Are Maternity Photos Worth it?

Pregnancy is one of the most special and meaningful times in our lives. While the nine months may seem long, it flies by in a blink.

During this time our body changes so much and we feel a new life growing inside. We feel every kick, every stretch, every hiccup and we create a connection and a deep love with someone we have no idea what will look like. I believe there’s nothing more incredible than this.

And this alone I believe, is so worth being captured and remembered.

Pregnant mum is wearing her black lingerie and wearing a black blazer on her shoulder. She is leaning on the wall with her hands around the belly. Photo taken during a maternity photoshoot in London

But pregnancy is as magical as it is hard. And I know you feel big, tired, swollen and uncomfortable and the idea of getting in front of a camera is likely the last thing on your mind. I hear you. And we can talk also about anxiety and stress in your relationship, all the mood swings, the financial pressure . . . I know.

I understand how you feel because I was there. What I want to remind you is that all the above is just temporary. You need to look at the bigger picture.

So are Maternity Photos Worth it?

There’s no right or wrong answer to this. Maternity photos are incredibly meaningful to many women. And as a London maternity photographer of course I believe maternity photos are worth it. But ultimately, only you can decide the value of your memories. It’s about how much these photos will mean to you in the years to come.

Related article: What’s the Value of a Photograph?

To help you see the value, let’s explore some common concerns that many women have about maternity photos.

I don’t recognise my body. I feel big and I don’t think I will be good enough to have photos done.

t’s common to feel uncomfortable in your changing body, but this time is precious. There is an optimal time for maternity photos where you’ll be glowing and proud of the incredible life growing inside you. You’ll be pampered, feel beautiful (because you are), and those photos will show you at your very best.

Be gentle with your body. Respect it and be grateful for it because it’s creating something incredible.

pregnant couple laying on a bed during a photoshoot

I don’t really feel confident or at my best so the thought of having maternity photos doesn’t really toot my horn.

Right, this is similar to the previous point. Probably you don’t feel confident because you feel like a stranger in your body. But I will give you confidence. I will pose you and guide you so you will look your best, you will show as a confident woman and you will show the Goddess in you!

Related article: How to Make You Feel Comfortable and Relaxed During Your Maternity Photo Shoot

Pregnant mum laying on her back on a white bad. She is holding her arm up near her head. Photo taken by Valentina during a photoshoot.

I don’t have anything decent for a photo shoot

Don’t worry I got you covered! In my studio, I created a little wardrobe over the years and I’m sure you can find something you like. From simple dresses and gowns to pieces of fabric that can really create amazing creative images.

Related article: What to Wear for Your Maternity Photos

Powerful mum to be looking straight at the camera during her maternity photoshoot.

Maternity photos are too expensive

I know there are many new expenses when you are expecting a baby, but when you invest in photography is something you will have for life. It’s not like a cot or a pram where we spend hundreds of pounds and we dispose of it after a year or so. A photograph has so much value and that value increases with time. Money is just energy, that comes and they go. And when you use it for a meaningful purpose that’s when you will feel fulfilled, now and always. And nothing has more meaning than starting the story of your family. Money is temporary, but the memories captured in a photo will last a lifetime.

Living room wall dressed with 3 black and white portraits taken during an outdoor maternity shoot. Because maternity photos are worth it and deserve to be displayed.

So do you start thinking that Maternity Photos are Special?

As an expecting mum, you will be creating a deep bond with your unborn baby from the beginning. Carrying a baby creates such an intimate relationship that unfortunately dads can not experience. They will start their bonding only when the baby arrives.

Doing a maternity shoot with your partner is also a way to share this special moment and strengthen this bond. After all, you are moving from a loving couple to a growing family. Involving your partner in the photos can start this emotional bond earlier. Because during this time it’s all about you, your beautiful baby bump and the connection between you.

Related article: The Importance of Maternity Photos – London Maternity Photographer

Sweet and tender image of pregnant couple. They are gently looking at each other while holding their hands on the pregnancy belly. This is why maternity photos are worth it.

