Most of my clients who commission me for a newborn session also add on a maternity session as well. But there are a few who don't. Which is fine, of course, except when I hear "I would never have photos of me taken when I feel this huge." That breaks my heart. So if you're one of those who think that, read on.

These are the last few weeks that it will just be you and your husband. You will look different as a couple after your baby arrives. I can't put my finger on exactly what it is but it is noticeable when I walk into a client's home that first time after their baby is born. There is an exhaustion and a knowledge and a peacefulness and a quiet joy after the baby arrives that is a visible difference to the anticipation and happiness and energy I see in a couple in their maternity session.
 
And if this baby isn't your first child, it's still so important. Because it's the last few weeks that you will be a family of three - or four, or five, you catch my drift. And you will look back and remember how easy it was to get things done with just one. And how your first child was the centre of your family in a way that just doesn't happen when you add another one into the mix.


No matter how you think you look in those moments when nothing fits and you can't see your toes, there is a beautiful life growing inside of you. Sounds cheesy but really, think of all your body is doing right now. It's strong and beautiful. You will look back 6 months after your baby was born (when things still aren't quite fitting but you can look back with admiration at what you did) and wish you had the photographs. I guarantee when your kids are older they will want to know what you looked like when you were pregnant with them.
 
And a maternity session is something that a few snapshots by your husband or best friend can't really replace. Trust me, a professional photographer knows how to use light, angles and gentle posing to make you look your best. Something that will not happen in a straight on snapshot when you're wearing your husband's old t-shirt that he usually wears to wash the car and your old gym shorts because they're comfy and they fit under your belly.

 Your maternity session is an hour of you and your husband hanging out, laughing, talking about names and what that first week home will be like, and loving. And me capturing it all for you to treasure.  Celebrate it.