I’ve photographed so many clients who tell me they weren’t sure about doing maternity photos because they don’t feel beautiful while pregnant.
First, let me say, that is CRAZY. Your body is doing what it’s made to do when you’re carrying a child. The “pregnancy glow” is real – it’s just hard for us mommas to see sometimes!
Second, I totally get it.
My husband and I have three kids, and I didn’t always feel glamorous while pregnant. We did a couples photo shoot while expecting our first, and I remember getting the photos back and picking myself apart. I should have worn different jeans and look at that double chin. Ugh.
Sound familiar?
Months later, after we welcomed our daughter, I looked back at those photos and I saw myself and my husband, excited to be expecting a baby. We looked so happy (and rested)! The internal criticism wasn’t there, and I was so thankful for the memories of spending that day with my husband, celebrating us and our daughter. Someday I’ll share those photos with her, and she’ll have a glimpse of mommy and daddy before kids. What an awesome gift!
Fast forward a year, and I asked a photographer friend to do maternity photos of me and my daughter to surprise my husband when we were expecting #2. It was one of those days where we were running late all day, so I threw on my dress and decided my hair and make up from that morning would have to do. Obviously not the best plan when you have photos scheduled, but life happens.
Hands down, they are some of my favorite photos. When I see those photos of me and Annabelle, I see a mother. Someone who has learned to survive on four hours of sleep and can successfully transfer a sleeping baby from the car seat to the crib. Who cares if I’m not as skinny as I was on my wedding day? Being skinny isn’t the point of pregnancy!
Whether you see it or not, pregnancy makes you beautiful. Maternity photos celebrate this magical time in your life when you’re making a tremendous physical, emotional and mental sacrifice for someone you haven’t even met yet. That’s pretty amazing.
Have maternity photos done for your child, not just yourself or your husband. Show them who you were before kids. Give them a glimpse into your world before diapers, wipes and midnight feedings.
I’d love to document these moments for you to share with your children someday. Our time together will be super relaxed and lots of fun, and you’ll be so glad you had photos done. Let’s make happy memories of your pregnancy! Head over to the contact page and we’ll meet soon!
[…] I wrote last week about why I believe every mom should have photos taken while pregnant. The post got me thinking – why not spoil one lucky mama-to-be with a free maternity session?! Mother’s Day is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the beauty of pregnancy and motherhood. […]