And if this is your second or third pregnancy, nothing is better than involving your children too. Having your maternity photos with them will help them understand that a new baby is coming soon, that they will be a big brother or sister and they will get them excited about it.

Dad and baby holding hands on mum's pregnant belly. This photo describes why maternity photos are worth it.

Valentina was amazing!
We had a maternity session, we loved the experience, everything was so calm and relaxed even if there was also my 4 years old son that wanted to play with everything 😅
She took amazing shoots and we feel comfortable in her studio despite I hate being in front of the camera.
Highly recommend!

I truly believe you will treasure these images for years to come

Time with a baby will fly, especially the first year. You will be going from the sleepless night feeding your baby to chasing him in the park and taking him to school.

You will miss your baby bump and the calmness around that time. You will miss the emotion of placing your hands and feeling a little hiccup or kick. You will miss the undisturbed talk with your unborn baby. You will be asking yourself where the time went and how your baby could fit inside your belly.

Your maternity photos will remind you of that.

Your children will love to see those photos too when they are older. They will look at their beautiful mama and they will know you couldn’t wait to meet them. And no they won’t be looking at how many kilos you weighed, at your swollen legs . . . they will be looking at the love in your eyes, at the confidence in your body and in your bond with their dad.

Through these photos, you will be showing them a world they could never see.

Isn’t this the best gift you could leave them? And another reason why maternity photos are worth it?

Outdoor maternity photoshoot. Pregnant couple surrounded by wisteria.

Don’t Regret Not Doing It

I’m sure that when you look at a beautiful photo of yourself you feel proud, valued and accomplished. And if a photo can bring you joy and feel like this, it’s definitely worth it, right?

After all these years, I know mums really appreciate having these photos, especially as time goes on. There’s no regret. The only regret I’ve heard is not having them. 💔

Here are some comments I’ve heard:

“I’m really glad I did it too. I’m not a big fan of taking photos but this will be a great memory”

“I’ve been feeling like a gremlin for most of my pregnancy. However, I am sad not to have any good photos from my first pregnancy. I’m grateful I have newborn photos but I will definitely do maternity photos on my next pregnancy”

“I don’t feel confident in front of the camera but this is my first pregnancy and very likely my last after years of infertility. So I want to document it all as much as possible.”

“I didn’t capture any photos with my son but I love the photos from this pregnancy. I like to look back on things and I regret not having that of my son.”

“It’s nice to have photos with me and my husband that are not selfies. These photos are very special.”

It is normal to have some doubts and to feel a little bit embarrassed maybe but believe me this will be one of the best experiences of your life and surely one of the best memories you will be left with.

If you ask me, a maternity photoshoot should be on your checklist. And it makes a wonderful gift for a baby shower too!

If you’re ready to experience maternity photography for yourself, simply fill out the form below and I’ll be in touch soon.

Let’s capture this amazing time in your life.

1 comment
Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me

It’s not magic, it’s practice, rhythm, and a little bit of baby whispering. 

After 14+ years photographing newborns, there are a few go-to soothing tricks I use at every session to help babies feel calm, safe, and sleepy.

Here are some of my favourites:

Swaddling for that womb-like comfort.

Gentle side holding or tummy time to ease any tension.

The classic “shhhh”, because sound really matters (apps help too!)

Rocking or soft movement (bonus if you hum)

Sucking for comfort and calm (dummy or feeding)

Ooohh want a bonus one?
A slow stroke on the baby’s forehead. Works like a charm. 

Every baby is different, but these almost always help settle the mood.

Tag a parent who’s in the newborn phase (and could use a little calm today). 

#londonnewbornphotographer #londonnewbornshoot  #NewbornTips #BabySoothing #ParentingSupport #NewParentHack #LifeWithABaby #SoothingTechniques #FourthTrimester
She didn’t come to this session unsure.

She already knew me—she’d trusted me with her maternity and newborn sessions. But this time was different.

This time was for her.

She came knowing who she is and ready to celebrate it.

In her 40s, she’s found more confidence, more clarity, and a deeper appreciation for what matters most.

