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Five Maternity Session Tips for Every Expecting Mom

Mamas everywhere, say it with me, “I am beautiful!” Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life where the words, “wow this is the prettiest I’ve ever felt,” are rarely said. Let’s face it, there is a lot going on. Swollen ankles, crazy hormones (sorry dads) and lots of other “changes” that don’t make you feel your best. But that should not keep you from documenting the most kick-ass thing you will ever do with your body! Our bodies are a wonder and creating life is beautiful and amazing. Maternity shoots should celebrate the warrior that you are.

When you look at the photos you won’t be aware of where you were carrying extra weight. Rather, you will remember that beautiful life stirring inside.  I have been capturing pregnant mamas for 5 years but I have only been a mother myself for 16 months. While I’ve always loved preserving such a special time for a family it wasn’t until I had my own maternity photos done that I fell head over heels in love with maternity shoots: their importance, uniqueness, and power. I want every woman that walks through my door to leave feeling amazing! They should feel beautiful and strong and see themselves that way every time they look in the mirror. I cherish my maternity photos so much (thank you Jen Sosa) and I am so glad that I can give that gift to other women as well.

There are many quotes about pregnancy that I love, but this is my fave – “In pregnancy, there are two bodies, one inside the other. Two people live under one skin. When so much of life is dedicated to maintaining our integrity as distinct beings, this bodily tandem is an uncanny fact.”

You are your baby’s first home. The first place they will ever live and it is truly a miracle what our bodies are able to do. Celebrate that! Love it, PHOTOGRAPH it!

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, maternity shoots are an especially great way to capture and preserve this amazing time. Here are five tips for any expecting mom to consider before taking maternity photos:

1.  Pamper Yourself:

This is the time to pamper, pamper, pamper! This shoot should celebrate everything about you! Doing your hair, nails, and make-up is a great way to pamper. If that’s not your thing, I always suggest a simple manicure for my mamas. We focus a lot on the belly, therefore the hands end up in the shot.

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2. Try different looks:

If your photographer offers dresses and you are shooting on location, see if you can go and try a few first. You would be surprised at what you love once you put it on! Bring something you know you feel super comfortable in too. It’s nice to have some different looks and you always look confident when you are comfortable.

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3. Be sentimental:

Consider including items that are sentimental or meaningful whether it be a piece of jewelry, a blanket that was mom’s, or a gift that was made special for baby. Whatever you want to use to make the session special to you. It always helps to talk with your photographer ahead of time so you can bounce ideas around with them.

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4. Choose the right photographer:

Don’t be afraid to shop around for a photographer that you click with and that makes you laugh. It is important to choose someone you can communicate well with so that you feel more comfortable during the shoot. Chances are that if you click over the phone, it will be a fun shoot!

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5. Have fun:

Try to enjoy yourself and also don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun with it and just think about snuggling your new little bundle. If a certain pose or outfit makes you uncomfortable, tell your photographer. The more comfortable you are, the more fun you will have.

There you have it! By following these tips any expecting mom can feel confident and comfortable at their maternity session.


About the author: Kristi Lauren, Kristi Lauren Photography

Kristi-Lauren-maternity-6My name is Kristi Lauren. I am a Family Therapist turned Family Photographer. I am a wife and a mother of one VERY energetic and amazing little girl named Scarlett. She is my greatest achievement and joy. I have been photographing expectant Mamas and their families for 5 years and I LOVE LOVE LOVE my job. Every single session is special to me and I want my clients to feel special when they get in front of my camera.

 


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