Dallas Maternity Photographer - Why do I need maternity pictures?
Can I tell you something that I regret? After 5 pregnancies, and 4 babies welcomed in this world, I very much regret NOT having maternity pictures done for myself. We lost our first baby very early on in pregnancy. I never looked pregnant, although I felt it. There is a picture of me where I knew I was pregnant, and it still gets to me bit, just knowing that baby was inside of me!! Maternity pictures were not quite as popular when I had my first two boys. With my third and the fourth boys I was SO big, SO fast that I just thought there was no way I wanted to document that time in my life. And now… almost 5 years after having our last baby, I totally regret it! Someone please learn from me on this.
When I first discussed doing this maternity session for Miranda, I could tell she was excited but hesitant. There is definitely something vulnerable that is exposed during maternity sessions. The best time for schedule is between 28 and 36 weeks (or seventh or eight months of pregnancy), and that is typically when most mamas are feeling bigger, and maybe not so comfortable anymore. BUT this is my FAVORITE time to capture pregnancy!! When the belly is nice and round, and you can feel them moving around and participating in the session almost.
“As I feel the end coming to this journey, I am focusing on how lucky I am to be able to carry this sweet girl. Blessed beyond measure to be able to be her home, her first safe place, feel her sass from the start, the kicks when anyone touches my stomach, the punches when brother sits on her, I am so excited to meet her!” - Miranda
Sometimes the start of maternity sessions (or any session really) mom’s can tend to feel timid, but as the session rolls on, clients become more comfortable and free as we talk and laugh, and I inevitably do something to embarrass myself. (It’s fine. I’m awkward. I have accepted it.)
I warned Miranda before the session I had a “vision” I wanted to capture. This was probably the last warm day before “winter” here in North Texas. So, of course I asked her to get in the lake! When discussing her wardrobe prior to the session, I told her I had dress for her to use, but she had a dress in mind. The dress she wore when her husband proposed. It added something even more sweet to the session.
"I don't need to remember being fat in a dress in the middle of a field."…
”I cried when I saw this photo. I do need this. I need to remember a time when it was just Ford and I. When we were just best friends waiting on baby sister to get here.” -Miranda
No matter how you are “feeling” during your pregnancy you will not regret having these pictures taken. Each pregnancy is different. While some mom's feel radiant and beautiful, there are those of us who struggle to get our yoga pants on in the morning, and keep our saltine crackers down.
But I promise you it will be worth it. These pictures document the beginning of the new life that is about to forever change your world! And I can’t wait to see what memories we can create for you!
Maternity sessions can be booked as stand alone sessions with Stefanie Rose Photography, but I highly recommend bundling your maternity & newborn session together! Remember the best time to shoot your maternity session is between 7-8 months, so you will want to book with enough time to plan wardrobe, and possibly hair and makeup.
Check out my behind the scenes video of an in-home newborn session to see why these 2 sessions compliment one another.