Photographing the beauty of pregnancy and motherhood has become one of the most popular forms of photography over the years.
It’s not just about photographing a pregnancy bump. It’s about capturing a specific time period that will never come again. Those nine months seem to pass by so much faster than most parents anticipate. And when they’re over…
They’re over forever.
But here’s the good news:
Maternity photography allows expecting parents to literally stop time and freeze that magical moment. The end result? Gorgeous images that capture this amazing time in their lives.
In this article:
- Why Parents Value Maternity Photography
- When Should You Have a Maternity Photo Session?
- Current Pregnancy Photography Trends
- How to Prepare for Your Maternity Shoot
Why Parents Value Maternity Photography
Pregnancy is one of the most significant changes a person will ever experience in their life. The physical, emotional, and mental changes that take place are unlike anything else.
But here’s the thing…
With all the work and planning parents put into their pregnancies, the photographic memory of their baby bump often gets left behind in the dust. Doctor’s visits, nursery shopping, and life with an older child leaves most parents without time to focus on the actual nine-month journey.
That’s an opportunity lost.
Working with a professional maternity portrait studio and photographer can be just the thing a soon-to-be parent needs to document those few short months before it’s over.
Just think about it…
The once-round belly won’t be there forever. Neither will the excitement, anticipation, and waiting for the little bundle to arrive. These are moments that are totally worth recording.
Recent research reveals that 72% of maternity clients ranked “emotional connection” as their most important criteria when hiring a photographer. Another 72% said capturing authenticity was more important to them than “perfect posing.” It’s obvious that modern parents want real, meaningful, and honest images that tell their own story.
Powerful stuff, right?
When Should You Have a Maternity Photo Session?
Timing is key with maternity photography.
Book a session too early and the belly might not be round enough. Wait too late and it can cause discomfort and affect the mood of the entire shoot.
The sweet spot is often considered to be:
Between 28 and 34 weeks. This allows plenty of time for that belly to get round and show off while also being early enough that most pregnant women are still super comfortable.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while considering your dates:
- Energy levels: The second trimester is generally when people feel the most energetic.
- Bump visibility: 30 weeks is usually the sweet spot for a nicely rounded belly.
- Mobility: Easier movement for a wider variety of poses. Book earlier for this.
- Weather: Keep in mind outdoor shoots are only really possible during certain seasons.
Another important thing to note…
Don’t wait until the last minute to book either. Many talented photographers get waitlisted during peak maternity season. Book a few months in advance to secure the dates you really want.
Current Pregnancy Photography Trends
Maternity photography is constantly evolving with new styles and looks emerging all the time. The market is rapidly changing to meet the demands of today’s parents.
In fact, experts predict that the photographic services market will be worth roughly $64.68 billion by 2034.
That’s a lot of demand for photographic services.
So let’s take a look at some of the top maternity photography trends taking over the industry today:
Authentic and Candid Moments
Maternity photos these days are all about feeling real and capturing emotion.
Parents want lifestyle photography that’s intimate, personal, and unscripted. Whether it’s at home or somewhere significant to them, natural moments are king.
Pictures should tell the story of expecting parents with a genuine, unstaged look.
Minimalist Studio Sessions
Outfits, poses, and settings all come together for high-end, minimalist studio sessions.
Clean backdrops and soft, simple lighting lets the natural beauty of pregnant people shine through. Neutral colors, elegant styling, and refined compositions are very popular.
The entire focus stays exactly where it needs to. On the pregnant subject.
Partner and Family Involvement
Family-oriented maternity sessions are also becoming more common.
Partner, older siblings, and pets are frequently present in these types of sessions. They tell the full story of the entire family anticipating the arrival of their newest member.
Parents really love this trend right now.
It’s a chance to create highly personalized images that speak to more than pregnancy. But to the whole family growing together.
Fashion-Forward Styling
Maternity wardrobes and outfits are an increasingly important consideration with modern parents.
Flowy gowns, tulle, and other elegant fabrics and styles make expecting parents look amazing. Showcasing beautiful and pregnant skin has become a whole styling process in itself.
Clothing is key.
Silhouettes and Artistic Lighting
Bold lighting effects and silhouette photography are all the rage.
Dramatic backlighting and side-lighting create artistic shots that play with the pregnant form in striking new ways. This type of fine art approach is a fantastic way to add emotion and depth to portfolios.
How to Prepare for Your Shoot
Preparation is key between booking and the actual shoot.
Do the necessary legwork and planning to get the absolute best photos possible. Here are a few tips:
- Curate your outfits in advance: Have 2 or 3 different looks that make you feel gorgeous.
- Think about locations: Studio lighting and backdrops work well. But natural settings add context.
- Get plenty of rest beforehand: Cameras pick up even the slightest tiredness.
- Drink plenty of water: Keep skin hydrated.
- Talk to your photographer ahead of time: Share your vision and any concerns.
One thing a lot of people don’t consider…
Hair and makeup have a much larger impact than most people realize. Professional hair and makeup services are an opportunity to really elevate the entire session. Most packages include these services for good reason.
What about partners?
If they’re willing and able to be there, having a partner present really sets the tone.
It creates support and allows for couple portraits as well. Maternity photos aren’t just about pregnancy. They’re about the relationship too.
Props are another thing to consider. From ultrasound pictures to little baby shoes, there are so many ways to add a personal touch to a maternity shoot.
Choosing the Right Photographer
Not all photographers are well-versed in maternity photography.
Try to find a photographer who has a portfolio specifically showcasing their work with expecting mothers. Experience is important when working with expectant moms. You need someone who understands their unique needs.
Here are some questions to ask:
- What’s included in the package?
- How many final edited photos will I receive?
- Where do you recommend we shoot?
- Can you provide wardrobe suggestions?
Read reviews and testimonials from other parents. They’re one of the best resources for getting an understanding of what it’s really like to work with a photographer.
The Lasting Value of Maternity Photos
Maternity photos are precious family heirlooms.
Kids absolutely love seeing photos of their mom when she was pregnant with them. It creates this tangible, visual connection to their infancy that they’ll never remember but can always see.
Maternity photography is about preserving memories for the future as well as the present.
It’s an investment that keeps on giving for decades to come.
Bringing It All Together
Photographing pregnancy and motherhood is one of the most stunning things a photographer will ever do.
Capturing the process of pregnancy and all that it entails will allow expecting parents to keep that one-of-a-kind time period alive forever. It’s so much more than just recording a pregnancy bump.
When a parent is both prepared for a maternity session and hires the right photographer to document those nine months, some seriously spectacular images are possible.
If parents book the session at the correct time in their pregnancy, hire a photographer who “gets” them, prepare in the right way, and stay focused on candid and natural moments over posing, then they can walk away with an heirloom that their family will cherish for years and decades to come.
Maternity photographs are more than just pictures…
They’re memories immortalized in time.
