Celebrating your body, your way.

What is Maternity Photography And Why is it Important.

Even though you are overjoyed about the arrival of your baby, there may still be times throughout pregnancy when you don't feel very glamorous. You could be sick of having to sleep on your side, struggling with morning sickness (or heartburn - urgh!) and could really use that glass of wine. Even more so if you are chasing around other children!

But, this is a moment to celebrate! I am going to tell you exactly what maternity photography is and why it is important.

What is Maternity Photography?

Maternity photography represents the beginning of a new journey and ultimately one of the best one of your life! As a maternity photographer, I encounter many "mums to be," who are eager and full of anticipation to have a family. It is a beautiful moment that is always an honour to photograph.

A maternity photoshoot can be done on your own, a true celebration of you and what your body is capable of doing. Or, you can bring along your partner and/or other child/ren. This can help the whole family feel bonded to this new life that’s about to arrive, you take time to just sit in the connection of your body and baby with your family.

Why have a Maternity Photoshoot?

There are SO many reasons to have a photoshoot during your pregnancy, here a just a few of the reasons why I think it is so important!

To celebrate your pregnancy journey
To capture the joy this new chapter brings
It provides an opportunity to bond with your partner and/or child/ren
To celebrate your body and this amazing thing its doing right now
To treat yourself to beautiful images of a time you may never experience again

Snowy Maternity Photoshoot in Kemble, Cirencester

Celebrate Your Pregnancy Journey

You might not have enjoyed every stage of your pregnancy, you might not want any pictures of yourself taken as your body gets bigger and you might not want to show pictures to your loved ones. It can be difficult to see how drastically your body is changing, and it's easy to lose sight of how amazing and magical pregnancy actually is.

A pregnancy photoshoot can help you remember the thrill and joy of welcoming your child into the world by enabling you to focus on the new life that your body is working so hard to create rather than how you appear. It is important to celebrate such a precious milestone.

Capture the Joy

No matter how you feel physically, pregnancy is a time of looking hopeful toward the future. As you devote your attention to raising your new child in the months and years to come, you might forget what it was like to be impatiently anticipating their arrival.

Maternity photography can act as a reminder of those emotions in the future. Since most women only experience pregnancy a few times throughout their lives, you probably won't regret having a keepsake of that memorable moment.

Crickley Hill Family Maternity Photoshoot

Bonding with your Partner (and Child/ren)

The relationships between couples as they celebrate their new life together are some of the most precious and wonderful aspects of maternity photography sessions. You and your partner can take this opportunity to appreciate the life you have created together and how much has changed in your relationship since the beginning of your journey together until this moment.

Bringing along your other children can help foster that bond between the siblings before the baby arrives, as well as help the older sibling/s re-connect with you and feel that closeness before their little worlds change.

Additionally, maternity photos are a wonderful way to document a significant change in your family's life and in your own identity as you prepare to become parents.

Celebrate Your Body

This is a reminder of your beauty and the tiny life you carry. No matter how you feel, how you look, or how you perceive your appearance, these maternity photos symbolise everything you have experienced, and you will feel good knowing that you are celebrating every part of your body that is creating a new life.

And I promise you will not regret these photographs once that bump has gone!

Treat Yourself

You can look forward to your maternity photoshoot by having a pamper session!

Treat yourself by getting your hair and makeup done, going shopping, and buying a new dress. As much as it is about your future child, this photoshoot is also about you, giving you more self-confidence and making you feel beautiful.

Or simply just take a nice bubbly bath and have a relaxing evening the night before. You do not have to spend money on self-care. Do something that makes you feel happy and good about yourself!

When is the best time to have a Maternity Photoshoot?

In most cases, this is sometime in your 7th or 8th month of pregnancy or between 28-34 weeks. You will have a fair-sized bump at this point, and your baby won't have dropped down. You will still have some good movement, hopefully wont be uncomfortable and unlikely to go into labour before we get started! A maternity photo shoot is ideal at about the beginning of your third trimester.

Though I would recommend getting your booking in with your photographer at about 20 weeks!