I've put a lot of thought into this blog post and whether or not I should actually share this one. Mostly because you're going to have to practice what I preach, not what I do. Because you're looking at a two time momma and photographer who didn't do a maternity session. One of my biggest regrets as a mom who is now embracing the body that grew my babies is not having enough pictures. No maternity pictures (even selfies at home), and I did Gemma's newborn session myself. I missed out on some really special moments that I can't get back.
Mommas, celebrate this short chapter in your story.
I know this is soooo easy for me to say. Short chapter. Laughable.
No matter when you find out you're pregnant, that due date feels like years away. At the beginning it's because you're so excited to meet your little one and actually BE pregnant, and at the end, it's because you're over being pregnant and anxious to meet your little one. There's a lot that goes on in between that positive test and holding your baby in your arms. So much worth celebrating.
This chapter will come to a close so quickly. Once it's over, you may long for the days when your baby was safe within you.
Imagine how amazing of a feeling it'll be having gorgeous pictures and artwork of you while feeling your best while pregnant. Imagine looking at pictures 18 years from now and picturing the time when the kiddo you just sent off to college once snuggled up within you.
Read on below for WHY I think maternity sessions are the best idea ever...
Four reasons why you should do a maternity session
- You're about to go through a season where you don't show up a whole lot besides selfies. While they are nice to have, this give you the opportunity to show your babies when they're older what momma looked like pregnant and how excited she was for them to join the family. Showing your kids pictures that include them in any capacity tells them they're valued.
- This is a time to celebrate, and what better ways than pictures! You have pictures taken your senior year to celebrate graduation, when you get engaged and married. One could argue that bringing a baby into the world is one of the greatest accomplishments you'll ever make- so document and celebrate the way you deserve.
- Feel amazing. Yes, I said it. It's ok to want to look back at your pregnancy and say I ROCKED THIS. Moms leave my sessions feeling empowered, gorgeous, and that they can tackle anything. Between choosing the right clothing, complimentary hair and makeup, and the posing I walk you through from start to finish you'll love the experience and the final product. You'll love it even more 10, 20, 30 years from now when you look at your pictures and remember what it was like carrying that sweet baby.
- The whole process couldn't be easier. HGP's client closet is comprised of plenty of options to make this an easy process. I have a range of various gown, causal sweaters, to lingerie if you want to go the maternity boudoir route. You can bare belly, or cover up. You can choose between in home lifestyle, outdoor, or studio maternity sessions. Your maternity session can be in studio or outside. Morning or evening. The most important things is that you do one. You are absolutely welcome and encouraged to incorporate your partner, siblings (baby's sibs- not your own- that would be weird), and fur-babies.