How to Rock your Maternity photo session

Pregnancy is an amazing time. It's hard, and there are many sleepless nights (especially if you are trying to sleep on your left as much as possible - whoever designed that particular body feature was clearly not a lover of a good nights sleep). But at the same time, you are growing this amazing little person, and it does something wonderful to our bodies, despite the aches and pains. There is something so beautiful about the pregnant mama form, whatever shape and size, and although I have to admit I was not a particularly happy pregnant person throughout my three pregnancies, I did love the body and bump love that came with it! I mean, I had actual boobs for the first time in my life - what's not to love!

You will only be like this maybe once, twice or maybe more times in your life (if you are slightly crazy like me), so it really is worth getting some amazing photos of your beautiful bump taken, so you can look back and remember the feelings and the experience. 

Here are my top tips for an amazing maternity photo shoot! 
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1. Pick the right time

We really want to be able to see that beautiful baby bump, but at the same time you don't want to be so heavy you can't move, or be in the nesting stage when you just want to be at home and not far from where you intend to have your baby. So I really recommend scheduling your shoot for between 32-34 weeks, so bear this in mind and see how you feel. If you are on your second or third pregnancy you will know that bump just pops out super early anyway (I looked about 6 months pregnant from about 12 weeks), so you might feel you can do it earlier. The main thing is to be at that lovely round bump stage which will really show off your baby and your body. 

2. Find the right photographer for you

We all have our own style, so it's important you love what your photographer does. Go on Pinterest, Instagram or Google, search through images and find some styles that you think could work for you. Ask you friends and baby groups for recommendation, and hunt for a photographer that can show you examples of the type of photos you like. Every photographer will be willing to work with you to create images you love, but you can get an idea of their editing style and approach from their website, Facebook page or Instagram feed. 

At the same time, don't be afraid to get creative - you might never have done a portrait session in you life, but don't let this hold you back. Your maternity photographer will do everything they can to make you feel comfortable, beautiful and take your requirements into consideration. You might see an amazing maternity image you love and think you couldn't possibly do that, but a great photographer will help you recreate that look in a way that works for you. Just have fun and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. You are rocking a tiny human growing body after all, and that pretty much always looks amazing! 

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3. Wear something that makes you feel amazing (or maybe not much at all)

Whether it's your husband's white shirt, a flowing maternity dress, tight fitting bodysuit, or just your underwear, wear something that makes you feel special. You are so beautiful, so wear something that makes you feel fantastic. Your maternity photographer will likely have a selection of outfits you can choose from, specially designed to make you feel special, but if you have a dress that makes you feel amazing, or if you feel more comfy in a pair of pjs then take them along.

At the same time, don't be afraid to strip down. Your bump is beautiful, and like your doctor, your maternity photographer has seen it all, so don't be afraid to bring a special underwear set, or even go totally nude! You don't have to post those photos on Facebook if you don't want to and trust me, whatever your size, your body looks glorious! Take some sets of light and dark underwear to your shoot (leave the massive, grey, granny pants at home) and see how you feel. And if you fancy doing a nude shoot then let your photographer know and go for it! You are beautiful, so celebrate it! 

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​4. Bring the family along

Whether is just your right hand guy or girl, or a gang of older siblings, this is a time that will be just as exciting for them as it is for you. Celebrate their involvement and their support for you by including some photos of them with your growing bump. There's nothing more cute than an older sister chatting away to her future brother, or an expectant father looking loving at his gorgeous mama to be! 

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5. Brave the outdoors

​One of my favourite maternity shoots was of a gorgeous mama, in the morning light, just looking serene in my favourite Berlin lake. I'd love to show it to you, but that's a private one. But anyway, the great outdoors offers so many amazing opportunities for maternity photos, so don't be afraid to get out and about and choose an amazing location with your photographer. Pregnancy is such a natural life stage, and there's somethings about a beautiful mama standing in a woodland, or sitting by the side of a river that just looks so right! 

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​6. Take your time

Your photographer will know that you are in the process of growing a tiny human, so don't be afraid to state your needs, whether it be rest, a little sit down, water or food. Don't push yourself, because this is all about a special experience for you and if you need to take a breath or a break don't be afraid to do so. We want you to enjoy your session, not go into to labour so make sure you go at a pace that is comfortable for you and that allows you to have a fun and relaxed shoot! 

Congratulations to all you expectant mamas out there, and big hugs to those of you already on the other side of the journey. You are all fantastic! 

​Gemma xxx

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