A Midnight Maternity Session at Iceland’s Plane Wreck

I first met Abby last year in NYC and became an instant fan of hers — a fellow photographer, a mother of soon-to-be four, and someone who never stops chasing her passions. So when we crossed paths again in Iceland last summer, there was only one plan that made sense: a 2 a.m. maternity session at a plane wreck.

How we ended up at a plane crash at 2 a.m.

Abby didn’t want the standard light, airy, super-smiley maternity photos — she wanted something moody and true to how motherhood actually feels. When we met up in Iceland, I already knew I wanted to shoot at the famous plane crash site, and she was ready for something completely non-traditional.

The hike out to Solheimasandur

Getting there wasn’t glamorous. We hiked five miles in the middle of the night, in freezing cold and pitch black, just to reach the wreck on Iceland’s black sand beach. It was exhausting and a little wild and absolutely worth it — the kind of session that becomes a core memory for both of us.

In Abby’s words

“I know these maternity pics aren’t the normal light, airy, super smiley maternity pics – but that was intentional on my part. Motherhood is full of adventure, lots of odd hours, a variety of emotions, and it takes you places you never thought you would go. So a maternity shoot in Iceland, at a plane wreck at 2AM seemed like the best representation of these things.”

If you’re expecting and craving something a little more atmospheric than the typical maternity session — moody light, a wild location, a story worth telling — let’s talk about where in the world we could go.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Iceland plane wreck?

The plane wreck sits on the black sand beach at Solheimasandur in southern Iceland, reached by a flat but exposed hike from the parking area.

Can you do a maternity photoshoot in Iceland?

Absolutely — I travel for maternity sessions, and Iceland’s dramatic landscapes (black sand beaches, waterfalls, glaciers) make for unforgettable, moody photos.

What should I wear for a moody maternity session?

Flowing fabrics, deep or neutral tones, and layers that move well in wind all photograph beautifully against Iceland’s stark landscapes — happy to help you plan an outfit.

Let’s work together →