Meet Niya: A remarkable woman who balances motherhood, dance, and a fierce fight against cancer with grace, strength, and a smile.
There are people who shine brightly, even when faced with the darkest circumstances. Niya is one of those people. When you first meet her, you would never guess the hardships she has endured. A mother, a dancer, a cancer fighter—her life is a testament to resilience, strength, and an unwavering optimism that inspires all who meet her.
Niya’s journey is far from ordinary, yet it’s precisely the extraordinary way she handles life’s challenges that makes her so special. Few years ago, I had the honor of photographing Niya’s maternity session when she was expecting her first son. That session was full of joy, warmth, and the pure excitement that comes with the anticipation of a new life. This time, however, our photography session was underscored by a much more profound story—one of courage, determination, and unwavering strength in the face of cancer.
From Joy to Uncertainty: The Diagnosis
Niya’s pregnancy journey took an unexpected turn when, just months after finding out she was expecting her second child, she received a life-altering diagnosis: stage 2 cancer. Imagine the shock and fear of being told that not only was she carrying a new life, but she also had to fight for her own. Yet, true to Niya’s resilient spirit, she didn’t let this news stop her from celebrating her pregnancy. Instead, she found strength in both her roles—mother and fighter—and decided to handle them head-on, with grace.
Determined to keep herself and her baby safe, Niya made the courageous decision to continue her cancer treatment throughout her pregnancy, stopping only a month before her due date. The resolve it took to balance these two monumental events in her life speaks to the kind of woman Niya is—strong, fearless, and determined to never give up.
A Celebration of Strength and Beauty: The Maternity Shoot
When we discussed her maternity photoshoot, the conversation was never about cancer or struggle. It was about celebrating the beauty of her pregnancy, her strength, and the feminine power that she exuded. Niya insisted that both her pregnancies be celebrated, and rightly so—each one was a monumental life event, and both deserved to be honored.
For the session, we set out to create an experience that was beautiful, feminine, and, above all, joyful. Niya wore an assortment of gorgeous floral crowns, each one as bright and cheerful as her spirit. We started with a forest green, off-the-shoulder maxi dress, which showcased her pregnancy in the most elegant way. The soft slit down the center highlighted her growing belly, adding to the graceful aura of the shoot. As the day went on, Niya slipped into a golden yellow gown, its warm hue radiating against the natural backdrop. The golden tones perfectly accentuated her pregnancy glow, and I could feel the life within her.
Next, Niya donned a beautiful lace gown in shades white. There’s something magical about the way lace feels—it adds a touch of softness and delicacy, and that’s exactly what Niya brought to the session. As the wind picked up and lifted the gown’s train, she looked like the goddess she is—confident, strong, and undeniably beautiful. The elegance of the shoot was matched only by the raw beauty of Niya herself.
But perhaps the most touching part of the shoot was when Niya, a dancer at heart, wanted to include that part of her identity. Dance has always been a part of her life, and despite the circumstances, she made it a priority to continue moving in a way that honored her roots. The grace and fluidity of her movements were not just a celebration of motherhood, but of the strength she carried within herself to fight for both herself and her child.
A Labor Story Like No Other
As if Niya’s journey wasn’t already extraordinary enough, her labor story took an unexpected and unique turn. Niya unexpectedly went into labor at home, and with no time to make it to the hospital, she gave birth with the help of a neighbor. In true Niya fashion, even amidst the chaos of an emergency birth, she remained in high spirits, never once allowing fear or uncertainty to take over. It’s just one more example of her unshakable strength and positivity in the face of adversity.
The Inspiration That Niya Gives
Photographed by Nataly Danilova Photography
What stands out most about Niya isn’t just her ability to overcome challenges—it’s the way she approaches life with grace, optimism, and the belief that everything is worth celebrating. From the very beginning, Niya chose to celebrate both of her pregnancies and all the changes life threw her way. She didn’t see cancer as an obstacle to her joy; she saw it as another chapter of her life that could be faced with positivity and perseverance.
Her story is a reminder to all of us that even in the most difficult moments, there is beauty, strength, and light. Niya doesn’t just survive; she thrives. And her ability to continue to spread that light to everyone she meets is what makes her truly remarkable.
A Message of Hope and Strength
Niya’s journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its ability to face even the toughest challenges with grace. Her story has inspired me as a photographer and as a person, and I know it will inspire anyone who hears it. For all the mothers out there, for those facing cancer, for anyone going through life’s trials—Niya’s story reminds us that there is always strength to be found, no matter what.
At Nataly Danilova Photography, we celebrate the beauty in every story, and Niya’s story is one that will stay with me forever. If you’re looking for a Washington DC maternity photographer who can capture not only the joy of motherhood but also the raw emotion and strength that come with it, I invite you to reach out to us. Every life, like Niya’s, deserves to be celebrated through art, and we are honored to be a part of that process.
To learn more about the inspiring story of Niya, and to book a session to celebrate your own beautiful journey, visit us at Nataly Danilova Photography. Let us help you capture moments that will last a lifetime.
