Golden Fields & Growing Love with the De Beer Family
This dreamy maternity and family session with the De Beer family took place in the vibrant canola fields of Durbanville. Surrounded by golden blooms and filled with playful moments, the shoot celebrated both their growing family and the joy of their little girl. With flowing dresses, balloons, and stunning scenery, this shoot was filled with warmth, wonder, and connection.
Scroll down to see the full gallery and story.
The Full Story: A Celebration of Family & New Beginnings
Some locations just take your breath away—and the canola fields in Durbanville during bloom are exactly that. For this maternity and family session with the De Beer family, we were blessed with perfect weather, golden light, and endless waves of yellow blossoms that created a glowing natural canvas for our shoot.
It was the kind of session where everything aligned: styling, setting, mood, and family energy.
Meet the De Beer Family
With a second baby on the way, the De Beer family wanted to capture this special chapter before their family grows. The shoot wasn’t just about maternity photos—it was also about celebrating the connection they share as a family of three.
Mom looked absolutely radiant in a flowy maroon dress, which moved beautifully in the breeze and created elegant lines in contrast with the bright yellow fields. Dad wore a classic white button shirt with jeans—crisp and timeless. Their daughter stole the show in a burnt orange dress layered with a white blouse, adding both contrast and a playful, earthy tone that worked perfectly in the landscape.
Playful Details: Balloons & Imagination
One of the most delightful elements of this shoot was how we incorporated burnt orange and white balloons—a simple yet creative touch that brought out the magic of childhood.
Their little girl was completely in her element—laughing, twirling, holding the balloons, and sitting sweetly in a rustic basket from which the balloons appeared to float. It was like something out of a children’s storybook and gave us a mix of posed and candid moments that felt genuine and lighthearted.
The Location: Durbanville’s Canola Fields in Bloom
Each year, Durbanville’s rolling hills come alive with vivid canola blossoms, and for a few short weeks, these fields offer one of the most beautiful natural backdrops for photography in the Western Cape.
We chose a quiet spot away from the roads, surrounded by uninterrupted views and gentle light. The contrast of yellow fields against the deep maroon and burnt orange tones created a rich, visually striking session without the need for props or scenery changes.
Styling: Natural, Coordinated, & Impactful
The De Beers’ wardrobe choices were effortlessly elegant and perfectly suited to the environment. The maroon, burnt orange, and white palette felt seasonal, rich, and complementary—adding depth to every frame without pulling focus from the emotion and connection in each image.
It’s a great example of how colour-coordinated, flowy, and comfortable outfits can elevate a family shoot, especially when shooting in a bold natural setting like the canola fields.
Maternity & Family Photography in One
This shoot beautifully blended two themes: the anticipation of a new baby and the celebration of the family’s current season of life. We captured:
Solo portraits of Mom in the fields
Candid play between parents and daughter
Dad and daughter moments
The whole family walking and laughing together
Soft, close moments of hands on baby bump, and kisses between parents
Every image speaks of growth, joy, and the beauty of what’s to come.
Book Your Maternity or Family Session
At Elaine Otto Photography, I specialise in lifestyle maternity and family shoots that blend natural beauty with emotional storytelling. Whether it’s a field of flowers, a coastal sunset, or your home garden, we’ll create a session that feels effortless, timeless, and true to your family.
I’m based in Cape Town and travel across the Western Cape to find the perfect settings—like these unforgettable canola fields.
Let’s capture your next chapter, beautifully.