WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
I love all types of photography, but there is something extra special that I love about maternity photography. Maternity photo shoots have an extra level of excitement! I completely understand the hesitancy of having a maternity shoot. I didn't have one when I was pregnant with my son. I wasn't a photographer at that point in my life (at least not a professional). I didn't feel comfortable having the attention on me. If I could go back and tell myself the following things, I know that I would cherish having beautiful images of a very special time in my life.
IT IS A TIME OF CELEBRATION
Your body is doing something incredible right now. You are growing a human. It is no easy feat. Morning sickness and aches and pains can sometimes cause us to overlook the incredible work our bodies are doing. YOU are doing! Every woman's journey through pregnancy and childbirth is unique and special. Documenting this incredible time will mean so much to you when the morning sickness has gone and you are able to really appreciate what a wonderful time it was.
YOU WILL MISS YOUR BUMP
There may be parts of your pregnancy that you are not enjoying, such as swollen ankles. But when your little one is crawling around the floor and your ankles have returned to their usual size, you may find yourself looking back at old photos and missing your bump. You will remember all those little kicks and hiccups like they were yesterday. So, it's especially important to capture those moments, because you won't be pregnant forever. The days will turn into weeks and the weeks into months, before you know it you will be fondly looking back at photos of your bump with a feeling of nostalgia.
YOU WILL FEEL BEAUTIFUL
I, like many women, experienced swelling, aches and pains and more. I also had some medical issues which made me feel so worn out! When I look back at the cell phone snap shots I did take, I am not reminded of any of that. I genuinely look back and smile. It can be a really difficult experience for many women to have no control over their body. Stretched skin, swelling, pregnancy acne and more. But if you choose the right photographer, they will make you feel the way you really are, BEAUTIFUL. Pregnancy is such a magical time. A photoshoot is an excuse to really pamper yourself. Getting yourself a new outfit that accentuates your bump (Amazon have some really affordable options, you could also check out your local consignment store or a resale app such as Kidizen or Poshmark) and having a pamper day before your photoshoot might be just what you need to give your self confidence a boost.
YOUR FAMILY DYNAMIC IS ABOUT TO CHANGE
I really do believe that we can never have too many photos of our families. Weather this is your first baby, a sibling to a fur baby or the youngest of 10, your family's dynamic will change. A maternity photoshoot is not only a great opportunity to capture beautiful images of you and your bump, but of your family as they are now.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Pregnancy is such a magical time. I promise that you will never regret having beautiful images documenting this exciting time in your life. As mothers we don't typically take photos of ourselves. It's worth capturing this beautiful but fleeting moment in your life. When your sweet baby arrives, you will thank your body for nurturing this sweet soul and you will thank yourself for documenting this magical time.
