Some sessions feel like pure magic and this was one of them.

In late 2021, we travelled to Bristol Aquarium for a cinematic maternity shoot designed to be bold, creative, and unforgettable. This full team session included photography, videography, and professional hair and makeup, all brought together in a truly one of a kind setting.

Planning a Session Like No Other

Like all of our editorial maternity sessions, this experience started with careful planning. We worked closely with the aquarium team to secure private access to the space, ensuring not only the privacy and comfort of our client, but also the safety of our equipment and creative freedom for the team.

Having exclusive access allowed us to create uninterrupted imagery without worrying about people in the background, both a visual and editing win!

Lighting Challenges & Creative Solutions

One of the biggest technical hurdles? Lighting.

Aquariums typically don’t allow flash photography for the health of the marine life, which meant we needed a powerful continuous light source that would give us the control we needed without disruption. We used the Godox VL300, a continuous light that allowed us to both photograph and film simultaneously, saving time and maintaining flow.

With just one hour of private access, efficiency was everything. Having both photo and video teams on site, plus our client’s look professionally styled in advance, helped us maximise every minute.

Chosen Locations Within the Aquarium

We pre scouted three main areas to use inside the space:

• The Tunnel – Surrounded by flowing light and movement, this location brought a sense of motion and intimacy
• The Floor to Ceiling Tank – A dramatic, moody backdrop with deep tones and sweeping views of the water
• The Tropical Room – Lush greenery and warmth provided a beautiful contrast to the cooler tones of the tanks

Each setting brought its own texture, atmosphere, and emotion, allowing us to tell a layered story through the imagery.

Final Thoughts

This session was a perfect example of what’s possible when creativity, planning, and trust come together. Editorial maternity photography allows us to craft something that feels cinematic, personal, and completely unique and we’re always excited to push the boundaries of what a maternity session can be.

Want to Plan a Destination or Creative Maternity Session?

Whether you're dreaming of an underwater inspired session or something completely different, we travel across the UK and internationally to create unforgettable maternity photography experiences. Contact us here to start planning your bespoke session