Since I became a photographer many, many years ago, and particularly since I specialize in women’s portraits for more than a few years now, maternity photo sessions are a few of the joyful things that I love to record. In today’s blog post, I’ll be talking about the importance of maternity photos.
Pregnant women have always been revered in all cultures, and why not carry that tradition on by putting aside some time to relish in your pregnant radiance. In between the nine unglamorous and uncomfortable months, putting aside a day or afternoon for makeup, doing your hair, and wearing something that will make you look beautiful is an incredibly connecting ritual.
Time whisks by quickly, and you can easily miss this opportunity to not document this loving moment of your life. You may also find this a much needed time that makes you feel gorgeous in your powerful and amazing new body.
Many mothers plan their maternity photoshoots out of wishful obligations to memorialize life’s big event, but you should change your focus. You have to take this as an opportunity to give yourself some time and space and enjoy this amazing process your body is helping you with.
PRO TIP: Always fix your sessions somewhere between 32 and 36 weeks of your pregnancy. Your tummy will be that sweet and round belly during this time period. You also are not going to be completely dis-enchanted and not-comfortable with being pregnant.
Years later and with another child, you do not want to regret not having any photos of your first or second pregnancy. You may think that you were not beautiful then, but as you grow older with more children you’d wish you’d have taken those photographic memories.
So, let’s start with the reasons to have a great pregnancy photoshoot lest your chance runs out quickly!
#1: Because you’re Gorgeous
Okay, okay… you need to stop those little voices that you keep on hearing! You will be feeling nauseous, tired, sore, and aching… from the exterior, people don’t see you as looking terrible! You may be feeling these things during this time period.
Rather, people see a gorgeous woman who is about to bring new life or lives, with a beautiful baby growing inside her.
It is a thing of amazement, beauty, and awe for people. It is the same for you as you learn to ignore the voices telling you differently. Many women feel jealous and envious of you surely, remembering that special time and/or wishing they were too.
#2: Don’t Worry
If you were not comfortable with your belly before, now is the perfect time to show it off, without being worried about the look or shape! A pregnant tummy does an excellent job of concealing your soft bits, so this is your chance to be able to display that beautiful belly of yours and feel amazing about it!
At Artin Photography we specialize in making you look elegant, gorgeous, and glowing. When asked what they love most about being pregnant, women say they are least bothered and are not conscious about gaining belly weight, and this has worked wonders for their confidence levels.
#3: Memories
You do not have to be unsure about this. If you are not going to have a photo session when you are pregnant, you’ve missed the opportunity of creating a lifetime of memories. You won’t get them back. These images trigger feelings, memories, emotions… and it helps you remember them more vividly.
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 mamma, while they were growing inside of you.
#4: Don’t be Serious
Most women that I have talked to, tell me that they have had lots and lots of fun and laughter at the time of their pregnancy shoots. Choose a professional photographer; one who fits your style and personality and you are going to have an amazing time.
Be sure to do your prep though, and make sure the photographer is experienced in taking maternity photos. All in all, have a good time and laugh a lot. Being pregnant and having so many mood swings in a short span of time is tough in itself, and it is important to have fun once in a while.
#5: Creativity
I love to take photos a lot and this gives me the perfect opportunity to take photos of the soon to be mother. It also allows me to experiment and the results are just stunning. It is important to have a look at other shoots and get an idea of what to do and what not to do. I always gather information about the couple as it gives me a perspective of the chemistry between them. It helps me with formulating themes or ideas for the shoot.
I prefer candid photography rather than cheesy ones. I make an effort to bring out the intimacy and elegance in my couples. I look to take really cute and fun shots and have done underwater maternity shoots that look absolutely stunning.
#6: Bonding
Pregnancy photographs are always dear as they bring out the emotions in your. It brings out the craziness in you and it feels like time has stopped. It helps connect you and your better half into a bond that is life long. It helps you feel special and intimate, and it shows out in these images.
It is harder for the to-be-dad to bond, since the baby is moving, growing, and having hiccups inside you. You feel all fuzzy and warm, but he won’t feel it; and he’s left out of all these wonderful feelings. Having him in these pictures helps him bond with the unborn baby more, and gives him special memories of his own.
#7: Siblings
If you’ve got children already, then they might feel truly special being in these photos kissing your bump, hugging your bump, expressing their love, and bonding with the unborn baby. It helps them feel great too. It is also a sweet memory, which they’ll be able to look at years past, remember and cherish forever.
A few children might feel worried and uneasy about a new child coming into their lives. They might think what it would mean for them when the baby finally arrives.
#8: Professionalism
Yes, you will be able to take photos at home, or have a family member or friend do it. Professional photographers create works of art. They know the best lighting, angles, effects, depth, and focus. This totally transforms otherwise seemingly simple shots into a story.
You’ll get professional images to post on social media such as Instagram and Facebook and share with your family and friends. You will get that ‘wow’ not for one, but for all images. Also, great photos are excellent presents too!
#9: Not Expensive
Most people expect professional photoshoots to cost a bomb, but this is not so. All photographers nowadays give you options to choose from CD/DVD or digital copies of your images. Considering how you might spend on your wedding, maternity shoots cost a fraction of it.
With that being said, you have to do your homework and check on the quality or work. You will get what you’ve paid for. Use common sense, see the work, and look for recommendations so that you’ll save money and grief if the images do not turn to be what you hoped for.
#10: Precocious Moments
You are only pregnant a few months of your life for each baby when you’ll have a noticeable belly. You could also have a squishy tummy and be pregnant too!
Before you soak that in, your child is born and in your hands. Those sweet moments of maternity are not a memory of the past. I haven’t known anyone regretting doing a maternity shoot, although I do know many who’ve regretted not having done one.
#11: Celebration
These photos allow you to celebrate your child you’re about to bring into this world, the love for one another, and the power of your amazing bodies. Irrespective of your feeling, it’s always good to celebrate the expectation of new life coming into this world.
#12: Baby Book
Parents love creating a baby book which contains the early portraits of their child. It also depicts how fast they’ve grown in their formative years. These images are a perfect beginning to starting your child’s baby book.
Conclusion
I’ll be communicating upfront all relevant things and discuss with you and plan out these sessions so that there’s no discomfort, no stress, and you’re comfortable. I don’t want you to cut the session short and then reschedule them because it becomes more stressful for you.
