5 Reasons Why You Should Take Maternity Photos
Why is maternity photography important? What week should I do maternity photos? - A London pregnancy photo shoot guide
Why is maternity photography important? What week should I do maternity photos? How many pictures should be expected from a 2 hour shoot? What should I wear for a maternity photoshoot? What should my husband wear for maternity pictures? How do you pose during pregnancy photo shoot? All these (and other, I am sure!) are valid questions, but let me put your mind at ease. The answers are quite simple.
Why You Should Take Maternity Photos
Getting in the frame is empowering and important, these images will be your best gift for you and your children, it will never loose value.
For me, family portraits have a powerful effect in making me feel secure and present. I don’t want to find myself in a place where all these beautiful memories do not exist and cannot be passed on to my child. My maternity photos are my son’s legacy, he deserves to ‘experience’ this part of his family’s history. Photos keep moments alive and that’s why we should take maternity photos.
One picture tells so many more stories than words could ever say.
When to Take Maternity Photos?
A good time frame to take maternity photos is around 26 to 37 weeks of the pregnancy. Why such a large time frame? Because all bodies are different. Some expecting mothers, especially during their second or third pregnancy, have a big enough bump for maternity photos even at 26-28 weeks. I’ve also met women who look like gracious goddesses at 39 weeks. The number of weeks is less important than how do you feel and how easy it is to move around.
It’s important to feel good in your own body and enjoy your pregnancy photo shoot experience. The energy you bring to your maternity photography session is more important than the size of the bump. Don’t believe me? Here are some examples with expecting mothers that ranges from 24 to 39 weeks.
2. What should I wear for a maternity photoshoot?
For a maternity photoshoot, you should wear a comfortable dress. It can be form fitting or with a flowing skirt. Both designs work great for pregnancy portraits. Keep it simple and comfortable and avoid large patterns or bold fluorescent colours. Big patterns can make the bump appear smaller and takes the focus away from faces which is essential when creating an emotional pregnancy portrait. You can never go wrong if you opt for timeless over trendy.
Bear in mind that what you wear should reflect who you are. If dresses do not match your personality, you can wear something more casual such as trousers and a blouse or jumper. Choose textures such as silk, chiffon, leather, velvet, wool, all of these look great in photography and add depth to the overall pregnancy portraits.
As for your partner, keep it casual and comfortable. If you are wearing darker tones, let your partner balance your outfit with lighter colours.
You can never go wrong with neutral, pastel or jewel tones.
3. How to take flattering pregnancy photos?
In terms of how to pose during your maternity shoot, make sure you chose a photographer whose style you like. If you prefer a glamourous studio look, the process will look quite different from an outdoor pregnancy session. Each photographer has their own way to guide you and create a final look that you love, although one hand (or two!) on the bump is a great way to emphasize it.
In my maternity work, I aim to capture authentic moments of connection. It’s not as much about posing as it’s about genuinely enjoying quality time together. Real cuddles, silly jokes, fun activities, stolen kisses, gentle or big hugs, whispers of I Love You - I am all about capturing memories of love rather than straightforward pregnancy portraits. Natural means perfect to me.
4. Which parks and locations work best for family photography in London?
I personally love my couples relaxed so I mainly shoot outdoors or in-home. London offers many splendid romantic backdrops, from Richmond Park to Hampstead Heath and Greenwich Village. My suggestion is to choose a location that has a special meaning to your love story - perhaps your local neighbourhood or park, with a short stop at your favourite café. Make it special to you!
5. How many pictures should be expected from a maternity shoot?
You can expect 75+ images from a lifestyle maternity session. Depending on the style you choose, your photographer will let you know in advance how many photos you will receive from your maternity photo shoot.
My style is natural and organic, after each London maternity photoshoot, I usually deliver 100+ images If you are curious to see how a final gallery looks, feel free to browse these recent maternity sessions (a mis of film and digital formats):
Gunnersbury Park Pregnancy Photography Session
Family and Maternity Shoot in Greenwich, South-East London
If you are expecting and would like to book your own relaxed outdoor maternity photoshoot in London, feel free to drop me a note via the contact form. This magical time is absolutely worth documenting!
5 Reasons Why You Should Take Maternity and Family Photos
5 Reasons Why You Should Take Maternity and Family Photos
