What do you think? Let’s clear this up!

Absolutely not! A maternity photoshoot is about embracing womanhood and capturing the beauty of each individual lady whilst they carry their baby. This can be clothed or semi-nude, or both. The key to a successful maternity photoshoot is inner confidence, this will then reveal your outer confidence through my lens.

I have had so many different women in the studio who want to embrace their beautiful pregnant body. Woman from all different ethnicities, shapes, and sizes, long hair, short hair, make-up, no make-up, little bumps, big bumps, stretch marks, no stretch marks, all wanting something a little different to show their unique self.

Some women are genuinely terrified of exposing their bodies in front of the camera, I know what you’re thinking – ‘well, why put themselves through it if they are nervous?’ The answer to your thoughts is, because this is a once in a lifetime opportunity which you will never be able to replicate again. Quite often it is the woman’s partner who wants the photos too, this is just as important to them as they want to cherish this beautiful time. It is a brave woman who enters my studio and allows me to capture their blossoming body in the most tasteful and beautiful way.

Other women are excited about the prospect of being photographed, will not be shy at all and ooze confidence. A woman who feels this way should truly be celebrated! I love it when women bring in screen shots of ideas they have seen, we work together to achieve the result they want and so far, everyone has been elated with the result. I recently had a lady who bought her own dress and crown to wear, she knew exactly what she wanted and we achieved it, she looked stunning.

All women are different. This is not new information. Some love to wear the big, tulle dresses with all those layers to toss and lay in. Others like a simpler look with a floaty white dress. Some enjoy wearing jeans and a crop top, others just underwear and even regular maternity clothes off the rack. All of these options are equally good, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you are not, this will show in your photos, and this is definitely not what we want.

A maternity photoshoot can be intimate, this doesn’t mean it is sexy. The intimacy in front of my lens portrays the love two people share for one another and from this love the baby they have created. It is romantic. Some men can find being in front of the camera intimidating too, they can feel self-consciousness, especially when they are shirtless. Don’t worry men out there I have a few tricks up my sleeve to hide any worries about exposing your tummy. You will mostly be posed behind your lovely lady or opposite with no gap, hiding any belly you are conscious of. This is a beautiful moment for partners to share, a private moment to remember and a moment that will only ever happen once.

Let’s talk stretch marks. They are not ugly in anyway; these are the road map to you and your baby’s journey of growth. I will not edit stretch marks for this very reason unless a client insists upon it. However, sometimes being pregnant can play havoc with our skin, therefore, if you have blemishes or spots I can wizard them away with my magic editing wand!

In saying a maternity photoshoot isn’t about being sexy, that doesn’t mean a woman shouldn’t feel sexy whilst she is pregnant. This is a time in a woman’s life where she will glow, feel radiant and fulfilled. Carrying a baby is no easy task, this is why it should be compulsory for all partners to buy their lovely lady lots of pregnancy gifts, such as flowers, chocolates, a bit of bling and non-alcoholic cocktails. Then there is the ‘push present’ (don’t worry ladies, this applies to those who are having a caesarean too) this has to be something bigger than all those other things! Partners, take note – ladies, I’ve got your back!

So, let’s talk about nudity. This is absolutely up to each individual. Although a thong at the very least must be worn. There is absolutely nothing sexual about a pregnant lady being photographed. This is an opportunity to capture a woman’s body as she creates the miracle of life. A woman’s breasts will never be exposed, just the delicate curves of her body, focusing on her growing baby bump and her hands holding the life she is yet to give birth to. A man will only ever have his chest exposed, if he chooses to and the focus of his role will be his hands, also holding the life he will share with his lady for the rest of his days. There is nothing more endearing than a man kissing his lady’s baby bump, showing so much love for his child before they have even officially met.

Please don’t forget this is a wonderful time to involve your other children in your maternity photoshoot. There is nothing more precious than a sibling hugging their new partner in crime whilst they are still inside mummy’s belly. Oh, and let’s not forget your fur baby, they are very much part of your family and will now have to share you with a baby! It’s important to get your dog involved and make them feel special, as in their mind – they were here first!

To sum up, all women are sexy in their own way, but a maternity photoshoot isn’t about portraying this, it is about capturing the beauty of the pregnant body and being in awe of the miracle of life.

If you would like to view my maternity package and gallery please see my website.