Becoming a mother is one of life’s most beautiful journeys for a woman.
It’s a time filled with anticipation, joy, changes and surely fears and challenges. Gosh, you have so many questions popping into your head: What vitamins should I take? How do I stay fit? Which antenatal class should I book and what can I expect from it? What’s a birth plan and do I really need one? What buggy should I buy? Will a C-section save me from birth pain? What if I can’t push that baby out . . .
One of the questions many expectant mothers ponder is whether they should invest in maternity photography. As a London maternity photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing the beauty of many mums-to-be during one of the most meaningful journeys of their lives. Yet, I’ve also noticed that there are some widespread myths about maternity photography that might be causing you to hesitate. Well, fear not!
In this blog post, I want to debunk five common myths about maternity photography.
Myth 1: “I’m Not Photogenic”
This myth is one I hear often, and it’s entirely understandable. We wrongly believe that we need to be naturally photogenic to have beautiful photos. But what does it even mean? I wrote a whole post about why so many of us feel we’re not photogenic. The truth is we all have our doubts and insecurities in front of the camera, pregnant or not. We don’t feel camera-ready most of the time, but that’s precisely why professional maternity photographers exist. You are not alone in this, I know exactly how you’re feeling.
Debunking the Myth: My role as a maternity photographer is to create a comfortable and supportive atmosphere during our photoshoot. I have the experience to bring out your natural beauty, capturing that pregnancy glow and the love you feel for your baby. I’ll guide you with poses and expressions that make you feel at ease, ensuring that your real beauty shines through in every shot. Being photogenic isn’t on you, it’s about the relationship we’ll have and how at ease I will make you feel. The more relaxed you are, the more the photos will look natural and what you consider “photogenic”.
Myth 2: “Maternity Photography Is Only for First-Time Mums”
Another common misconception is that maternity photography is exclusively for first-time mothers. However, the beauty and significance of pregnancy are not limited by the number of children you already have.
Debunking the Myth: Maternity photography is for any expectant mother who wants to capture the magic of pregnancy, regardless of whether it’s her first, second, or fifth child. Each pregnancy is a unique journey, and each child is a precious addition to your family. Celebrating and documenting each pregnancy can create a beautiful narrative of your motherhood journey. The first pregnancy will be more about you and your partner, the second or third one will be more about the entire family. It will include the siblings and their feelings.
Myth 3: “I’ll Feel Uncomfortable During the Photoshoot”
Feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera is a totally valid concern. Many expectant mothers worry that the experience will be awkward or they worry about their body image. These concerns can impact their perception of the final photos, making them feel like they won’t appear their best and therefore holding them back from booking a maternity shoot.
Debunking the Myth: I want you to know that I’m here to make the experience as comfortable as possible. By the time we meet for the shoot, we’ll have chatted on the phone or met and gotten to know each other a little bit. I’m experienced in working with mums-to-be and understanding the physical and emotional changes that come with pregnancy. I’m a mum too! You’ll be guided through the process with care and empathy, ensuring that you feel relaxed and confident throughout the photo shoot. You can take breaks when you need to during the shoot, we’ll chat, laugh, have fun, and sometimes cry . . . because hormones are always in a woman, pregnant or not 🙂
Myth 4: “I Have to Be Naked to Have Maternity Photos”
I’ve encountered this misconception quite a bit, and I completely understand why it might give you some pause when considering maternity photography. After all, maternity photography started with that Demi Moore naked cover shot, right? Wow, can’t believe that was in the early 90s. But let me clarify this myth.
Debunking the Myth: While some maternity photoshoots may involve artistic or tasteful nude or semi-nude shots, there’s absolutely no requirement for you to be naked in your maternity photos if you’re not comfortable with it. Maternity photography is about celebrating your pregnancy in a way that makes you feel beautiful and confident. We can work together to choose outfits that make you feel comfortable, whether that’s a flowing gown, a form-fitting dress, or something else entirely. Your comfort and personal boundaries are paramount during the photoshoot, and we’ll discuss and plan the session according to your preferences. I’ve put together a full guide on what to wear for maternity photos
So, please rest assured that you have full control over the level of modesty in your maternity photos, and we’ll create images that reflect your style and comfort.
Myth 5: “Maternity Photoshoots Are Expensive”
Budget concerns often dissuade mums-to-be from considering maternity photography. It’s a common misconception that capturing these moments requires a massive investment.
Debunking the Myth: My maternity sessions start at £290. That covers our chat before the shoot, a guide to help you prepare, one to two hours in my studio, my client wardrobe, and the preparation of your online gallery. After the session, you only choose the images you truly love, as prints, an album or wall art. Digital copies come with the printed pieces you choose. There’s no pressure to buy more than you want. And if you’d like to plan ahead, my Session Credit options let you put money towards your products upfront and lower your session fee.
You can find more on my pricing page, or just ask me. I’m always happy to talk it through.
Think of it as an investment in preserving timeless memories that you and your family will cherish for years to come. The value of these memories far outweighs the cost.
Related post: Are Maternity Photos worth it?
As a maternity photographer, I believe that maternity photography is a beautiful way to celebrate the unique journey of pregnancy and the love you feel for your unborn child. Don’t let common misconceptions and myths about maternity photography keep you from capturing these precious moments.
Embrace the opportunity to showcase your real beauty, style, and story through maternity photography. It’s a decision you won’t regret, and the memories captured will be cherished for a lifetime.
If you feel I could be a good fit for you, please get in touch. I’d be honoured to tell your story.
If you know more myths about maternity photography or have other concerns, please let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’ll be happy to clear them up.
