Pregnancy is an amazing, & emotional time whether your a first time mum or a mum with several children! Either way those 9 months are so special with lots of milestones and special moments along the way. These are times which we are privileged to help families make memories of. Capturing photos of your '' beautiful bump'' to document your ever growing bumps beauty! Maternal moments sessions are available as a one off photo session in the later stages of pregnancy, or as part of a ''bump to baby'' series of 2-3 sessions. Which ever option you have chosen the points below will help you feel more at ease about your session, what it will entail & what to bring. Maternity photo sessions are very personal and mums often can feel quite anxious about showing off their bump or their body in general. It is quite natural to feel that way, and so below I have posted some information which I hope will help ease some of those anxieties! :) Enjoy!
What to bring?
* A scan photo
* A teddy or something you have bought for baby.
* A pair of baby booties- in either pink or blue or any unisex colour
if you are yet to find out the sex of your baby.
* A baby grow or little outfit you have ready for your little one.
* A top/dress/or outfit that shows your bump off well.
* A bold pair of earrings & a ring. This looks fantastic on the lady's who choose to do the 'demi moore' style bare bump.
* Anything else you feel you'd like to bring along.
What to expect when I arrive & throughout my session
When you arrive you will meet with myself (your photographer!). I would usually sit for a short time and discuss if there is anything you do especially want to do and what you dont want to do, and if you have any suggestions or questions you'd like to chat over before we start the session. I would then start the session usually with some more relaxed shots to begin with to allow you to get into your comfort zone :)
Frequently asked questions!
Q) Id love to have a bump session done but I'm embarrassed about my stretchmarks..can you remove them?
A) Firstly never be embarrassed about your stretch marks, most women during pregnancy will have them and this is just a sign that your body's stretching to accommodate your beautiful baby. Most women have stretch marks, even men can have stretch marks so they really are not something to be embarrassed about. Never the less, we can of course fade, soften or airbrush stretch marks away, so do not panic.
Q) Do I have to do a ''bare bump'' shot?
A) Not at all, you only have to do what ever you feel comfortable with, we can achieve equally beautiful shots with different styles and poses too.
Q) I feel so embarrassed about doing a bare bump shot, but would love that natural bare bump photo as a memory! What will help me feel less nervous about doing this?
A) Most people have something they feel self conscious about, but just remember pregnancy is beautiful & you are growing a new life, theres nothing more amazing than that. Embrace it and relax! As a mum myself I can totally understand what it is to feel self conscious of your body whilst pregnant, but you learn to embrace it and relax with it. I think for alot of mums knowing I'm a mum myself automatically makes them feel more at ease in the knowledge that i do know how pregnancy can make you feel. So just relax & embrace your pregnancy body! I am there to capture beautiful images for you, not to judge you.
Q) Can my partner and/or other children be part of the session?
A) Of course! its always important to involve siblings and/or partners where possible and I really believe a maternity photo shoot with them included really helps them feel part of it all! Whether its photos of them stood/sat with you or kissing and cuddling bump!
Q) Can we buy additional prints/canvas's/or disks once we have seen the photos if we decide we would like more?
A) Yes, you can purchase additional extras at any time. Disks from £30, £60 for UN copyright. Canvas's from £15, & additional prints from £4.
Q) What gestation do you recommend for this type of shoot to be done at?
A) Every woman is different and some women can find themselves with a very large bump quite suddenly in the second trimester, whilst other women don't begin to ''show'' until later on. So it really does depend on you and how early/late you want to leave it. Usually around 32 weeks is ideal as your not too uncomfortable, but some lady's choose to have it earlier or later dependant on how you feel & your bump size.
Q) I have some ideas and suggestions of my own, could we use some of those?
A) Most definitely! Its always lovely when families have their own ideas and suggestions, please feel free to be open and honest about any ideas you have or even any queries you may have.
If you have any further questions you feel would be appropriate to this blog post please feel free to comment with them :)
