Top Reasons Moms-to-Be Say They Aren’t Booking Maternity Photos - And Why You Still Should!
As a maternity photographer in the Seattle area, I can’t tell you how often a client tells me, “I was hesitant/nervous about maternity photos, but I’m so incredibly glad that I did it!” And as much as I love those moments, it also saddens me to think about all the amazing moms out there who were hesitant too but made a different decision and didn’t venture out of their comfort zone for maternity portraits.
If you’re on the fence, I completely get it! Trust me when I say that you don’t have to worry nearly as much as you think. Here are some of the top reasons I hear from women about why they haven’t booked their maternity photos yet and how I ease their fears.
I don’t have anything to wear.
That’s completely fine, because you don’t have to! I have a huge client closet of maternity gowns, with a selection that’s size-inclusive and spans so many different styles and aesthetics. If you prefer to wear your own clothes, my photo shoot consultations include styling - I can even go into your closet with you to put together some options. Either way, I promise I won’t let you look bad. I know exactly what will flatter you best on camera.
I don’t feel beautiful right now.
As a mom of three, I absolutely understand this feeling. As women, how we feel about our bodies is complicated already, so you throw in the fact that your body is changing every single day while you’re pregnant and it’s perfectly natural to feel self-conscious. But that’s actually one of the most important reasons you should have maternity photos taken.
It’s a chance for you to see yourself and your beauty through someone else’s eyes and to highlight how absolutely stunning and feminine you are as your body does the incredible work of growing a new life. Plus, with professional hair and makeup services included in your session along with my expert styling, this is a chance for you to get dolled up and look especially amazing.
I didn’t have maternity photos for my other pregnancies.
As a parent, even as hard as you might try, you won’t do everything the same with every child. Maybe your last pregnancy was during COVID so a photo shoot wasn’t an option. Maybe this is your last pregnancy and you really want to remember it, or maybe you just couldn’t talk yourself into taking the leap last time. All of this is completely okay, and it’s better to have special portraits from one of your pregnancies than none at all.
I don’t know how to pose.
Unless you’re a professional model, of course, you don’t know how to pose - you don’t need to. That’s what I’m here for. As a professional photographer (specializing in maternity and a self-proclaimed curvy girl as well), I know precisely how to guide your posing throughout your photo shoot to bring out all your best features. It’s my job to make you look and feel amazing - I got you!
I’m not photogenic like the models you use.
You’ve probably seen the photos I post on Instagram and my website, but these aren’t models - they’re REAL women and mothers who spend most of their days in a messy bun and no makeup like the rest of us. Everyone is photogenic and I stand by that - it just takes a photographer who knows how to capture your true self and beauty.
I firmly believe that maternity photography is something every mom should have to celebrate this incredible journey in life and to remind yourself what a gorgeous woman you are, and I’m here to help! Contact Jaimié Birtel Photography to give yourself that lifelong gift.
