When you are expecting another child, I know it can be hard to schedule a maternity session just for yourself. You may feel guilty about putting your needs and desires first, or worry that it’s going to take too much time. However, today I am going to show you that no matter how many kids you have or how busy your schedule is, you have time for a maternity photo session. The session I am about to share was less than 20 minutes start to finish, and you will be amazed at the variety of images we were able to create in that time. Just 20 minutes!! You can spare that right?
I’m still glowing from photographing Lauren, who was 32 weeks pregnant with her third child and looking straight up gorgeous!
Lauren and I met when we had both traveled to National Harbor, Maryland to attend the Imaging USA annual conference hosted by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA).
This year, the host hotel for Imaging USA was the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, which boasts a 19-story indoor garden atrium with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the Potomac River. Despite the fact that it had snowed the day before, we were able to complete Lauren’s maternity photo session by taking advantage of the abundant natural light, gorgeous backdrops including trees, buildings, and a fountain.
Prior to the session, Lauren and I had a brief wardrobe consultation. She pulled up some pictures on her phone of a pretty rust-colored dress that she had worn previously and packed for the trip. Ultimately I steered her away from the dress for two reasons: 1 - She already had some pictures of herself that were taken in the dress, and 2 - I noticed that she was wearing jeans and a sweater, and she looked comfortable and casual. I asked if that was more along the lines of her normal style, and she said, “Absolutely!”
With wardrobe decided, Lauren seemed pretty excited and relaxed about our shoot together. Afterward she said, “It’s always nerve-wracking getting your photo taken, especially when those images are just of you! But I felt comfortable and had lots of laughs.”
Lauren and her husband have two older children, and she told me that this pregnancy they have traveled a lot! Their children are at great ages to experience so many things from relaxing beach vacations to learning in Washington DC.
One of Lauren’s favorite activities during her pregnancy has been enjoying quiet walks by herself. She uses this as an opportunity to unplug and listens only to the sounds of nature that surround her during her walk. If you are feeling stressed from all your responsibilities, I would highly recommend you do the same. Exercise releases endorphins, and nature sounds are very calming!
I asked Lauren if she had any advice to give other expecting mothers for their maternity session. She said, “Even if you’re nervous do it anyway. No matter how you’re feeling - this time goes by too fast and its worth preserving in printed photographs.” I couldn’t agree more!
You make my job easy, Lauren. It was an absolute pleasure hanging out with you and photographing you during this sweet time of your life! Thank you for inspiring other moms to take the plunge and schedule their own maternity session. I am excited to hear their stories, and share them with you!
Jill Nissen is a proud member of the PPA (Professional Photographers of America), an organization dedicated to helping photographers grow their practices, exceed customer expectations, and push the artistic envelope. Jill is the CEO (Chief Everything Officer) of The Proof Photography in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in helping busy moms make family history through creative portrait experiences and heirloom-quality custom artwork. Whether you are looking for a maternity photo session, a studio session for your baby or older child, or a family session outdoors in ANY season, contact Jill for more information and a free consultation!
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