Empowering Expecting Mothers: Behind the Scenes of a Yoga and Pilates Maternity Wellness Shoot

Pregnancy is a time of transformation, strength, and grace. When I had the opportunity to photograph a yoga and Pilates instructor who specializes in pelvic floor exercises for pregnant women, I knew it was going to be a session full of inspiration and empowerment. Her work is not just about fitness; it’s about helping women connect with their bodies and prepare for one of life’s most profound journeys.

Why Maternity Wellness Matters

For expecting mothers, maintaining physical and mental wellness is essential. This yoga and Pilates instructor has carved a unique niche by focusing on pelvic floor exercises—a crucial component for a healthy pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Through gentle yet effective movements, she’s helping moms-to-be feel stronger, more balanced, and more connected to their changing bodies.

As a photographer, capturing this dedication required more than just technical skill. It was about understanding her mission and translating it into a visual story that would resonate with her clients and community.

A Session Tailored for Connection and Calm

The shoot took place in her serene studio, bathed in soft natural light. The space—with its calming hues and welcoming energy—set the perfect tone for the session. I focused on capturing her in action, guiding her clients through breathing exercises and mindful movements that embody the strength and grace of motherhood.

The Power of Storytelling Through Photography

Photographing wellness professionals like this instructor isn’t just about documenting their work. It’s about creating imagery that tells their story—their dedication to helping others, the unique methods they’ve developed, and the connection they build with their clients.

For this session, I used a mix of candid shots and carefully composed portraits to highlight both the instructor’s expertise and the serenity of her practice. Wide shots of flowing poses, and tender interactions between her and her clients all came together to tell a cohesive story.

How This Session Inspires Future Clients

These photos aren’t just beautiful—they’re a testament to the instructor’s work and a powerful way to attract future clients. Whether you’re a wellness professional or an expecting mother, seeing the harmony between yoga, Pilates, and pregnancy in these images can inspire you to embrace your own wellness journey.

For wellness professionals, showcasing your work through high-quality photography can elevate your brand and connect you with the clients who need your services the most. It’s about more than marketing; it’s about building trust and communicating your mission visually.

Let’s Celebrate Wellness Together

This session was a reminder of why I love what I do. Photography has the power to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments—whether it’s the strength of a mother preparing to meet her baby, or the dedication of a wellness professional changing lives.

If you’re a wellness professional or a professional in your industry - let’s schedule your session and supply you with the photographs to tell your brands story.

Why Your LinkedIn Profile Deserves a Glow-Up: The Importance of Updated Headshots

1. Your Headshot Is Your Digital Handshake

In today’s digital-first world, your online presence often precedes your in-person interactions. Whether you’re connecting on LinkedIn, speaking at a conference, or pitching your services, your headshot is your digital handshake.

For mortgage brokers and financial professionals, trustworthiness and approachability are key. A high-quality, well-lit photo instantly conveys credibility and professionalism. Entrepreneurs, on the other hand, need to project innovation and confidence. The right headshot can communicate all these qualities in a single glance.

If your current photo is outdated, it could unintentionally send the wrong message about your brand. Let’s ensure your headshot reflects the best version of you in 2024.

2. Stay Relevant and Competitive

Industries like mortgage and finance are constantly evolving, and so are their professional standards. Clients and colleagues expect to see a polished, modern image that aligns with current trends and technologies.

By updating your headshot, you’re signaling to your audience that you’re staying ahead of the curve. For entrepreneurs, staying relevant is critical to establishing authority in your niche.

A fresh, bright, and bold headshot demonstrates that you’re keeping pace with the market and are ready to tackle the challenges of the year ahead.

3. Reflect Your Growth and Achievements

A lot can happen in a year. Perhaps you’ve hit major career milestones, changed your personal style, or shifted the focus of your business. Your headshot should reflect the person you are today, not the one you were three or five years ago.

At Nakeshia Shannon Photography, we understand how to incorporate your personal and professional growth into a visual narrative. With a background in marketing and communications, I help clients visualize how their headshots will be used across platforms, from social media to professional directories. Together, we create images that resonate with your audience and showcase your journey.

