Pregnancy is a magical time for expecting moms as they get to experience an incredible miracle firsthand. It can be even more precious when you have your family to enjoy it with you. One of the best ways to remember pregnancy with your loved ones is with family maternity photos.
Family photography during pregnancy is a great way to capture your growing family and celebrate the impending birth of a new life. A maternity shoot with the kids also acts as an opportunity for the big brother and/or big sister to develop a bond with the new baby before the sweet girl or boy arrives.
If you’re looking for a better way to preserve the excitement of your pregnancy during such a special time, consider scheduling a family maternity session.
What are Family Maternity Photos?
Family maternity photos essentially combine family photos with a maternity session. However, just like in traditional maternity photos, the mom-to-be is the star of the show. You and your baby bump are the primary focus, although your family members will also play prominent roles.
Our children grow up so fast that it can be hard to keep up. A maternity photo session with your significant other and children is a fun way to showcase those last several weeks together before the arrival of your new baby girl or boy. If this is your first baby, you may enjoy taking photos with just your partner or even with your extended family.
Family Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
Family maternity photography is the perfect way to document your pregnancy with the people you love most in life. The great thing about a portrait session is that there is no right or wrong way to do it. Whether you prefer something simple and traditional or want a fun and energetic shoot, your family is sure to cherish these photos for years to come.
Before the big day, you’ll want to sit down with the family and brainstorm some ideas for your photo session. Some options include:
1. Hug Belly Poses
The right posing can make all the difference in maternity pictures. When mom is photographed alone, the focus is usually on her belly and may include her hands placed strategically on her bump. One way to incorporate family members into a maternity photo is to have a partner and/or kids embrace the belly.
There are many ways this can be achieved. For example, you could hold your toddler on one hip as your partner hugs the belly from the other side, essentially sandwiching your child between the parents. Another popular pose for couples involves the partner standing behind the expecting mom, wrapping his arms around her, and holding her bump.
Of course, there are many other ways to incorporate the family, such as by having everyone sit on a blanket or the grass as they hug mom’s belly and each other. Both parents can also stand while the children stand in front, placing their hands on her bump as they turn to smile at the camera.
2. Include the Sonogram
While you may still have a few weeks until your little boy or girl is born, that doesn’t mean your precious bundle can’t be in the photos. Consider including a sonogram photo in your maternity photo shoot. A sonogram represents the first time you saw the precious life growing inside of you. When included in a session, a sonogram is a great way to show your excitement for the birth.
Consider taking a variety of photos using the sonogram. Start with a close-up of your bump with the sonogram on full display over your belly. Ask your family members to hold the sonogram in place so that each person is touching a part of the sonogram picture.
Another maternity photo shoot idea involves you and your partner holding the sonogram in front of you, framed or unframed. You may want to kiss or look into each other’s eyes in the background as the sonogram takes focus in the foreground.
3. Use Cute Maternity Photoshoot Props
You may want to include props in your maternity photography session as a fun way to add more visual interest. A pair of baby shoes or a onesie are classic options and help preserve the memory of your baby’s first pieces of clothing. You could also include blue or pink balloons or a sign that “it’s a boy” or “it’s a girl.”
There are many fun ways to include kids in a maternity photoshoot by asking them to do an important job. Your child could wear a “big brother” or “big sister” shirt or hold a sign that showcases their new role in the family. Many families also love signs that provide information, such as the due date and the baby’s name.
Props can also be fashionable. For example, flower crowns can be a beautiful addition to a session, especially for shoots in an outdoor location. A floral crown can be worn by just mom or all the females in the family.
Where to Take Your Maternity Pictures
Finding the perfect location to take your maternity pictures can sometimes be tough. Consider your favorite places near you that have meaning, such as the place you took your engagement photos or the place where you and your spouse first met. If an outdoor session is not possible due to weather or other reasons, consider taking your pictures at home or in a professional studio.
Here’s a closer look at some of these options and the advantages of each:
In the Studio
In-studio photography is a popular option as it gives both the client and photographer more control over the outcome of the photos. You don’t have to worry about rescheduling due to rain or having to deal with uncomfortable temperatures. It is also easier to keep your children contained in a safe space, allowing you to better focus on getting the best photos possible.
An in-studio session is also the ideal option for couples that want their privacy. Maternity portraits can be an intimate experience that families do not want to share with passersby. A studio session provides families with the comfort and privacy they seek. Amenities are also just a few steps away, whether it be a cold beverage or a trip to the restroom.
When you go to a professional studio, you can also enjoy the experience without getting too tired. While outdoor sessions are wonderful, some require extensive walking to get to a scenic location. In-studio sessions require minimal walking and provide moms-to-be cozy places to rest and relax.
Outdoors
When it comes to outdoor photo sessions, the opportunities are endless. Mother Nature is beautiful and provides a wide range of options for families, from wooded areas and water features to secluded cottages and country farms. Consider what type of background most suits your family.
Some families live, work, and have fun in the city and prefer to include cityscapes in their photos. It is possible to get stunning pictures in the middle of the city. Your family will of course be the focus, but it can be fun to have crowds blurred in the background or the pops of color that come from lights and other objects.
If you prefer the allure of the country, consider having your photo session in a field of beautiful flowers or a clearing in a forest. The beach is also a popular place to take photos as the water and horizon add something truly special to any portrait.
At Home
Not every expecting mom wants to leave the comfort of her home for a maternity photoshoot. Fortunately, there are many incredible maternity photographers who will go to their client’s homes.
The bedroom is a popular place to have a family maternity photo session. The family can sit on the bed, snuggle, and have fun. Children are often more comfortable in their own homes, and this really shows on camera. The entire family can relax and experience real laughter and joy.
Maternity photos can also be taken in other areas of the home, such as in the living room on the sofa or in front of a window with natural light filtering in. When taking pictures at home, consider the best time of day. Natural lighting can often provide a better glow than artificial lighting, so consider a session during peak daylight hours.
What to Wear for Your Family Maternity Session
One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make when planning your family maternity session is what you’ll wear. The right outfit can make you feel beautiful and confident which is important whenever you’re getting your picture taken. As a family, you may want to choose a theme. You don’t necessarily need to be ‘matchy-matchy,’ but stick with a simple color palette.
If you’re in search of the perfect dress for the occasion, choose J&L Designs Boutique. J&L Designs offers an impressive selection of maternity gowns in many incredible styles. You can even find the perfect maternity dress for your upcoming newborn session or other events, such as baby showers, weddings, pregnancy reveals, or formal gatherings! Shop our handmade, beautiful dresses at J&L Designs for a stunning dress that fits your lifestyle and budget.