It is no secret that poor body image and insecurity related to how we look are practically epidemics in our society today. As a luxury maternity photographer in the Baltimore/Annapolis, Maryland areas, I see that some women don’t feel comfortable in their own skin and don’t feel confident with the body they have. So much of this can be traced to the unrealistic expectations that society places on women at each stage of our lives, including during pregnancy. Everything from unsolicited comments about pregnant bodies to ads for yet another stretch-mark prevention cream keeps pregnant women chasing after a false and often unattainable standard of beauty. The truth is, it doesn’t matter if our belly buttons stick out or if they don't; if we end up with a linea negra or not. Stretch marks are a beautiful piece of evidence that our bodies grew life. Weight gain is a healthy part of pregnancy. And hormonal acne is just a sign that our bodies are doing what they’re supposed to do. Society would tell us to hide all evidence that we are pregnant except for a very particular size and shape bump, big boobs, and mermaid hair. This is not only unrealistic, but it is dishonoring to the work our bodies are doing and to the worth of the baby inside of us. Pregnancy is a time we should especially be celebrating our bodies, but instead, so many of us are crippled by insecurity.
A lot of women choose not to commemorate their pregnancy journey with a maternity photoshoot because they don’t like what they see in the mirror. Avoiding pictures of ourselves is an understandable impulse when we’re feeling self-conscious, but pictures may very well be part of the solution. Poor body image requires rewiring our brains to look at our bodies with appreciation and admiration rather than with a critical eye.
Maternity photos are a way to celebrate your body. Rather than hiding from cameras, which reinforces a negative view of your body, why not make a choice to celebrate it? It may not feel good at first, but the more you actively embrace your body, the more comfortable you will start feeling with it. Maternity photos can boost your confidence and self-esteem, helping you to look at your body with love.
In addition to that I have an entire article that I wrote on how to look good in your photos. Check it out here.
Maternity photos are a decision to celebrate your baby. Your precious little baby is the incredible reason behind all these bodily changes, and what a worthy reason! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate the life growing inside of you even before you get to meet your little one. Pregnancy is the very beginning of a lifelong love for your child, and a photoshoot commemorating this time is so very special.
Maternity photos are special for your loved ones. Maternity photos are not just for you. Your partner will love looking at gorgeous pictures of the mother of his child carrying his baby. They are also special for your parents, who have the privilege of witnessing their own baby grow up and become a mother. Finally, they will be a treasure for your child to look at and see just how excited his or her parents were for the arrival of their baby.
Speaking of the loved ones in your life. Want my list of fun things to do with your toddler or preschooler in Annapolis, Baltimore, MD and D.C.? I have all the details on this blog post.
Maternity photos document a special moment in time. It may sometimes feel like pregnancy lasts forever. But the truth is, this miraculous time of growing a baby in your womb goes by so fast. Pictures help to stop time for a moment and document a process of such great significance. Pictures are mementos to be framed and admired, and what more appropriate time than during the creation of life?
What may seem like self-protection in opting out of a maternity photo session may actually be a missed opportunity - both in the process of taking the photos and in the end result. The potential benefits outweigh the risk when it comes to possibly having an entirely new and positive view of your body, and appreciation for all its hard work. This new mindset will also help set you up well to have a gracious and appreciative view of your postpartum body.
Why do you deserve a luxury maternity session? I'll tell you here.
I am passionate about using photography - specifically maternity sessions - to help mothers-to-be feel like the gorgeous goddesses that they are. I love to combine a unique and creative flair with whimsical clothing and settings to create images that you can’t help but pour over again and again for years to come. I like to work with my Baltimore, Annapolis, and DC clients in a very individual and customized way, so if you are interested in booking a maternity session, or if you have any questions, I would love to chat with you over the phone. Simply fill out the form on my Contact page, and I will be in touch! I can’t wait to work with you, and I am so proud of you for taking this step to celebrate your body and your baby!
0 Comments