One of the most popular shoots I offer, apart from the newborn ones, is the maternity shoot. Of course, they’re not for everyone, and the decision whether or not to have one is entirely yours, but here are some of the reasons why I think they are so popular, and such a great idea.
#1 – Pregnant women are BEAUTIFUL!
Yes, I know you’re tired, you probably feel bloated and swollen and everything is sore and aching but I assure you, you are absolutely gorgeous. What I see when I stand on the other side of that camera is an amazing woman growing life inside her. You are doing that, and it’s wonderful. It is a thing of absolute awe, and if you could silence those little gremlins in your head telling you that you’re too this or that, then perhaps you would see it too.
You will only be pregnant so many times in your life. One day you can look back on this time and realise just how beautiful you were, and what a special moment it was for you, and your family. But only if you have photos to look back on.
#2 – Be happy with your body
Despite the potential bloating, for many women pregnancy is the first time they feel body confident. OK, so it may take a while to go from the it-might-just-be-too-many-biscuits look to full-blown baby bloom but at some point you will have the unmistakably round pregnancy belly people go mad for.
When that happens, you will feel brilliant (despite the backache). A round belly hides all your squishy bits, and those things you usually hate, and can give you a new found confidence. Many women worry that once they become the size of a house (their words, not mine) they will no longer look elegant or attractive, but honestly, you could be amazed.
#3 – It’s a great chance to bond
Whether this is your first child, a first child with a new partner, or you are about to welcome number five in to your family, a maternity shoot is a great chance for everyone to bond.
It can be a nice opportunity for you and your partner to stop and spend some time together, laughing and being yourselves, before your new arrival descends on you. It can also be a great way to capture the excitement of older children, eagerly awaiting their new sibling.
If nothing else, it will be a great way of reminding them, in years to come, that they were fond of their little brother/sister once.
#4 – You could do it yourself but …
I don’t mean to blow my own trumpet here, but I’m pretty good at what I do. I’ve been doing it a while, I’ve had a lot of training and I have some fabulous equipment (and I’m not talking about Photoshop). What all that means is that, not to be rude, I can take a much better photo than you, your partner or the bloke next door can.
Yes, you might get some good shots, and will definitely have something to look back on if you go for a DIY shoot, but a professional photographer gives you more than that. A proper shoot will create a work of art, a whole story, rather than just a couple of good images you may want to hang on the wall.
It really does make all the difference, and the good news is it’s never as expensive as you think it’s going to be.
#5 – Once it’s gone, it’s gone
When you become obviously pregnant, or have children, there is no end to the number of perfect strangers who feel compelled to tell you that it goes too quickly. One moment you’re stroking your bump lovingly, the next you’re kissing your five year old goodbye on their first day of school.
I hate to be one of those people, but it’s true.
It might not feel like it this second, but pregnancy is a very fleeting moment in your life’s journey. A mere 40 weeks (give or take). Of course you are unlikely to forget what it’s like, but you will forget what it looked like. A bunch of photos will always help you remember. The key here though is that once it’s gone, it’s gone. You can’t get that back.
Even if you are not 100% sure you want a shoot, it can be an idea to go ahead with it anyway. I’ve never heard of anyone regretting having one; but plenty wish they had when they’d had the chance.
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