Should You Have a Maternity Photoshoot?

Witten By: M.Michelle

Every journey creates a new chapter, forming the story of your legacy. Taking our cue from the Royals, we’ve learned how to perfectly execute the preservation of weddings. We’ve discovered how baby showers and gender reveals bring loved ones together to celebrate, but how do you get the initial news out? Demi Moore and Vanity Fair gave us inspiration with their 1991 cover baring Demi’s natural beauty and creating an epic experience that lays the foundation for memories to be formed and shared throughout time.

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5 Reasons to Have a Maternity Session

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For the Memories: I can understand the hesitancy some women have about taking maternity photos. While this is a beautiful moment that shows the majestic power of a woman’s body, the changes it experiences don’t always leave you feeling your most beautiful, but you are. Try not to let the physical changes negate the beautiful moments like the first time you feel your baby move or kick. In the midst of discomfort, these moments are the sparks that light up your unique journey.
To Commemorate the Journey: Whether it’s your first or your tenth, the arrival of a new bundle of joy is worth celebrating. Having a tangible memory that hangs in your home or is stored in a baby book is a gift that increases in emotional value as it ages. Imagine years from now, sharing these photographs with your child, reminiscing about the time they were safe and sound in your womb, and the anticipation that filled the air.
To Share the News: Maternity photos are a great way to announce your pregnancy, gender, or name reveal. While some may be privy to the good news a little sooner, you can share the joy with more people when you’re ready. A single photograph can speak volumes, capturing the essence of this new chapter in your life's narrative.
Bonding Time with Your Partner: We can’t forget your partner! This is an intimate moment for you to celebrate the gift your love has produced. Maternity sessions shouldn’t just be a trendy moment, it’s a time for you both to create new memories and bond over your love for each other and your baby. It's a unique experience that strengthens the foundation of your relationship as you step into parenthood hand in hand.
Self-Reflection & Pampering: Preparing for your session can feel like a daunting task if you forget it’s a moment for you and your partner to get dressed up and have a date. These sessions aren’t just about taking photos or making a video; they’re about the celebration of your love and the new journey you’re embarking on. It's a reminder that you deserve to indulge in self-care and embrace the beauty of this transformative time.

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DIY Maternity Shoot

The professional in me will always advise couples to hire a professional. However, I realize that we cannot be with you 24/7 and some people simply do not have additional funds to invest in a maternity session.

As a philocalist, I am first and foremost an advocate of preserving memories. Without them, there’s no story to tell. Making time to create memories without a professional is something I suggest to clients who decide to hire a professional. Why? Because there are some intimate moments that will only take place in the comfort of your home. Those are also memories worthy of documenting. They can also be incorporated in sessions with a professional for your newborn photos, family photos, and more.

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The Love Experience: Katelyn & Hayden’s Story

It’s hard to believe that eleven months ago, I filmed Katelyn and Hayden’s wedding day. It was a day to remember from a horse-drawn carriage carrying Katelyn from the bridal suite to the lakefront ceremony site to the sentimental gesture the couple adorned on each other through the ceremonial foot washing.

Embarking on chapter two of their love story as a married couple, we met at Sugg Farm, the park where they had their engagement photo session. Coordinating in light blue and white, the casual couple took a seat in the shade as we began their interview. This gave the couple a chance to reflect on all the beautiful moments that brought them to the edge of parenthood. From their first date to their wedding and on to the honeymoon, the couple reminisced, sharing formerly unexpressed moments with each other.

While Katelyn, a type-A personality, had plans of having a honeymoon baby, the timing just wasn’t right. Not one to give up, three months later, they learned they were pregnant and braced themselves for this new journey.

After taking a much-needed trip down memory lane, the couple was ready to move on to the photography portion of their session. With their familiarity of Sugg Farm at Bass Lake Park, they had ideas of locations, but much like their experience with the honeymoon, some unexpected changes had taken place and we had to adjust. There was nothing that was going to stop us from capturing the beauty of this couple's story. Together, we found a few new locations and began the session.

In between pose adjustments and congratulatory greets from passersby, we were able to capture Katelyn and Hayden’s love for each other and their baby.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you choose to go with a professional, take the DIY approach, or incorporate a mixture of both, make sure you choose to document this beautiful time in life. Don’t be a parent who regrets not creating tangible memories during this special phase for you and your baby. This is your legacy, and it’s worth preserving. Cherish the love and anticipation that fill these moments. If you’re interested in learning more about The Love Experience, contact us. Your journey is unique, and we're here to help you capture it in a way that truly speaks to your story.

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