I wanted to share with you some images from my maternity photo shoot. ❤️ In my first pregnancy I was tempted to have professional photographs taken but I didn’t because of the cost – I thought I should rather spend the money on the baby and not myself. Now that I’ve been a mum for more than two years I know that by this rationale I will never get anything for myself! Of course a photo shoot is complete luxury but if you have the opportunity (and the cash) it’s a lovely way to create a lasting memory of this special and short time of our lives. Besides, there’s never too much (if any) glamour in the mum life!
It’s not necessarily easy to feel beautiful and comfortable in the very pregnant body and the idea of posing for the camera can feel pretty daunting. It’s definitely not something I’m used to nor something I feel very comfortable doing. That being said, a good photographer will help you feel at ease and to find your best angles. It also helped me to have this special reason for taking the pictures, the bump, and it felt less about me and hence less awkward!
When I started Googling maternity photography, many black and white studio photographs, especially semi-nudes, popped up. I thought they were beautiful but I was more drawn to those taken outdoors (fully clothed). There was one photographer in North London who’s style I liked in particular (Eva White Photography). She specialises in outdoor maternity photography and I thought her fairy-like maternity photos out in the nature were the perfect celebration of the natural state of pregnancy. The only problem was that by the time I’d have a proper bump and time to do a photo session it would be December… It doesn’t snow in London and although it’s warm enough for some greenery, the winter months aren’t that beautiful and the weather is often rainy. I contacted the photographer regardless and she was encouraging and said we can add drama to photos with colourful dresses and such – and that we can monitor the weather and reschedule accordingly. And with that I booked the session!
I could choose two of Eva’s dresses for the photo shoot package I booked (the “Mini”), but I ended up buying one online because I had a specific look in my mind and I managed to find this dark red, fitted dress with a lovely long train quite cheaply. 😊 It was “one size” and I ordered it last minute, so it was all a bit of a gamble, but luckily it fitted beautifully! The second dress I wore was from the photographer’s collection which we pinned on me to look the right size (see my next post).
I had my photo shoot when I was 34-weeks pregnant in mid-December and had started my maternity leave. Weather was horrendous that week – it was grey and rainy and all the colourful autumn leaves had already fallen… We rescheduled once but then decided to chance it – and got lucky! It was cold but not raining and even the sun came out! I was wearing thick leggings underneath the dress and in between takes I wore my husband’s huge, puffy ski jacket to avoid getting cold. We went to Regent’s Park which is beautiful with water fountains and bridges, and is relatively close to where we live in London.
I had so much fun! Yes I was a bit nervous and looked awkward in some photos but mostly I really enjoyed the experience and there were plenty of photos to choose from! I am so happy I insisted on taking the photos outdoors because the park setting, in my opinion, was beautiful despite the time of the year. To save money I did my own hair and make up but that didn’t matter – the gorgeous backdrop made up for any shortcomings in my styling skills. I had chosen the cheapest package of eight photos (and the same eight in black and white) which of course is plenty, but it was difficult to choose only eight! And no, I don’t know what to do with them (😂)!! Maybe I’ll have one framed and will keep the rest in the drawer but I’m glad to have them.
I’ve always felt appreciative of my body for giving me my babies (who wouldn’t!? It’s so amazing). Although having children is the most natural thing in the world, it shouldn’t be taken for granted. But I think it’s one thing to feel grateful for what your body is doing for you and another thing to feel confident and happy in it during the process! Having these pictures actually makes me feel more beautiful and to love my pregnant body more. And they are lovely to look at when you look and feel a hot mess, which is the everyday reality for most of us mums! 😆
More photos next time!
xoxoxo.
Sini