4. Make an Impact Across Platforms

Your headshot isn’t just for LinkedIn. It’s for email signatures, press features, websites, and speaking engagements. Entrepreneurs often wear many hats, and a versatile headshot is a valuable asset for every touchpoint.

For professionals in the mortgage and financial fields, the right headshot builds trust, especially when clients are making significant life decisions. A bright, bold, and approachable image ensures you’re remembered for the right reasons.

What Qualifies Me?

With my experience shooting for TALK Greenville Magazine, I have a keen eye for capturing dynamic, impactful photos that stand out in any mediu

5. Stand Out in the Upstate SC Market

Clemson, Greenville, and Anderson are bustling hubs of entrepreneurial activity, and competition is fierce. Investing in a professional headshot can be the differentiator that helps you stand out in your field.

When you choose Nakeshia Shannon Photography, you’re not just getting a photo—you’re getting a partnership with someone who understands your goals. All images are delivered within 48 hours, ensuring you can start leveraging them right away. Our bright and bold style makes you look confident, professional, and approachable.

Ready to Refresh Your Professional Image?

This year, take the first step toward achieving your goals with a headshot that truly represents you. Whether you’re meeting clients, building a personal brand, or growing your business, your image matters.

Let’s create a vision you can be proud of.

Laundry, Rain & Redemption..

Chapter 1: The Storm’s Arrival

The storm had rolled in with little warning, a wall of gray clouds swallowing the late afternoon sun. Rain lashed against the windows of Robin’s Laundry, its relentless rhythm nearly drowning out the faint hum of the laundromat’s aging machines.

Inside, Mary Ann rocked gently in her chair near the window, a silent sentinel in this weathered but resilient haven. Robin’s Laundry was more than a place to clean clothes—it was a lifeline for Pendleton, a small town clinging to its roots while the world moved on without it.

The laundromat held the smells of detergent, rust, and years of fleeting conversations. The walls bore the weight of memories, marked by peeling paint and faded photos of a bygone Pendleton pinned to the corkboard by the door. For Mary Ann, the storms outside were nothing compared to the ones people carried through those glass doors.

The door jingled, and in stumbled Tiffany, clutching a lopsided basket of soaked laundry in one arm and balancing a squirming toddler on her hip. Rain had plastered her dark hair to her face, her eyes darting around the laundromat with a mix of frustration and exhaustion.

Mary Ann’s chair creaked as she rocked. She watched Tiffany’s frantic search for a clean spot to place her child. “Looks like you didn’t miss the storm,” Mary Ann said, her voice calm and steady.

Tiffany shot her a weary glance. “Didn’t have a choice,” she muttered, dropping the basket onto the nearest machine with a wet thud.

Her toddler, a little boy with curls and a mischievous grin, squirmed on the bench where she’d placed him, reaching for a sock that had fallen from the basket.

Across the room, Tucker sat hunched over his phone, his Clemson Football hoodie pulled tight over his head. He glanced up at the commotion, the corner of his mouth twitching in amusement.

“These machines aren’t trying to fight you,” Mary Ann said as Tiffany struggled to shove quarters into the slot.

Tiffany let out a huff, jamming the machine door shut with more force than necessary. It groaned to life but sputtered almost immediately.

“Lady,” Tucker called out, pulling off his headphones, “you gotta jiggle the door. These old machines need some sweet talkin’.”

Tiffany spun around, glaring at him. “You want to come fix it, then?”

He shrugged, his grin widening. “Just saying. Miss Mary knows how to handle ‘em, don’t you?”

Mary Ann shot him a look that wiped the smirk off his face but couldn’t hide the faint chuckle under her breath. “Sometimes, they just need a rest,” she said, rising slowly from her chair.

Tiffany’s shoulders slumped. Her earlier frustration cracked, revealing the weariness beneath. “Why can’t places like this ever just work?” she said, her voice trembling. “Don’t you make enough money to fix this piece of junk?”

