10 Reasons you should have a maternity photo shoot
I always regretted not having maternity shots done with my eldest children. I have always been a plus size mama and always hid from the camera, especially when I was pregnant with my first two children. I felt that my bump was just my 'fat' and hid away. This is something I grew to regret, especially when I became pregnant with our miracle baby years later.
I'm writing this blog post because I know how some mums feel about their bodies while pregnant. Even the most body confident women, can feel disheartened with their blossoming, changing figure at such a hyper sensitive time. That's where a maternity photographer comes in. It's my job to make you feel beautiful and embrace your blossoming bump, while providing you with images that you will love.
I would always recommend having them done. During my pregnancy with our third child I bit the bullet and planned my own maternity session.
So, I have had a think and put together 10 great reasons to have a maternity photo shoot before your chance runs out!
1. You. Are. Beautiful!
I know you might not feel it and it really can be hard to see yourself from someone else's point of view. You might feel tired, nauseous, sore, aching and possibly the heaviest you've ever been, but on the outside most of that can't be seen. Instead, we see a beautiful woman bringing a new life (or two or more!) into the world, with a gorgeous little baby growing inside of her blooming belly. Pregnancy is not always pretty, but it can be a thing of beauty and amazement for many people . No matter if you think you look far from glowing or glamourous, a skilled pregnancy photographer can easily draw out the beauty, love and femininity of pregnancy
2. There’s No Need To Worry About Your Belly
If you didn’t feel comfortable with your belly before you were pregnant, now you can show it off knowing that it looks beautifully round, (or even B shaped like mine was) without worrying about its shape or look! A pregnant belly does a great job of hiding your squishy bits, so perhaps for the first time in a while, you have a chance to flaunt your belly and feel great about it!
3. The Memories…
You might be unsure about it now, but if you don’t have a photography session while you’re pregnant, you’ve lost the chance to create once in a lifetime memories – you can’t get them back. Photos also trigger memories, feelings, emotions… they help you remember this time more clearly. Even if you don’t care for the memory for yourself, I can assure you that when your children are older, they will be delighted to see the photos of their pregnant mummy, while they were growing inside of you.
4. It’s Fun!
Many pregnant women I speak to tell me that they had lots of fun and laughs during their photo shoot.It's important to choose a photographer that you feel comfortable with. Dependint on the style of maternity session you want and level of undress (not compulsary at all by the way), you will need to consider your privicy needs for example. If you choose a photographer that suits your personality and style you want from the shoot, you’ll have a great time.
5. You Can Get Creative!
Its important to do a bit of research or give some thought into ideas or themes you’d like for your pregnancy photos – if you find things on the web or in magazines, save your favourite images to show your photographer. These are your photos, and while your photographer will have suggestions, it's very much a joint process in order to get what you are wanting from the session. There are loads of great ideas out there which can reflect your own personal style and tastes – its a great chance to let your creative juices flow and let your imagination run wild.
6. A Chance To Bond With Your Partner
Pregnancy can be a whirlwind even if things are straightforward. Having a photo shoot where the purpose is to capture your relationship milestone with your partner is a great time to stop and actually connect in a big way as an expectant couple. It should feel intimate and special, and you will see that in the images. It can be harder for a dad-to-be to bond with an unborn baby, since the baby is growing inside of you. But putting dad in the picture can help him bond with baby a bit more too, and it gives him some special memories of his own.
7. It’s Fun and Bonding For Siblings Too!
If you have children already, they may feel really special by being in some of your maternity photos, hugging your belly, kissing your belly – showing their love, bonding with baby. It can help them to feel important too, and a nice memory which they can look at one day and remember, ‘I was there when you were in mummy’s tummy!’ Some children may feel apprehensive about changes coming – what it will mean for them when the baby comes. Pregnancy photos with your older child(ren) is a nice way to put a fun and exciting touch to your family changing.
8. Professional Photographers Are Much Better Than Home Shots!
Yes, you could just take images at home, or get them done by a friend or family member. But a professional photographer can create a work of art, taking into consideration the best angles, lighting, effects, focus and depth – they can totally transform what would otherwise be just a shot of you. Great photos make great presents too!
9. It’s Not As Expensive As You Might Think
Many people associate professional photography with costing a fortune, but it isn’t the case. Most photographers these days have many options which enable you to have a digital copy of the images to use as you please. Considering how much we might spend photographing a wedding day, a pregnancy photo shoot which is just as memorable costs a fraction of that. That said, you need to weigh up cost and quality. You do generally get what you pay for, but using common sense by doing your homework, seeing the photographers work and getting word of mouth recommendations can help make your mind up.
10. Once It’s Gone, It’s Gone
Before you know it pregnancy is past, the birth is over, and your little one will be here. Those moments of pregnancy will become distant memory. Even if it’s something you do just in case you might want it later, I don’t know anyone who has regretted getting a pregnancy photo shoot – but I know plenty who regret not doing it.
If you still aren't sure it's for you, then why look in to it. There is no commitment until you sign a contract. If you think you'd like to talk through a session idea with me, or book me you can contact me here.