She spoke of embracing self-love, shedding insecurities, and living with humour and presence.

“I decided to do something for me… I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it this much.”

And that’s what this experience is really about.
Not becoming someone else, but returning to yourself.

Playful. Strong. Present. Real.

This is what it looks like to take up space.

To honour your story.

To say: “This is me. And I’m proud of her.”

What would a session just for you look like? What would it feel like to step in front of the lens, just as you are?

If you’ve been thinking about it…this is your sign to say yes to yourself. ✨

Empowering women, London portrait photographer for women, women over 40, confidence through photography, celebrate yourself,  photography as healing #ResetWithReelsChallenge3
You see the calm, the softness, the polished final photo.

But behind it? There’s the mess.
The cleaning. 
The planning.
The rescheduling. 
The blogging. 
The back and forth with clients.
The endless emails, the tech glitches, the wobbles…
And just enough espresso to hold it all together. 

Running a heart-led business isn’t always picture-perfect.

But it’s mine. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

It’s never just a click, is it?

What’s your behind-the-scenes really look like these days?

#BehindTheScenes #PhotographerLife #londonmaternityphotographer #londonnewbornphotographer#OneWomanBusiness #WomenInBusiness #POVReel #londonphotographer #ResetWithReelsChallenge3
We’re so quick to look at ourselves in photos and see the things we want to change.

Especially after birth.

The softness. The swelling. The “not quite back to myself” feeling.

But what if we stopped asking:

“Do I look okay?”

And started asking: 

“Will this photo remind me of how strong I was? How much love was in that moment?”

Because your body isn’t the focus.

Your connection is.

And that’s what truly lasts.

What would happen if you gave yourself more kindness when you look back at photos?

Tag a mum who might need a softer lens on her story. 🤍

#londonphotographer 
#PostpartumPerspective #PostpartumBodyLove #RealMotherhood #PhotographTheReal  #londonmaternityphotographer #PhotographyAsHealing #ReflectionsBeyondTheFrame #resetwithreelschallenge3
I didn’t have it all figured out when I started.

I didn’t have a studio.

Or a business plan.

Or even much confidence, to be honest.

But I had a deep love for photography.

And I kept showing up, learning by doing, failing, adjusting, growing.

15 years later, I get to do work that feels like home.

I get to empower others through my lens.

To help women feel seen, held, and remembered.

And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.

#londonportraitphotographer  #londonphotographer 
#ResetWithReelsChallenge3  #womeninbusiness #empoweredthroughphotography  #thisiswhyidoit
This is part of Reflections Beyond the Frame, a personal series about slowing down, looking inward, and seeing ourselves without the need for polish or perfection.

Today’s reflection: Letting go.

Perfection has held me back for years, since school, in motherhood, and through the slow unfolding of my business.

I thought striving for it meant reaching for something better. But lately, I’ve been asking: what is perfection, really?

It’s not real.
It’s not shared.
It only exists in my mind—and even there, it shifts constantly.
It often disguises itself as fear:
Fear of not being good enough.
Fear of being judged.
Fear of being truly seen.

So if perfection is born from fear…
What are we really striving for?

What looks “perfect” to me might mean nothing to someone else.

So why chase something that holds me back more than it helps me move forward?

This photo is part of that question.
A self-portrait.
An exercise in showing up blurry, unfinished, imperfect—real.
Letting go isn’t always graceful.
Sometimes it’s quiet.
A small shift.
A decision to be soft where I used to hold tension.
To show up as I am.
To be seen anyway.

Progression is now my mantra.

Not perfection. Just movement. Just honesty.
Just me.

What have you been holding onto that no longer serves you? Maybe today’s the day to let it go.

#reflectionsbeyondtheframe #LettingGoOfPerfection #progressnotperfection #selfportrait #photographyashealing #CreativeProcess #SlowContent #ImperfectlyHuman

VALE@PHOTOGRAPHYBYVALENTINA.COM

07577 978246

LONDON NEWBORN & MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER

BASED NEAR RICHMOND - TWICKENHAM