MATERNITY PHOTOS? 

previous clients share their thoughts on maternity photography

While the core of my business has focused on working with musicians and small business owners, I’ve also had the privilege of photographing dozens of new mothers over the years in my Asheville photography studio. Through these sessions I’ve gained valuable insight into maternity photography—a subject that often leaves people with divided opinions. For some, maternity photos are a must, akin to hiring a photographer for their wedding day. For others, the idea of maternity photos feels strange, awkward, or even unnecessary.

Recently, I reached out to several mothers I’ve photographed over the years to reflect on their sessions and share their thoughts on those photos now, many of which date back nearly a decade.

If you’re considering maternity photos now or in the future, read on for insights from those mothers who’ve been through the process, concluding with why you might want to think twice before skipping out on your own maternity photos.

The case for maternity photos

When I asked the mothers I’d worked with why they chose to have maternity photos taken, one shared that she saw it as a fun way to blow off steam during the often arduous journey of pregnancy. Another mentioned that it was a chance to pamper herself, to put on makeup, and feel beautiful during a time when she often felt anything but. One mother admitted that her friends encouraged her, and she wouldn’t have done it otherwise.

A common thread among these mothers was that they weren’t driven by the idea of capturing clichéd images of themselves cradling a large belly in the dappled sunlight dressed in flowy gowns. Instead, they wanted to document the miraculous changes their bodies were undergoing, and they approached the process with an open mind.

After our shoot together, what did you do with your maternity photos? Do you still have them now?

All mothers, I was pleased to learn, still have their images safely stored away. I learned that several mothers posted select images on their social media accounts; another kept her favorite images as matted prints inside an archival box; while two others stored their images as digital files, both who claim to revisit their images occasionally on their computers.

If given the chance would you do it again?

All the mothers I spoke to unanimously agreed that they would do their maternity photos over again. (I should note, too, that all mothers agreed they would never chose to be pregnant again either ;). "It's not something that I think about every day, but looking back, I would definitely regret not having done them if I had skipped out," one mother reported. "I don't have reasons to have professional pictures taken all the time, so I'm really glad I did it. It was a great experience to see how I looked from a photographer's professional perspective."

What was your favorite thing about having these photos made?

I've heard various reasons why mothers choose to do a maternity shoot—everything from getting to play dress-up to enjoying the chance to put on makeup. But the answer that resonated with me the most came from a mother who admitted she felt unattractive during her pregnancy. When I delivered her photos, she told me that looking at them made her realize she was still beautiful. As someone who primarily focuses on promotional and commercial photography, hearing that a session could make one of my clients feel better about herself was truly touching.

Many new mothers may feel hesitant revealing so much skin for the camera. Were you comfortable with this situation as a past subject? 

One mother told me that while it's not the sort of thing she does every day,  her maternity photos were "all about seeing the changes in my body as I prepared for the birth of my son, and capturing those changes in plain sight of the camera was entirely worth the experience." Another mother noted that her images were tasteful and only revealed what she was comfortable with, while a third said that getting out of her comfort zone was a rewarding experience, and our maternity session was an opportunity for her to do just that, and she felt comfortable throughout the duration of our shoot together.

What would you say to any mothers-to-be who are the fence about doing maternity photos?

The best answer was closely echoed from two of the mothers I spoke with: "Do it. Absolutely! If you don't like the way you look, you can always just stash them away. But you'll never be able to go back and recreate the way you looked after it's over, to see the crazy things your body went through bringing another life into this world. Why would you pass up on such an amazing opportunity?" 

INTERESTED IN BOOKING A MATERNITY SHOOT?  I'D BE HAPPY TO CHAT, ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS, AND DISCUSS EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROCESS.

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I'm an Asheville based photographer and website designer with over twenty years of experience creating imagery for hundreds of clients in Western North Carolina and beyond. My studio photography specializes in headshots for business and corporations, law firms, artists, entrepreneurs, models, and actors, as well as stylized theme portrait sessions for personal branding, maternity, local and regional musicians. Photo services are available throughout the south, including Raleigh, Charlotte, Winston Salem, Greenville, Columbia, Spartanburg, Knoxville, and Johnson City. Photo sessions are fun and easy, and consultations are always free, so drop me a line and let's plan something amazing together!