The Importance of Maternity Photos

Are you undecided about getting pregnancy photos? As one of the best maternity photographers in Washington, DC, I wanted to share some of the many reasons you should consider documenting this special time in your life.

When you’re expecting a new baby in your life, and in your house, sometimes documenting the pregnancy is the last thing on your mind. However, I’ve found most women are extremely glad they photos of themselves during that time to look back on. And those moms that didn’t really wish they’d taken the time to have maternity photos taken when they had the chance.

Some women may feel self-conscious during this time and may be unsure whether or not taking maternity photos is right for them. This shouldn’t be a worry at all. The best maternity photographers will know how to showcase your natural glowing beauty with the right lighting, gentle poses, and artful composition.

Reasons to Have Maternity Photos Taken From One of the Best Maternity Photographers in Washington, DC

1. Announcing the Pregnancy

   Whether this is your first baby, or you’re second (third, fourth, fifth) – announcing a pregnancy with professional photos is one of the more artful ways to break the news. You can make the announcement as simple, or as creative as you’d like. With the support of a professional photographer, you can trust your images to be top quality.

   

2. A Record for Later
   

   I guarantee you, when your new baby is about five or six, they’ll want to start seeing photos of them when they were little. Maybe because you’re having another baby, maybe because they’re simply curious. They’ll want to know more about the time before they arrived, so having photos to show them is a great way to reminisce with them.

   

3. Comparing Pregnancies
   

   We always think we’ll remember each pregnancy, but as more children enter our lives, it becomes harder to remember which pregnancy was which. When you have photos by one of the top maternity photographers in Washington DC to look back on, you’re not only documenting the changes your body goes through, but granting yourself the ability to compare those photos later on.

   

4. Partner (and Children! And Pets!) Involvement
   

   Sometimes it can be difficult for our partners, kids, and pets to be involved with the pregnancy process. When you’re working with a photographer, they can all beinvolved to show their love, support, and appreciation.

   

5. Breaking Stereotypes

   There was a time, not all that long ago, when pregnancy was considered something to mask over or hide. By embracing your changing body and the miracle growing inside, you’re helping break down the walls of these stereotypes so that hopefully, one day, our daughters and granddaughters (sons and grandsons, too) have no idea they even existed in the first place.
   Pictured below are photos from my first maternity photo session just after I started my family photography business in 2008 featuring my friend Rachel, who is a psychologist and certified yoga instructor.

Tips From One of the Top Maternity Photographers in Washington, DC for Getting the Most from Photo Session 

• Announcement Photos

  If you plan on those announcement photos, aim to schedule them between 15-20 weeks. You’ll be barely showing, past the scare of miscarriage, and full into the pregnancy glow.

• 3^rd Trimester

  If you want to take late pregnancy photos, aim to schedule them between 32-36 weeks for the best results. You’ll be beautifully pregnant, but not so uncomfortable you can’t enjoy the process.

• Loose Clothes

  Much like with newborn sessions, if you’d like photos with more skin, it’s important to not have lines from fabric and elastic. Wear loose, flowing clothing an hour or more before your session for the best effect.

• Pamper Yourself

  Professional hair and makeup is a great way of not only enhancing the beauty everyone is already seeing in you, but it can also boost confidence in a soon-to-be-mom. Schedule that mani-pedi, get your hair and makeup done and come in for some gorgeous photos.

• Relax and Have Fun

  Maternity photos should be fun. A great photographer will know how to setthe mood, helping you relax and have a good time. Your job is simply to be present and enjoy the moment. It will go fast.

  

Maternity photos are meant to be a fun, engaging way to celebrate the new life you’re creating both inside you and together with your family. Taking time to embrace the changes and enjoy the moment so you can look back at this time fondly in years to come may turn out to be one of the best things you did for yourself and your little one.

Here is another post about the top reasons to consider maternity photographer:

And a post about one of my earliest maternity photo sessions from 2010:

Waiting for Baby Brother