Heyyyyy, welcome, welcome to another blog of mine. This time I am going to be talking about the beauty of motherhood and basically why you should book a Maternity Photoshoot with myself! This is a new session that I am offering and I'm very excited to be doing so! I literally have no idea why I haven't done it sooner because.. well, look at the pictures I've taken- ta da!
Bringing a new life into the world is a magical journey filled with joy, anticipation, and profound beauty- and let's be real for a moment hard-work. It can feel scary and at times completely over-whelming but personally I feel it's the best most rewarding kind of hard-work.
Maternity photography is a wonderful way to capture and cherish the precious moments of this transformative time in a family's life. Once the baby is here, you wonder what your life was ever like without them. Everything changes. Your relationship with your partner will change. Your views on certain things will change, friendships change- for better or for worse. Things that perhaps once were a big deal seem tiny in comparison to now. It is hard, but completely worth it. Trust me there are times when I'm weary, warn out and craving me- time. It's actually funny because my daughter out of nowhere asked me this morning "Mummy, is parenting hard". I have no idea where it even came from but my response was- "..at times it's really hard but it's the best thing in the world. A lot of the time we are worried that we aren't doing the right thing and sometimes it's just a guessing game..". So there we go!
Why Maternity Photography?
Something I didn't do when I was pregnant was have a maternity shoot. I actually never even thought about doing it at the time. Perhaps because I had a really difficult pregnancy.
However, If I was able, it is something I would have 100% done and I look back now and wished I had because I love looking back at my bump pictures and actually loved having one. I loved taking my weekly photos of my ever growing bump. The picture below is in-fact one of the last pictures I took before Adeline made an appearance in 2018.
I love showing my girlies photos of myself pregnant and explaining that it's them in there. I mean the blank expressions on their faces at that moment, is a picture when I explain it to them. It's pretty mind-blowing though.
Maternity photography celebrates the beauty, strength, and love that surrounds the journey into motherhood. It is something that HAS to be celebrated. For some, it's not an easy ride. For some, it isn't as straight forward. Hence why we should celebrate and mark the moment when you are pregnant. I truly believe that capturing your bump is the best way to do this. PLUS once it's gone, it's gone!
I remember throughout my pregnancy you tend to hold your bump and touch it and once it was gone I remember automatically going to do this then realising it was no longer there. Some mothers-to-be really do miss the bump and it can be the saddest part to let go of your pregnancy. Imagine being able to look back and always remember it. Even if it was a difficult one. The outcome is hopefully worth it.
Get the family & paws involved!
Come on, you can picture it now. The siblings cuddling the bump, beautifully captured images of you all together, excited for what's to come. Getting the partner, older siblings & pets involved in the maternity photography sessions can beautifully depict the love, connection, and anticipation for the growing family. I like to encourage natural interactions, gentle embraces, and playful moments to create authentic and heartwarming images. They make for the sweetest images. Trust me. I know you hear me say trust me a lot but it's true! Trust is what you need, to be able to let go and enjoy the moment with your team and myself.
Trust me..
I know what you are thinking, why should you trust me, you don't know me. Well recently I had an outdoor maternity shoot with the sweetest couple and the Mama-to-be 'pre warned me' that she was 'awkward' in-front of the camera. I hear it a lot. But honestly, once you've met me, then will you only understand that there is no reason to feel awkward. I never ever judge. I only see the beauty inside and out. I also want you to see what I see. I love my job and want to make everyone feel comfortable and mainly make sure that you are enjoying yourself. Once you trust me, relax and let go, that is when the true beauty is shown. Honestly, it makes such a difference when you just let go and enjoy yourself. I'm the same - I'm only human too! I get so nervous before every shoot, right up until I meet you guys I always have butterflies.
Where shall we do it?
The location and setting is so important! Choosing the right location and setting can greatly enhance the impact of maternity photographs, believe me. Outdoor shoots in natural surroundings, such as a picturesque field or a riverside- yes and yes! This provides a scenic backdrop and evokes a sense of serenity and connection to nature. I have found some perfect locations now, that I know work really well.
Alternatively, an indoor shoot in a cozy and intimate setting, such as the family home or at my natural light maternity photography studio in Leeds, can create a personal & timeless atmosphere. The choice however, is yours.
The panic- What do I wear?
Don't panic. I am here to help. Even if it means you sending me images of your wardrobe or even going shopping for you. I'm here to make sure you pick the right outfit for your shoot. After-all, maternity photography allows mothers-to-be to showcase their changing bodies. Choosing the right wardrobe and styling is essential for capturing the essence of this special time. If you were anything like me I was really self-conscious about particular parts of my body during pregnancy, so it's all about dressing comfortably and right for you and your body.
Flowing dresses which allow soft and beautiful movement are great, fitted dresses that accentuate the baby bump work really well, as well as delicate fabrics like lace can all contribute to creating elegant and timeless images. Off the shoulder dresses are also super flattering. If it's a chilled, natural, casual look you want to go for. Keep it simple with open buttoned jeans, crop top or a shirt work really well.
When should I book it for?
Get your maternity photoshoot booked in asap. Let's get excited, let's plan it!
Timing is Key: The ideal time for a maternity photo session is usually between 30 and 36 weeks into the pregnancy when the baby bump is beautifully rounded but the expectant mother still feels comfortable. So make sure you leave enough time to get booked in with me and don't forget all new Mamas booking a maternity photoshoot receive a discount & extra pics if they book their newborn photoshoot with me!
Almost done..
So in summary, if you were in doubt about booking a maternity photoshoot, hopefully this has helped you make that decision. You will only regret not doing it. Get out of your head. Live in the moment. Relax and let's do It (literally my motto in life). If you are tempted then drop me a message. Let's chat.
Ending as always with a quote from recent clients who booked their maternity photoshoot with me and did not regret it.
This is the best thing we have done during our pregnancy and it's something that we will never forget. We both had such a great time during the shoot and you made it feel so easy and natural. I have been so excited to see the photos. I quite literally never show photos to anyone, but I have been showing these to everyone! You have captured such a special moment in our lives perfectly and we will forever cherish these photos. I cannot thank you enough for being part of our journey.
We are so grateful Lottie! You've done such a good job and made us feel very comfortable. I'm so glad we captured the bump- we will treasure these forever!
I am so unbelievably happy with the photos from my maternity session with Lottie. She has managed to capture such elegant moments for me and I’m so grateful I have such wonderful photographs of my family and my baby bump to look at forever. Her kind and relaxed nature made the whole experience so positive and exciting. We will without a doubt be booking in for a family shoot once the baby has arrived. Thank you so much Lottie!
