Why You Won’t Regret Scheduling Maternity Photos

If I’m honest, I was so nervous to schedule my own maternity photos when I was welcoming my first child. It felt uncomfortable to me, and I don’t love having all the attention on me, especially with a camera. But you know what? I scheduled a maternity photo session with both of my children and it’s something I’ll never regret.

Maybe you’re like me and you aren’t so sure about scheduling a maternity photo session. Maybe it sounds awkward to you, maybe you can’t fathom adding another thing to your plate before baby gets here. Maybe it’s been a hard pregnancy and you just don’t feel great. Maybe you don’t feel your best and you simply don’t want to be photographed. I completely understand the multitude of reasons, yet I still think it’s something totally worth doing.

Here are 3 reasons why you should consider scheduling maternity photos:

1. Pause, Savor & Celebrate

Before you welcome your baby, a maternity photo session gives you the chance to pause and take it all in. A chance to revel in the fact that life is about to change and you’ll soon get to meet your little one. It’s a season and transition no one can prepare you for, and personally, it’s such a treat for me to look back at my maternity photos and think just how different life was before we welcomed each of our children.

2. A Chance to Pamper Yourself and Feel Your Best

Maybe you’ve had a smooth and blissful pregnancy, or maybe it’s been a bit bumpy and you’re just ready to feel “normal.” Whichever camp you fall in, giving yourself the luxury of feeling your best and pampering yourself for a photo session is such a treat!!

For my first maternity session, I scheduled hair and makeup and it felt so amazing to be pampered in that way. I ended up having to do my own hair and makeup for my second maternity session since it was winter time in the middle of the pandemic, and I missed having the chance to go get my hair and makeup done. It forces you to pause, celebrate the fact that your body is doing amazing things and carrying life. It’s truly a miracle, isn’t it? And plus, the pampering goes beyond hair, makeup and a fun outfit. Believe me, I’m going to dote on you too! You’re doing hard work, and you’re one beautiful mama!

3. Photos for You, and Your baby

Let’s be honest. These photographs are for you, and for celebrating this beautiful gift of carrying your child. But, your maternity photos will only grow in value and meaning as the years pass. You’ll get to show these photos to your baby as they grow up. They’ll ask about being in your tummy, and you’ll have beautiful photos to share with them. And when your babies go off to college, or have babies of their own, you can share these photos and share this incredible season all over again. It’s truly something you won’t regret!

PS – if a traditional full-length maternity session feels like more than you want, I also offer mini maternity sessions when booked with a newborn session! It’s one of my most popular offerings. You get to document your new baby when they arrive, and also have a few portraits of you during your pregnancy. It’s a win-win! (And her dress is from Abercrombie – isn’t it lovely!?)

Amy Nicole Photography (Amy Cherry) has been a photographer for over 15 years. Amy is a family & newborn lifestyle photographer serving Charlottesville and Richmond, Virginia. She creates timeless, genuine and effortless photos for you and your family to enjoy for years to come. She offers on-location, at-home, studio and outdoor family photo sessions