Mary Ann’s eyes softened, though her tone remained firm. “This place has stood through storms worse than the one outside. Respect it, or don’t come back.”

The laundromat fell silent, save for the patter of rain. Tucker leaned back in his chair, watching the exchange with quiet curiosity.

Tiffany muttered an apology, her hands trembling as she adjusted the load. One of her son’s toys slipped to the floor with a soft clatter. She stooped to pick it up, her movements slow and tired.

Mary Ann sighed, stepping back. “Hard day?” she asked gently.

Tiffany nodded, her eyes fixed on the machine as it rumbled back to life.

Tucker fiddled with his phone, breaking the silence. “Storm’s messing up everyone’s plans today,” he said, half to himself.

Mary Ann glanced out the window, the rain blurring the view of Pendleton’s familiar streets. “It’s not just the weather that causes storms,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

Laundry, Rain & Redemption a short story by Nakeshia Shannon

To all my black women: We are still not here to shrink ourselves.

I see the hate-filled words some of you are getting. Don’t let them get under your skin. We’re not folding. We rise above. We hold our heads high, we chase those degrees, build those businesses, expand them, buy those homes, get those cars, pay those bills, and raise these kids. Every single victory is a testament to our resilience.

Let them pretend we’re our ancestors. But, make no mistake – we are not them. We are the descendants of queens and warriors who survived the unthinkable, and we are not here to beg for a seat at the table. We’ll build our own damn table, and we’ll seat everyone who deserves to be there. We can fold their clothes while they’re still wearing them.

We’ve been saved from the southside of heaven, but don’t get it twisted – this Bible don’t make me sweet. Our faith is fierce, and it is our armor in this world. We are fierce, unapologetic, and divinely empowered.

We are sisters, mothers, entrepreneurs, warriors, and creators. Our power is not just in what we do alone but in the fact that we do it together. When one of us rises, we all rise. Every step we take forward paves the way for the next woman. Every door we open, we hold it open for others.

Our legacy is one of resistance, empowerment, and triumph. We have made it through too much to be small. The world will see us, hear us, and respect us. They cannot erase the power we carry in our bones. We will keep building, keep growing, and keep fighting for what is ours – because our worth is undeniable.

And to our pale sisters who are with us: We see you. We hear you. We honor you. ❤️ You are part of this fight, and we stand together in solidarity. The love and support you offer only strengthens this movement, and together, we rise higher. We see the power of unity, and we stand stronger because of it.

So sit back, focus, and know this: When we fight, we win. And we are far from done. This is only the beginning. We will keep rising, keep creating, keep pushing forward until the world has no choice but to acknowledge our brilliance, our strength, and our unstoppable will.

With love,

Nakeshia

Breaking the Mold: Letting My Children Shine in a World Full of Expectations

Growing up, I was often told, “You’re too hyper, too silly. You’re not acting like a lady. Sit still. Be quiet. Be mature.” If I’m honest, a part of me still struggles to speak up for myself in certain situations because I was always expected to change—to fit into a mold someone else created for me. Whether their reasons were rooted in religion or simply what they thought was ‘best’ for me, I made a conscious decision to parent differently.

Instead of asking my children to conform to what I think is right, I teach them about safe spaces, good people, and how to recognize when it’s time to be that authentic version of themselves. I encourage their creativity—art supplies can always be replaced. I teach them to be loud, be silly, speak up for themselves, and spread joy like it’s contagious. Most importantly, I remind them to stay true to who they are and never dim their light to make others feel more comfortable.

When my girls started on this little project, it was just a stack of bricks. Then they asked if they could do more, and I said absolutely—why not? Cleaning up would take 20 minutes, but the memories would last a lifetime. The world is always changing, and while I can’t protect them from everything, I can ensure that the moments we share, while they are under my care, are some of the best. They loved creating, but they also enjoyed the process of cleaning up afterward.

As Miss Frizzle says, “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy.” But as a mother, I say: “Take chances, make mistakes, get messy, fall down, but always get back up.” As long as God grants you another day, there is a purpose yet to be fulfilled.