Pregnancy photoshoots: wondering what all the fuss is about? Here is everything you have always wanted to know, and tips for choosing the right photographer.

Pregnancy photoshoots: the right choice for you?

In the last decade, pregnancy photoshoots have become increasingly popular as a way of celebrating your bump, but the topic is often still debated amongst mums-to-be.

Are these photoshoots worth it? Are they for real women, or do you have to look like a model for your portraits to look good?

And, most of all, why should you even consider one?

1991: The world discovers… pregnancy

For us, today, seeing images of glowing mums-to-be and beautiful bumps on all media is hardly surprising or “shocking”, but it wasn’t always like this.

In fact, there was a time (not too long ago) when pregnancy was something to be whispered about, more than celebrated with a photoshoot.

Then 1991 came, and (nude) photographs of a very pregnant Demi Moore on the cover of Vanity Fair with it.

That iconic cover was the sparkle that started a sea change in how pregnancy was portrayed, perceived, and talked about – empowering more and more women to celebrate their personal journey to pregnancy in all its glory.

Pregnancy photoshoots: more than “just” photographs

Yes, because each woman’s journey to pregnancy is unique, and personal: we all get to that point in our life in different ways, at a different age and in different circumstances – and photographs are a way of documenting this time in our life in an artistic, creative way.

That is why choosing a photographer you completely trust and feel comfortable with is essential: their sensibility and vision is what guarantees your photographs will capture who you are as a woman in a beautiful, wholesome way.

Part of a specialist maternity photographer’s craft is understanding which colours, textures and lighting are best to preserve the dramatics of your body in a way that will make you fall in love with your images every time you look at them.

Where’s the “glow”

So much has been said and written about the “glow”, but let’s be real: between the swollen ankles, the heartburn and aching back, pregnancy does not always allow you to feel confident or beautiful.

So, if you are thinking “the last thing I want is to be in front of a camera, with an almost stranger looking at me”, I hear you.

I have been exactly where you are, and I thought I would never miss being pregnant.

And then, as the months went past and my tiny one started crawling, I found myself tearing up at the thought of how it felt to have a little life growing inside me, to feel each movement, hiccup, and change.

So, whilst pregnancy can be hard, there is undoubtedly something truly wonderful about it.

And you don’t want to miss the only chance you’ll ever have to preserve all of that “on film”.

Pregnancy photoshoots: where do I start?

By now, you know I am not only a fellow mum, but also a photographer.

My studio, Sarah Walton Photography, is in Steeton, Keighley, and specialises in Newborn and Maternity photography.

Despite all the technical training and years of experience photographing mums-to-be, the first step for me would always be simply… getting to know you.

That time spent learning more about your story, and sharing my vision with you, will contribute to creating a fun, relaxing, and positive atmosphere when you come to the studio and will, in turn, allow us to create a gorgeous gallery of images.

We will obviously also discuss the styling of your session and every other detail at the start of your session, so everything is ready for your photoshoot.

The session itself will take place between the 28th and 36th weeks of your pregnancy, when your bump is beautifully round, and you are still comfortable moving. For this reason, I always recommend getting in touch as soon as possible after your 20 week scan.

Want to know more?

Whether you are still unsure about the idea of pregnancy photoshoots, or you can’t wait to get booked in, I would love to hear from you!

You can contact me by emailing hello@sarahwaltonphotography.co.uk or by visiting my Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/sarahwaltonphotography

I look forward to hearing from you soon!