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A maternity photoshoot is possibly my favourite type of session. I am a romantic at heart, and the anticipation of expecting a new family member is one of the most heartwarming emotions.
During a maternity shoot, I want to capture that emotion in the mother’s expression and simultaneously showcase the beautiful, unique state of the female body.
A maternity photo shoot is a beautiful way to celebrate and capture the precious moments of pregnancy. It is a special time in a woman’s life, full of joy and anticipation, and having professional photos taken can help create lasting precious memories.
These photos can be cherished for years and shared with family and friends.
A maternity shoot is not only a celebration of a new life but also a celebration of the strength and beauty of women. It’s an opportunity to capture the excitement and wonder of what’s to come and a way to honor the incredible journey of motherhood.
In this article, we will go over the basics of maternity photography, various maternity photoshoot ideas, and why pregnant women should choose a maternity photo shoot.
What Is a Maternity Photoshoot?
A maternity photoshoot is a photography session that captures the beauty and essence of a pregnant woman. I tend to advise booking a maternity photoshoot at the beginning of the third trimester, when the baby bump is prominent and the pregnant mother feels comfortable enough for maternity photoshoot poses.
The purpose of a maternity photography is to celebrate and document the unique time in a woman’s life when she is carrying her child.
The maternity photos often focus on the mother’s belly, showcasing the beautiful shape a woman’s body takes, but can also feature the mother with her partner or the whole family.
I love to add the older sibling in different poses, whether they caress the bump or where they might lift their own shirt to compare the bumps.
The session can be held indoors or outdoors. I like combining the two, as outdoor maternity pictures allow for a natural look and engagement, adding a romantic flare to the images. Indoor sessions, however, allow for more intimate and personal maternity pictures.
Maternity photoshoots are often seen as a way to commemorate the pregnancy and create lasting memories for the family. The images captured during the session can be shared with loved ones and used to decorate the home or create a photo album for the child.
Children love to see images of mummy when they were in her belly, and maternity albums are often treasured for generations to come.
Additionally, these maternity pictures and the maternity photography sessions can help women feel empowered and confident when experiencing physical and emotional changes.
When Should You Do a Maternity Photoshoot?
A maternity photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture pregnancy’s joy and anticipation and the memories you will cherish for a lifetime. Here are some tips to help you decide when to schedule your maternity photoshoot:
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Timing
The best time to schedule a maternity photoshoot is between 28 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Your belly will be visibly rounded at this point, but you won’t be too uncomfortable yet.
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Health
If you have any health concerns during pregnancy, you must talk to your doctor before scheduling your maternity photoshoot.
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Comfort
You should schedule your maternity photography session wherever you feel comfortable and whenever you feel energized.
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Light
Consider the location and available light when scheduling your photoshoot. If you want to include indoor shots, tell your maternity photographer what time of day your home has the most light.
Consider the time of sunrise or sunset for outdoor maternity photoshoot ideas and if those suit your timing for some “golden hour” shots.
Ultimately, the decision of when to schedule your maternity photography session is a personal one. Choose a time that feels right for you and your partner, and don’t be afraid to consult your photographer for their professional opinion.
Where to Do a Maternity Photoshoot – Best Maternity Photo Ideas
You can do a full maternity photo session in many different locations, depending on your preferences and style. Here are some ideas:
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Your home
Your home, as with a newborn session, can be a great option for a more intimate and personal picture setting. Depending on the lighting and decor, you can take photos in your bedroom, baby’s nursery, or living room.
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Outdoor location
A park, beach, or nature reserve is among the best maternity photoshoot ideas, as they can provide a beautiful and natural backdrop for your maternity photos.
The natural light and scenery combined with gorgeous maternity dresses that show your adorable baby bump can add a sense of serenity and beauty to your stunning images.
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Studio
A photography studio is a good option if you prefer a more controlled environment with maternity photographers alongside professional lighting and backdrops. You can also bring your own props, teeny tiny baby shoes, baby clothes and accessories to personalize your shoot.
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Urban setting
An urban environment, such as a city street, graffiti wall, or rooftop, can provide a modern and edgy backdrop for your photos.
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Historic location
Other maternity photoshoot ideas might include a historic location, such as a museum, library, or castle, can provide a unique and elegant backdrop for your photos.
Ultimately, the location you choose will depend on your style and preferences, as well as the style of photography you want to achieve.
Make sure to communicate your vision and ideas with your professional maternity photographer so they can help you choose the best location and create the perfect photos.
Why You Should Do A Maternity Photoshoot
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Capture the Amazing Essence and Meaning of Your Curves
A maternity session can capture the beautiful changes in a woman’s body during pregnancy and empower her self-esteem. The photos can showcase the curves and beauty of a woman’s pregnant body, a unique and special time. Time is fleeting, and you may never be in this state again once the baby is born.
Not everyone feels like their most beautiful self during pregnancy, but with a little distance and perspective, that isn’t what you and your child will focus on looking at the images, so capturing this moment is priceless.
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Realize How Powerful Your Body Is
Pregnancy is a physically demanding time, and a maternity photoshoot can help you appreciate the strength and resilience of your amazing pregnant body. You may not always feel your best during pregnancy, but the photos can remind you of your body’s incredible work to grow and nurture your baby.
If you take a moment to look at everything your body is doing and how it is changing internally, partly to make space for the growing baby and partly to provide the maximum nourishment and protection, your focus will shift.
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Remember your bump and relive the baby kicks through the pictures
Maternity photoshoots can help you cherish the memories of your pregnancy. Returning to the photos can help you relive the excitement and joy of feeling your baby move and kick inside you.
I try to capture the emotions and facial expressions during a session when the baby moves or kicks. These images tell a story that remains fresh in mind, but now also in print.
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Show your baby where he or she was right before birth
It is important to remember that your stunning maternity photos will live on and be appreciated by your kids. A pregnancy photoshoot can become a cherished keepsake for your child in the future.
You can show your child where they were before birth while narrating them the story of your pregnancy.
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Involve the dad in the maternity portraits and strengthen the bond
A maternity photoshoot can also be a great way to involve the dad-to-be in the pregnancy journey. It can strengthen the bond between the parents and give them a shared memory to reflect on.
From experience, dads aren’t always keen on a pregnancy photo shoot at first, but they end up loving the session, especially when they see the pregnancy photos.
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Look back at who you were right before your baby was born
Maternity photos can also be a great opportunity to capture who you were at a specific moment in time (plus the beautiful baby bump).
It can be a special reminder of the person you were before you became a parent, what you enjoyed doing, how you spent your weekends, and how far you’ve come since then.
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Embrace the uniqueness of your pregnancy
Each pregnancy is unique, and a maternity photoshoot can help you embrace the beauty and uniqueness of your own pregnancy journey. It can celebrate your body, your baby, and the love surrounding you during this special time.
Bottom line – Is a Pregnancy Photoshoot Worth It?
Whether or not a maternity photoshoot is worth it depends on personal preferences and priorities.
For some expectant parents, capturing this special time in their lives through professional photography is a cherished memory they will always treasure. The photos can be a beautiful reminder of the love and excitement they felt during their pregnancy.
On the other hand, for those who may not be interested in photography or prefer to keep their pregnancy more private, a maternity photoshoot may not hold the same value.
Additionally, the cost can be a factor, as professional maternity photography can often be costly.