I know, I’ve been there, pregnancy can be so incredibly hard. But I want to tell you why I think maternity photos are totally, 100% worth it no matter what.
As a mama to two I know how pregnancy can take a toll on your body, and on your self esteem, especially when thinking about maternity photos. I spent most of my teenage years into my twenties overweight, but in 2012 started focusing on my health and got down to a very healthy weight, ate lots of wonderfully nourishing foods, and exercised my body multiple times per week. I was so proud of myself, loved how I felt, and my confidence grew which is when I started dating my now husband.
Well, cut to my first pregnancy, I had gestational diabetes that I was able to control with diet and exercise. I walked a lot even though it was way too hot (I gave birth in the middle of July) and my feet were always so swollen, but I didn’t love the way I was looking. So I opted for photos of my growing belly just from my phone that sometimes my husband would take. Now, I don’t really *regret* not having professional photos taken, but I do wish that I had something nice to hang on the wall so my son and I can talk about it together.
This was in 2019, and we all know what happened in 2020, which I think led all of us to become a lot less active. For me that was on top of being a first time mom to a kiddo with lots of delays (we now know the cause and have a game plan for his development thanks to researchers and modern medicine, yay!). Cut to 2021, I spent a long time working on my health again, dropped a lot of my “baby weight” and then surprise! (well it was planned) got pregnant again. This time it was different.
While I didn’t have gestational diabetes, my body felt broken (read: I was in a lot of pain). I gained a lot of weight back (actually all of the weight I had originally lost) and my self confidence tanked. I didn’t really take any photos of me and my daughter, and you know what? That sucks. I feel so bad that I don’t have much to show my daughter of us together before she was born. I do in fact regret that one.
So my goal with this is to convince you to take the dang photos! Don’t wait, just do it, hire that photographer you’ve been dying to work with (*ahem, hi, I love maternity sessions*). Even if you just keep the photos for yourself and you don’t share them, at least you’ll be able to show your soon-to-be babe when you shared space. Here’s what I’ve got to say…
Let’s celebrate the beauty of motherhood!
Pregnancy while it feels long (so long) is fleeting. I remember when I was pregnant I was talking to my aunt when my son moved in my stomach and I mentioned it. I was astounded when she said she didn’t remember how it felt! Well… now I kind of get it. I have forgotten what those little flutters can feel like, though I do remember those real gut punches I got frequently from my daughter. All this to say, hold onto this time! And don’t take it for granted.
While you may not feel your best now, your maternity photos will remind you of your strength and the incredible power that your body possesses. And take it from me, you’ll look back on your photos and not notice the flaws, just the beauty of your body in this moment.
And while phone photos are fine, a professional photographer knows how to pose your body and use lighting to highlight your natural glow. So, you know what I’m going to say here… hire that dang photographer.
This is the one and ONLY time you’ll have your baby this close
While newborn baby snuggles are the best, and toddler cuddles are amazing, you’ll never be as close to your baby as you are when you’re pregnant. They literally are taking up your space, and while it’s uncomfortable, it’s fleeting. And should be celebrated!
Holding your belly (as silly as it feels), feeling the kicks (as painful as they can be), and knowing your baby is growing and safe inside you are moments worth preserving. These images become a part of your child’s story, showing them how loved they were before they were earthside.
You’ll want to look back on this time, so let’s make it family affair!
Your partner (and older siblings if this isn’t your first babe) can be a part of the session too. This means you’re creating lasting family memories (and then you also don’t need to be the center of the attention).
Looking back on these photos will remind you of the beautiful parts of pregnancy, the excitement, the anticipation, before your baby arrived. Like I said before, you’ll ignore your insecurities and remember the time fondly.
Now this one I can attest to since I used to do this as a kid, but your child will love seeing these images one day, knowing they were celebrated before they were even born. There are quite a few cute photos of my mom pregnant with me in my baby albums and I always thought she looked so beautiful! It’s a gift that I have those photos since most families weren’t constantly taking pictures in the 80s like my family.
You deserve to be in the photos
Society may tell us differently, but I believe that every person, every body, should be celebrated, captured, and loved. Moms often focus on everyone else when capturing memories, but forget to (or don’t want to) include themselves.
Maternity photos give you a moment to step in front of the camera and embrace this chapter of your life. They give you a moment to be pampered, to be awed, to be told how beautiful they are.
Your future self will be sooooooooo thankful for having these images to look back on. Believe me, I know.
A confidence boost & self-love moment
Let’s be honest, pregnancy can be tough on your body, your self-esteem, and your mind, but a well-planned session can help you feel beautiful during this delicate time in your life.
Wearing a stunning dress, getting your hair done, and having a professional photographer guide you through the session can make a HUGE difference. Your confidence will be sky high, I’m sure of it.
Many mamas leave their maternity sessions with me feeling empowered and grateful they did it. And then when they receive their gallery? Get out! They LOVE it!
So I’ll leave you with this…
Even if you’re not feeling your best, even if you don’t think you’ll regret booking a session, maternity photos capture the magic of this season in a way you’ll cherish forever.
You definitely do not have to love every part of pregnancy, but you will absolutely love having these memories frozen in time for you and your children and your childrens’ children to look back on.
So, if you’re on the fence about booking a maternity session, let’s chat. All you have to do is fill out this form, and you’ll get a link to my calendar where we can just talk through your worries and see if we’d be a good fit. I know it’s hard to love yourself sometimes, but I’ve got enough love to spare, let me dote on you and make you feel beautiful.
Also! If you want to book a newborn session at the same time as your maternity booking, I have a package that is PERFECT for you! Check it out!
