I've asked moms if they ever had a maternity photo session and a lot of them said they didn't, for a couple reasons. Some just didn't find it necessary. Some didn't feel comfortable posing in the middle of a field. And for some, it just didn't even cross their minds. Being seven months pregnant myself, now is usually the time most expectant mothers start getting ready for their maternity shoots by picking out the most beautiful gown to show off that belly. And don't get me wrong, those photos are gorgeous just like the women in them! But I'm here to show you that it's not the only way to remember this season of life.
In fact, I have been taking self-portraits to remember my own journey through this and I can tell you that none of them have me wearing special outfits, I did NOT bribe my husband to pose and touch my belly, and there were no pretty fields involved. Why? Because I just wanted to remember this time in my life exactly as I am.
I want to remember the mystery of finding clothes that fit when I wasn't sure if I was bloated or starting to look pregnant.
I want to remember what I looked like trying to navigate my own house with a belly I wasn't sure would fit through the small spaces of our home.
I want to remember just the beauty of everyday life during my pregnancy journey.
So, my goal is to give other women the same opportunity to have this chapter of their life remembered, exactly as they are, which is why I LOVED this maternity session with the A. Family just a few short weeks before they welcomed their new baby into the world.
I showed up at 7:30 AM on a Friday morning when both parents are typically home with their almost two-year old. Everyone spent the morning relaxing in pajamas, but I use the term "relaxing" loosely because how much can you really relax with a sick two year old while you're on your third trimester of pregnancy on top of it?
But, the important thing about this session is they'll be able to remember this life as a family of three before adding a second child into the mix, which brings on a lot of new changes.
They'll remember Friday morning breakfast.
They'll remember the importance of their teamwork...
They'll remember the stress of dealing with one fussy child...
...especially when you just need your morning coffee.
The best part is, when their daughter looks back at these documented images, she'll be able to see all the little things her parents did to make sure she was loved all while preparing for a new addition to their family.
The uninterrupted morning snuggles with Mom.
The little touches that say, "You matter."
You can bet that she'll look back and be able to remember all the love in her home.
So, you see why I love non-traditional maternity shoots? If you want to remember the moments over poses, then this is for you. Because this session is more than about looking back at pictures to see what you looked like; it's making photographs that make you remember what it felt like, right there and then.
If this is something you’ve been thinking about, head over here or send me an email at hello@karenw.photos and I’ll help answer any questions you may have.
This post is written by NH Family and Newborn and Maternity Photographer in New Hampshire. She serves Seacoast NH towns like Portsmouth, Durham, Dover, Exeter, Seabrook. Based in Rochester, New Hampshire, she also photographs Maine families around Kittery and York Maine. These family and newborn and maternity photoshoots around New Hampshire can be lifestyle or documentary. This post helps pregnant moms answer the question "Should I have a maternity shoot in New Hampshire?" and whether they want a traditional NH maternity session or a documentary storytelling maternity session.