Welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most extraordinary milestones, and there is something truly magical about documenting that journey through maternity portraits. As a Jacksonville Maternity Photographer and St. Augustine Maternity Photographer with over 15 years of professional experience, I’ve had the privilege of photographing countless expecting mothers and families across Florida’s coastline. My passion lies in creating fine art portraits that feel timeless, elevated, and deeply personal—images that will become heirlooms for generations to come.

Contact me to begin your first year collective journey.

This particular maternity session holds a special place in my heart. The family featured here are not just clients, but friends I’ve known since my early career days in advertising after graduating from the University of Florida. When they joined my popular Baby Plan Membership—also known as the First Year Collective—I knew we were about to begin a meaningful, year-long journey together. The Baby Plan includes four sessions: maternity, newborn, sitter, and one-year milestone portraits. This maternity session was the very first in their collective, and it set the tone for the beautiful chapters to come.

The Beauty of Coastal Maternity Portraits

For this session, we met along the breathtaking shores of St. Augustine Beach at sunset. Coastal maternity portraits offer something truly special: the combination of natural beauty, wide-open skies, and the calming rhythm of the ocean. The soft pastel tones of the horizon created a painterly backdrop, adding a fine art feel to every image. The gentle sea breeze, golden sunlight, and lush dunes gave us an environment that was both romantic and timeless—perfectly aligning with the light and airy aesthetic that my work is known for.

Every detail was considered to create a high-end editorial feel. The mother-to-be wore a flowing, blue floral gown that mirrored the colors of the ocean and sky, elevating the visual harmony of the portraits. Whether walking barefoot through the sandy paths, sharing a quiet embrace along the dunes, or laughing together at the water’s edge, the couple radiated love and anticipation.

Why Invest in a Baby Plan Membership?

The maternity session is only the beginning. What makes the Baby Plan Membership (First Year Collective) so special is its ability to capture the entirety of your baby’s first year. We begin with maternity portraits, then document your newborn in those fleeting early weeks, continue with a session once your baby is sitting independently (often around six months), and finish with a one-year milestone session to celebrate their first steps and growing personality.

For families in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, this collection is one of the most treasured ways to preserve your story. Not only does it provide consistent, beautifully styled portraiture across each stage, but it also creates a cohesive fine art album at the end of the year—an heirloom piece to be passed down for generations.

This family chose the membership because they understood the importance of documenting not just a moment, but a journey. Each session builds upon the last, weaving together a visual narrative of love, growth, and legacy.

Jacksonville & St. Augustine: Ideal Backdrops for Maternity Sessions

As a Jacksonville Maternity Photographer and St. Augustine Maternity Photographer, I often guide my clients in choosing the perfect location for their maternity session. The coastal setting is one of the most requested, and for good reason. The beaches of Northeast Florida are unmatched in their natural beauty—expansive sands, seagrass-dotted dunes, and skies that glow with soft hues at sunset.

For Jacksonville clients, maternity portraits can easily become part of a memorable baby-moon, blending a romantic evening with timeless photographs. For St. Augustine locals, it’s about honoring the beauty of home and creating portraits that reflect the place where your family’s story unfolds. Whether seaside at Vilano Beach, tucked among the coastal paths near Marineland, or right here along St. Augustine Beach, each location offers something unique while maintaining that fine art, editorial feel.

My Philosophy: Creating Future Heirlooms

With over 15 years behind the lens, I approach every session with the goal of creating more than just photographs. I want to create future heirlooms—images that your children and grandchildren will treasure. Pregnancy is such a fleeting season, yet it deserves to be remembered in the most artful way possible.

My style is refined yet natural, blending direction with authenticity so my clients never feel posed or stiff. I strive to highlight the connection between partners, the anticipation of welcoming a child, and the subtle beauty of the changing landscape around them. Every detail, from wardrobe styling to location selection, is chosen with the intention of crafting portraits that are both elegant and heartfelt.

Why Choose Rya Duncklee of Ryaphotos

If you are searching for a Jacksonville Maternity Photographer or St. Augustine Maternity Photographer, my goal is to give you more than a gallery of images. I provide a luxury experience—from guiding you through wardrobe options and location selections, to designing artwork that will grace the walls of your home for decades to come. My Baby Plan Membership is especially beloved by families who value consistency, artistry, and legacy.

Whether you’re visiting Jacksonville for a baby-moon or are a lifelong St. Augustine local, I would be honored to document this extraordinary chapter for you.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

If you are an expecting mother in Jacksonville or St. Augustine and are ready to book your maternity session or join the Baby Plan Membership, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s create fine art portraits that will celebrate your pregnancy, your family, and your legacy.

Contact me here to begin your journey.

Explore the Baby Plan Membership
View my Maternity Portfolio.