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Portrait of Strength — Niya in golden gown with floral crown, studio portrait

Niya | Mom. Dancer. Cancer Fighter.

Meet Niya Kight. She is a woman that wears many hats. Mother. Dancer. Cancer fighter. And as for me, I would also call her a dear friend. I first met her three years ago when I shot her maternity photography session when she was expecting her first son. She became pregnant again—and later learned she had stage 2 cancer. She decided that she would take both of those life changing situations and handle them the Niya way, with a smile. She decided to continue treatment until a month before her due date to make sure she kept both baby and herself safe. This portrait is part of Portrait of Strength—our ongoing series celebrating inspiring women in the DC area.

Life Inspiration.

The Session: Bright, Feminine & Joyful

For the shoot, we wanted everything to be bright, beautiful, and feminine. Because she’s a queen, Niya chose an assortment of colorful floral crowns—so perfectly her.

First, we began with a forest-green, off-the-shoulder maxi dress with a center slit. It framed her baby bump beautifully and set a calm, confident tone.

Next, she changed into a golden-yellow gown—stunning, and it made her pregnancy glow shine even more.

Then, we moved to purple and white lace gowns. The textures added a soft, romantic touch, and the breeze lifted the train for a bit of magic.

A Dance Tribute

Finally, Niya paid homage to her roots in dance. I love that she keeps her passion alive—her movement brought the portraits to life.

Portrait of Strength: A Birth Story to Remember

For a woman with such an outstanding personality, she now has a labor story as unique as she is. It just so happens that Niya gave birth at home in an emergency to her second child at home with the help of her neighbor. True to form, Niya was in high spirits the whole time.
You can see the full story on fox5dc.com.

Portrait of Strength — Niya in a forest-green, off-the-shoulder maternity gown with a floral crown, walking along a wooded path.
Niya in a forest-green gown and floral crown, captured mid-walk on a wooded path.
Niya smiling in a green off-shoulder gown, hand on tree, floral crown — Portrait of Strength series.
Niya, radiant in emerald with a floral crown—part of the Portrait of Strength series.
Full-length maternity portrait of Niya in a flowing green gown and pink crown on a forest path.
A quiet moment on the trail, the gown catching the breeze.
Wide portrait of Niya with a flowing green gown beneath a leaning tree on a woodland path.
Under the leaning tree, the gown trails softly.
Niya in a golden long-sleeve gown, hands over belly, centered on a woodland path — Portrait of Strength.
Golden dress, steady gaze—a Portrait of Strength.
Wide shot of Niya in a golden gown centered beneath a sweeping tree along a forest walkway.
A calm, wide view in gold.
Side pose of Niya in a slit golden gown with floral crown, hands on belly on the path.
A soft side pose in gold.
Niya in a golden maternity gown, arms lifted beneath a leaning tree, serene and joyful. (Portrait of Strength)
A quiet pause in gold—strength with grace.
Close portrait of Niya in a gold dress with multicolor floral crown among blue wildflowers, smiling.
Among the bluebells, a quiet smile.
“Portrait of Strength – Niya in flowing gold gown, hands on baby bump, woodland path.
Cradling new life amid spring blooms.
Niya in a deep purple gown leaning against a tree, hand on belly in a woodland setting.
A quiet pause in violet tones.
Niya in a plum off-shoulder gown, its chiffon train sweeping behind her on the forest path.
Movement, color, and calm on the path.
Close profile of Niya in a plum dress, hands resting on her belly, soft greens behind.
A tender, thoughtful moment.
Niya looks back over her shoulder, cradling her belly in a plum maternity gown.
Looking back with a quiet smile.
Three-quarter portrait of Niya smiling on the forest path, hands folded over her belly.
Light, laughter, and expectancy.
Full-length side view of Niya in a sheer plum gown with a leg slit, barefoot on the trail.
Elegant lines and natural light.
Niya in a white lace maternity dress stands at the water’s edge beneath spring trees.
A quiet shoreline breath.
Diptych: Niya in a teal skirt holding her bump, and a close-up of her black tap shoes. (Portrait of Strength)
A dancer’s story—joy on her feet and in her heart.

About Portrait of Strength

Portrait of Strength is a monthly series that features women whose stories inspire resilience and community.
Also featured in Women’s Insider.

Learn more at Nataly Danilova Photography.

Editor’s note: Originally published in 2022. Updated August 2025 for clarity.

16 thoughts on “Niya | Mom. Dancer. Cancer Fighter.”

  1. Vadim

    What an impressive story. You are so lucky to get know such a wonderful people. That is a part of being maternity photographer to meet a new people who are inspired you.

    Reply
  4. Tati

    This story is so touching. Niya is a strong and beautiful woman, I wish her good health. I look at these photos and I want to say you are the best maternity photographer!

    Reply
  6. Trade Flowers

    Outstanding shots for the strong woman! The example of how we all must fight for the only life we have!

    Great work Nataly!!!

    Reply
  7. Danilo Coba Calderon

    You are the best maternity photographer I know! Your works are so inspiring and your clients are the most beautiful! May God bless you and your clients!

    Reply
  8. Leticia

    Such an inspiring story of strength and resilience. As a Washington DC maternity photographer, I’m always moved by the powerful journeys of mothers like Niya who embody love, grace, and courage.

    Reply
  9. Alicia

    The journey of Niya is a reminder that motherhood is not just about nurturing children but also about finding strength within yourself.
    Nataly you’re perfect maternity photographer.

    Reply
  12. Agniya

    The way Niya balance motherhood, passion for dance, and fight with cancer is beyond admirable. I am deeply touched by this story.

    Reply
  13. Jayme Monjardim

    This is a story of true resilience and love. I see how every mother carries her own story of strength, but this story is truly extraordinary. Also my applauds to Nataly. Great maternity photography here!

    Reply

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