A woman wearing a white dress holding a camera in a garden, looking down with her hand near her ear, black and white photograph.

Journal.

Journal.

Welcome to the journal…

Here, you'll find inspiration, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and expert insights into the world of modern maternity and motherhood photography. Each post is a glimpse from a portrait session crafted to celebrate the beauty of timeless portraits, the power of printed artwork, and the stories that make every session unique.

Whether you're looking for tips on preparing for your session, exploring the value of heirloom albums and framed prints, or simply immersing yourself in the elegance of editorial-style photography, this space is for you. I invite you to explore, be inspired, and discover how your own moments can be transformed into cherished works of art.

Ethereal Elegance: Capturing the Radiance of Maternity Through Timeless Photography in Durham, NC

Mika James Photography 3/13/24 Mika James Photography 3/13/24

Ethereal Elegance: Capturing the Radiance of Maternity Through Timeless Photography in Durham, NC

Ethereal Elegance: Capturing the Radiance of Maternity Through Timeless Photography | Mika James Amaya Photography

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Just when you think you know what love is, something little comes along to remind you just how big it really is.

Mika James Photography 2/15/22 Mika James Photography 2/15/22

Just when you think you know what love is, something little comes along to remind you just how big it really is.

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glamour - Outdoor maternity photographer near me

Mika James Photography 2/11/22 Mika James Photography 2/11/22

glamour - Outdoor maternity photographer near me

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A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.-Author Unknown

Mika James Photography 1/28/22 Mika James Photography 1/28/22

A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside… when a tiny heartbeat is heard for the very first time, and a playful kick reminds her that she is never alone.-Author Unknown

A mother’s joy begins when new life is stirring inside…

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The Mika James Amaya Photography Collective | Documenting baby’s first year with 2, 3 or 4 portrait sessions!

Mika James Photography 1/24/22 Mika James Photography 1/24/22

The Mika James Amaya Photography Collective | Documenting baby’s first year with 2, 3 or 4 portrait sessions!

Document your baby’s 1st year. The Collective is our exclusive baby plan!

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Each pregnancy is as unique and as beautiful as each expecting mama.

Mika James Photography 10/12/21 Mika James Photography 10/12/21

Each pregnancy is as unique and as beautiful as each expecting mama.

This amazing pregnancy is as unique and as beautiful as you, mama

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#mikajamesphotography

For me, ⁠
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the Alight Retreat was more than just a retreat for family photographers—it was a way to step away from the daily hustle and truly reconnect with myself as an artist. It was a chance to slow down, find inspiration outside of client

I grew up in Millbrook, NY, a place where the seasons shaped my childhood in the best ways. Summers meant running barefoot through the grass, feeling the cool earth beneath my feet, and spending entire afternoons playing in the creek, letting the wat

Motherhood is a bond that grows stronger with time, built in the quiet moments of care, patience, and unconditional love. It begins with small, simple acts—the warmth of a mother’s embrace, the soothing rhythm of her voice, the way she in

There’s something about an old home...⁠
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that speaks to the soul—a quiet poetry woven into its walls, a history whispered through the worn wood floors that have carried the weight of time. The way the light moves through its spaces, soft

A canvas is more than just a backdrop—it’s an invitation to create something timeless. As photographers, we understand the power of a well-crafted image, but when paired with a beautifully textured canvas, our work transforms into fine ar

As a family photographer, I know how much heart we pour into our work—how our lens becomes the keeper of memories that families will treasure for generations. We get to witness the beauty of transformation, the quiet moments of love and growth,

To the beautiful mama-to-be who’s ready to embrace and celebrate this amazing new chapter:⁠
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Choosing a photographer is about so much more than just the price and photos 📸.⁠
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It’s about the experience, the connection, the trust, and th

Meeting the newest member of your family is always such an honor—especially when I get the privilege of capturing those first few moments before anyone else. 🌸⁠
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This little girl, wrapped in her beautiful monogrammed outfit, is already making

Hey there, lovely mamas and papas! 👶💖

Let me walk you through what a newborn photo session with me feels like. I believe in the magic of natural newborn portraiture—sometimes, all it takes is a simple swaddle and the perfect light to create

At Mika James Amaya Photography, I pour every ounce of myself into creating not only stunning images but a truly memorable experience for every mama I work with. From the moment I raise my camera, my goal is to make you feel like the radiant, powerfu

Let’s talk heirloom portraits, shall we? This little guy right here is the perfect example of what timeless looks like—because this isn't just a photo, it’s a future family treasure. We’re talking about a piece of art that wil

Wondering why maternity photos can be an absolute game-changer?⁠
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It’s not just about having gorgeous, high-quality images to celebrate this life-changing chapter. 📸⁠ Or about making sure you're captured in a way that’s as stunning as y

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Let me share one of my favorite gems in the area—@BodyLase Med Spa 💆&zwj;♀️✨. It just so happens that they’re practically next door to my studio, so it’s ridiculously easy to sneak in a little self-care whenever I need it.⁠
⁠
Aft

When you're carrying new life, every moment feels like it deserves to be celebrated—and I’m here to help you do just that. This stunning first-time mama is glowing, and let’s be honest, could this be a more perfect way to showcase t

There’s something undeniably special about capturing childhood innocence in a timeless, heirloom portrait. This little one? She’s the definition of pure joy and wonder, her sweet expression forever frozen in time. When you invest in class

You know...⁠
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There’s something absolutely magical about the quiet anticipation that comes with being pregnant for the first time 🌿✨. The way your body changes, the way your heart swells with love for a tiny little soul you’ve yet to me

Welcome to the world, sweet girl 🌸⁠
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There’s something truly magical about the moment a new life enters the world—so small, so perfect, so full of endless possibilities. From her delicate features to the soft little fingers and toes, ev

There’s nothing more precious than those tiny, wrinkled baby feet. 🥺👣⁠
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The fat little toes, the soft, delicate skin, all wrapped in pure perfection. It’s these little details that make my heart skip a beat.⁠
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This is exactly why I fo

This moment? It’s everything. 💖⁠
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In this photo, you can see the love in her eyes as she looks at her husband, watching him evolve into the most incredible version of himself as a father. The man she fell in love with is now the man who&rsquo

Years from now...⁠
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their mama will open a beautiful heirloom album and her heart will swell with love and nostalgia. She’ll look at this image of her sweet twin boys, wrapped in delicate silk bows, and be transported back to when they were ju

Mika James is a family photographer specializing in maternity, newborns, babies, and children in Raleigh, North Carolina, and the surrounding areas. Mika uses light and organic settings to create emotion-filled images that speak volumes in the most elegant terms. Our studio specializes in timeless maternity portraits, artistic motherhood sessions, heartfelt family imagery, elegant black & white portraits, and striking silhouettes.

MATERNITY, NEWBORN & FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY IN RALEIGH

MIKA JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY SERVES CLIENTS THROUGHOUT NORTH CAROLINA, INCLUDING

Apex | Cary | Chapel Hill | Clayton | Durham | Fayetteville | Garner | Holly Springs | Morrisville | Wake Forest Raleigh

African American Family Photographer

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