry between her and dad
What you must always keep in mind is that moms-to-be don’t always feel gorgeous so you need to make them feel at ease and don’t be shy to show her the good shots on the back of the camera so that she will know she can trust you to make her look beautiful.
Try capture different elements of her pregnancy, so smiles are always nice, but don’t underestimate the power of a pondering expression. This is a new chapter in anyone’s life and it’s perfectly normal for her to feel a little apprehensive as she doesn’t know what to expect so remember to capture this… Include dad in the photos as I feel this is one of the times in the pregnancy process where he can really partake. There is nothing more beautiful than a father-to-be in a “protective” pose with his wife
Riani Labuschagne



We truly feel so privileged to do what we do. Photographing pregnant women is one of those things – it is truly special to be a part of the miracle of new life and the incredible feelings of love between the mom and her unborn baby. Often we are lucky enough to photograph mom and dad together and even the father’s who are originally hesitant, end up having the most fun and really love the photos with mom and baby-to-be. Yes, we are hopeless romantics…..
We often get enquiries from mothers-to-be saying that they would love to have maternity photos done, but that they are either camera-shy or don’t feel particularly beautiful. A all pregnant women are beautiful – how can they not be? They are taking part in the miracle of life and experiencing unconditional love like never before….. We will guide you and direct you throughout the shoot and will ensure that you are comfortable and enjoy every minute of your shoot. We want you to look back at your pregnancy photographs with fondness and sweet nostalgia…..
As female photographers, we understand and celebrate the female body and as such our maternity fine art nude photography is tasteful and understated. It’s all about capturing the emotions…. Body language is powerful and our attention to detail ensures that your pregnancy portraits are professional works of art.
The best time to do a maternity portrait photoshoot is between 34 and 37 weeks. We provide simple props like mutton cloth and silky fabrics and recommend that you bring items from home to treally add a personal touch to your photos. We recommend that you wear neutral colours, black always works well, and whatever you are comfortable in. If you are going to do nude maternity portraits, please try not to wear any tight underwear or clothing which will leave marks on your skin.
As a first time client getting introduced to taking
studio photo’s of my daughter and myself, I didn’t know
what to expect and was rather quite nervous. From
the minute we met Riani, she made us feel so comfortable …...
- Shereen Russell