During pregnancy, it’s common for some women to feel self conscious about the way they look due to the huge changes to their body. The months leading up to bubs arrival are often filled with so many mixed emotions that the last thing mum wants to think about is getting in front of a camera. The costs associated with a maternity session might also be a deterrent, especially if the parents to be are tightening the reins before becoming the sole providers to their little one.
But…
In my experience, those women that have decided against getting any pictures of this time in their life tend to have more regret than those who do decide to capture it.
A maternity shoot is a great way to mark and remember one of your biggest achievements. All of the emotions felt during pregnancy can be easily forgotten once you become engrossed in changing dirty nappies and sanitising bottles. And even though, while you’re battling through the morning sickness and swollen ankles, you might not think you want to remember that time in your life, once all is said and done it is generally an agreed opinion that is nicer to have something to look back on than nothing at all. You can absolutely take pictures of your own if you can’t find the finances to invest in a shoot, but keep in mind a photographer has the experience to know how to get the best angles of the bump and will also be able include your partner (he or she won’t have to be the one behind the camera). The same can be said if there’s any siblings that you want included in the pics.
It can also be a great way to share the gender of your new baby. If you find out what you’re having, a photographer will encourage you to bring along a prop or something that represents the gender, if you want to announce it this way. Some women have even chosen to have their bellies painted with artwork before a shoot.
So how do you prepare for a maternity shoot?
Schedule your session early. Your bump will have a nice round shape around the 28-36 week mark, or at least by your third trimester, so book it in with this in mind.
Meet your photographer. Almost any and all hesitations or doubts can be discussed and ironed out in a face to face meeting with your photographer. They will walk through the day with you and you will have the chance to communicate exactly what you want from your shoot.
Pick your outfit. A sheer maxi dress that has an opening at the front to show off your bump is a common choice, but it’s what you’re comfortable in. Take a couple of options with you. Ask you photographer for ideas, some might even have a catalogue of outfits for you to pick from. You don’t have to be naked! Some women are more than happy to bear all, but it’s definitely not mandatory. Don’t forget what your partner will wear if they’re going to feature in your shoot. Generally anything that will blend in or match what you’re wearing will suit.
Pamper yourself. To look your best, you need to feel your best. Get your hair done, invest in a make up artist for the day or get a pregnancy massage before your shoot. You’re probably going to be a mixed bag of emotions so try to relax as much as possible. Get a good night of rest (if your little gymnast will allow it) and drink plenty of water. Yes, you might already be familiar with regular toilet trips, but it will help hydrate your skin and boost your energy levels.
Pack some snacks. This one speaks for itself. The shoot might be lengthy and mummas to be are more prone to hunger (hangry) pains.
Style your shoot. This will mostly fall on your photographers shoulders to pull off, but you can start thinking about where you want your shoot to take place. Whether it’s outside in a garden, in a field of sunflowers or in a milk bath, it will be helpful to have an idea you can take to your initial meeting.
Whatever you choose to wear or how you choose to style it, a maternity shoot is a beautiful way to capture the experience and monumental moments felt in the lead up to welcoming a new life. A way you can share these moments with your precious bub later in life.
