The number one regret I have heard from a lot of fellow mamas is the fact that they never made the time or never thought of hiring a professional photographer to capture their pregnancy.
And I'll let you in on a secret. I share that same regret. I never booked a professional maternity session when my belly was showing.
Our body is truly miraculous. It creates life. It stretches, shrinks back, adapts, and goes through so much change that we often take it for granted... Or worse: not value it. I know...I know... our society is a big part of the problem. BUT...
I am here to tell you: It DOES NOT HAVE TO BE THAT WAY.
Dear pregnant mama,
your body is amazing. Yes, morning sickness, back pain, swollen ankles, shortness of breath, weird cravings, and all. It is truly amazing! It is allowing you to bring a wonderful little one into this world. It is allowing you to carry a little human who will literally change your life forever!
Your body not only DESERVES to be celebrated- and I am right here for you to do just that, by the way- but it also deserves to be REMEMBERED. You may not think this right now, but looking back at your pregnancy and seeing photos of your beautiful belly, long after your baby has arrived, will make you feel something. Your future self will be happy to look back at this important stage of your life as a woman...as a mother! Maternity photos not only will make you feel nostalgic but will probably open up space for some self-reflection too.
Whether you plan on only having one child or multiple children, each pregnancy is unique and carries a certain amount of memories with it that are worth documenting. I always encourage my pregnant mamas to bring something personal to their maternity session: a sonogram, your baby's future first pair of shoes/teddy bear, or anything that is meaningful to the parents that will become one day meaningful to the child as well. Photographs are powerful time capsules, so use them to your advantage by booking a maternity session while you can still rock that belly!
Also, how wonderful would it be to show your little one- once they are at the age where they can start understanding- that they once were in your body?! This may or may not start a series of curious questions...so be prepared to navigate that!
Or how cool would it be to print one or a few of your maternity photos and make a gallery wall and/or album of different stages of your little one's first few years- starting with pregnant belly photographs? I guarantee you that these will be some of your and your child's proudest possessions one day.
Whether you choose to do a solo maternity session or bring your significant other, let that moment be about you. Allow it to be a celebration of yourself and your wonderful body. You deserve it.
If you live in the Jacksonville, St John's County, or St Augustine area, I am here and ready to celebrate your wonderful pregnant self.
With love,
Sofia, the Curl with a Camera
