I get so many mamas who don’t book photos for themselves until she’s on her third baby or her last baby. I always ask why and the answer is always a variation of “I didn’t like the way looked,” or “I didn’t think I wanted it.”
But the response I get is always very similar--it’s positive and emotional and it’s what fuels me to do this job. I’ve been blessed with responses like, “I’m crying. These are so beautiful,” or “you made me so beautiful.” Let me assure all the pregnant women reading this--you are all those things. You are beautiful, strong, and deserving of something that is celebrating you. Trust me. I know you’re not feeling it now. But there will be a time when you miss the bump.
Celebrate each pregnancy and your unique journey
I’d love to tell you that you’ll remember every little moment, but survival brain (aka pregancy brain) is so real. We just won’t remember every little baby flutter and the first time our partner felt it, too. Photos have a way of transforming us back to a different time. Your maternity photos are worth investing in, because they’ll serve as your window to memories you might forget.
Have records to show your kids
I know once I got pregnant with my daughter, I wanted to hear all about my mom’s experience and I was dying to see photos of her pregnant. Guess how many photos I found of her. One. ONE! Yes, it was a different time, but so many things I wanted to reminisce with her, she couldn’t remember.
You will feel differently about your appearance
This is a biggie. I was the worst of them all. I thought I looked like a house and most days, I just wanted to be one of those tiny mamas. BUT. On the other side of the fourth trimester, I miss that belly. I am so glad I still took the maternity photos, because I am reminded of the one and only time that Bodie and I were physically one. Plus, I get to appreciate my body that much more for how much she grew and carried and how she healed for me.
You deserve it, Mama
You are a warrior. Can we just say it? Pregnancy is hard! So hard. So you don’t feel like a glowing goddess every day? I’m sure that’s pretty universal. While you are giving so much of yourself, you deserve to get dressed up (or down…) and take some sweet, sexy, romantic, whimsical, adventurous photos.
Unfortunately, like many things, maternity photos become an afterthought and most mamas I meet regret not taking them. I always say you can take them and never print them or show them if you want, but you can’t go back in time if you miss your window.
If you’re on the fence, wondering if it’s a necessity or if you really deserve them, you absolutely do, mama. The photos are a part of celebrating this most joyous journey. I hope that helped give some perspective on why I feel maternity photos are so important. I’m always here for a video chat. Connect with me here.
Aloha and Mahaloz,
Zo’e
