By Pei Aui – Melbourne newborn, maternity, family and couples photographer


There is a quiet magic in the months between expecting and holding. A chapter where time seems to stretch and stand still all at once. As a Melbourne maternity and newborn photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to witness this tender transition—not just in photos, but in the hearts of the families I meet.


The Beauty of the In-Between

Pregnancy is so much more than a growing belly. It’s full of first kicks, late-night dreams, and moments where you catch your reflection and pause—recognising the power and softness all at once. Maternity photography isn’t just about documenting your bump; it’s about honouring this version of you. The one who’s waiting. Wondering. Loving deeply, even before meeting. When I photograph maternity sessions, I often tell my clients: this is where your baby’s story begins, but also where your story transforms.

Couple in a white stands facing each other with heads touching on a beach during golden hour taken by a Melbourne maternity photographer.
A tender moment between parent and child silhouetted against a bright window at home taken by a Melbourne newborn photographer

Why You’ll Never Regret Capturing Both

So many of the mums I’ve photographed say the same thing to me afterwards:

“I’m so grateful we captured it all—before and after. It goes so fast.”

Because here’s the truth no one really prepares you for: this season will pass in a blink.


One moment you’re feeling little kicks and wondering what they’ll look like…

And then you’re holding them in your arms, soaking in their scent, your heart forever changed.


Booking both a maternity and newborn session is more than just ticking boxes.

It’s giving yourself the gift of remembering:

  • What it felt like to be on the cusp of motherhood
  • The way you looked at them in those first few days
  • The connection, the love, the becoming


When we begin with your maternity session, something beautiful happens—you start to trust the process, the camera, and yourself. So when baby arrives, your newborn session feels like coming home. You can relax, breathe, and just be present in the love that surrounds you.

  • Together, these photos tell your story from the very beginning. A story your child will one day look at and say: “That’s how loved I was, even before I arrived.”
A couple in white sweaters walk together and smile on a sandy beach at sunset taken by Melbourne maternity photographer.

My Approach to This Journey


I take a calm, heart-led approach to every session. Whether you’re glowing at 32 weeks or rocking your newborn to sleep during our shoot, my goal is the same: to create space for real connection. No stiff posing. No pressure. Just honest moments, beautifully preserved.

Each session is baby- and mama-led. That means extra time for feeds, snuggles, or breaks. I work in natural light, using soft tones and gentle direction to ensure your images feel like you—quiet, emotive, and deeply loving.

A tender moment of a newborn baby being cradled gently in warm lighting taken by Melbourne newborn photographer.
A couple embraces their newborn baby together near a sunlit window with sheer curtains taken by Melbourne newborn photographer.
Mother in white tenderly holding and interacting with newborn baby against soft window light taken by Melbourne newborn photographer.

When to Book

I recommend booking your Melbourne maternity and newborn photography package around the beginning of your second trimester. Maternity sessions are typically scheduled between 28–34 weeks, and newborn shoots are done within the first 2–3 weeks after birth—while everything still feels brand new.


A Note from the Heart

If you're standing at the edge of this life-changing season—waiting, wondering, and maybe even overwhelmed—I want you to know something: your story matters. Not just the polished parts, but the raw, sleepy, emotional ones too.

These moments pass in a blink, but photographs give them a forever.

If you're ready to capture the quiet beauty of your motherhood journey, I’d love to walk beside you.

Mother kissing her newborn child on the forehead taken by Melbourne newborn photographer.

Let's Create Your Story Together

Whether you’re still rubbing your growing belly or already rocking a sleepy babe, I offer combined maternity and newborn photography packages right here in Melbourne.

Let’s create something tender, timeless, and true to you.

👉 Contact me to book your session

Or send a DM on Instagram—I'm always happy to chat.