Why a maternity photoshoot is a must for all pregnant women not just models!

Almost every new mum who comes to the studio tells me the same thing. They didn’t have a maternity photoshoot because they didn’t think it was for them. For a decade now women have been telling me the reasons they chose not to have a maternity photoshoot and guess what? They all say almost the exact same thing!

Thanks to celebrity culture there is a worry that having maternity photos taken is a bit “show off-y” for the average mum to be. That it means you are vain, or think you’r amazing or something else ego driven. Or that you have to have the “perfect body” with perfect skin and no stretch marks. And ladies that just isn’t the case!

I truly believe that ALL pregnant women’s bodies are incredible! We are literally growing new life inside of us. We are single handedly keeping two hearts beating! How incredible is that?! So please believe me when I say stretch marks don’t matter a jot. And if you really hate them, I can remove them with some photoshop magic 😉

So here are a few myth busters for anyone who looks longingly at these images and thinks they’re stunning but doubts their confidence in having them done for themselves.

1. You don’t have to be a certain size to have gorgeous maternity photos

At the Beautiful Bairns studio I have dresses to cater to all women. Whether you are a size 6 or a size 26 I will have something you look and feel incredible in!

2. You don’t have to get naked!

Sure you can flash the flesh if you want to, but there is no pressure at all to get your kit off. I regularly photograph ladies who for religious, cultural or personal reasons prefer to dress more modestly and not expose their legs/bumps etc. I have options to suit everyone!

3. Nobody has perfect skin

Seriously, they don’t! Pregnancy hormones can do some crazy stuff to our bodies and our skin too. Great lighting, your usual make up and a little photoshop magic can hide any breakouts or veins.

4. People won’t think you’re a poser

Us Brits can be a funny bunch. Women especially are super hard on themselves and worry way too much about what others think. Your maternity photos are for you, nobody else. So you don’t have to share them or show them to anyone if you don’t want to. But please trust me when I say this – nobody will think you’re full of yourself! I have never once, in over ten years, had a single negative comment on a maternity image. Not one. On the flipside the amount of love and praise women receive on their photos is incredible!

5. This is the first photo of your baby

Whether this is your first or last baby, chances are when they are a toddler they will be fascinated by the idea that they grew in your belly! Being able to show them photos of your bump is such a lovely way to show them where it all began.

Still unsure if a maternity photoshoot is for you? Then read Melissa’s experience!

Rachael, you’re simply amazing. Thank you for a memorable maternity session. I never imagined I’d walk away feeling as empowered and beautiful as you made me feel. Typically shy and introverted, I naturally felt quite nervous initially and always assumed these shoots were for “model-type” women only… but I am so grateful I decided to do it!!! Ladies, if you’re on the fence- just do it! You won’t regret it. I promise. I have these gorgeous pictures as memories for our family, forever.

On the day of the shoot, I felt a little stressed and was a dishevelled mess arriving straight from work but Rachael managed to make me feel comfortable from the moment I met her.

The studio was super easy to find, only 15 minutes from our place, with plenty of parking on site. The studio is private, clean and spacious with a comfy couch to relax on if you need.

After sharing my pictures with friends and family, I’ve had so many compliments and comments from women who wished they had booked a maternity shoot during their pregnancies.

BUT be warned- don’t go to just any photographer!

Rachael specialises In maternity and newborn, and has a wonderful eye for detail. She has loads of props and clothing in the studio and knows how to style each woman to accentuate our own unique beauty. I’m stressing this, because I had another mini-shoot done by an experienced freelance photographer and although we have those memories as well, the pictures/artistry just don’t compare. Rachael understands the female body in all it’s different forms, and deals with people from all walks of life. She is a true artist. I walked away feeling like a Queen!

So maybe now you feel a little braver? Want to know more? Pop over to the maternity page for all the info you need.

I really hope to meet more incredible women like Melissa and create stunning photos for you to enjoy for years beyond your pregnancy!

Rachael x