You are growing a tiny little human!

Whether it is your 1st baby or 5th, pregnancy is something to be celebrated and i want to help you do that. Your body is doing the most amazing thing right now and it should be documented, not only for yourself but to share with your little one in years to come. Right now, it is just you and them, the two of you sharing this journey. Only you can feel those movements inside, that little bond before you have even meet and in a flash the pregnancy will be over and you will be sharing the baby with others. So for now, lets celebrate you and book a pregnancy photoshoot!

Today is the day to treat yourself. There is so much you can't do during pregnancy but you can do the following

Get your nails done, get a blow dry, have your makeup done, maybe even pop on some fake tan and go all out!You will only have THIS pregnancy once. You may only experience pregnancy once in your lifetime so let's document it.

Reasons i have heard why people didn't book a maternity photoshoot.

1. They felt self conscience

   2.They didn't have anything to wear

   3.They couldn't afford it

   4.They had stretch marks

   5.They didn't realise it 'was a thing'

   6.They were superstitious

   7.They didn't think it was important

   8.Did one with the 1st baby so didn't 'need' another one

Let's go through these........

1. I get it, you have gained weight and your feet are swollen. You feel a little uncomfortable and clothes don't fit. I've been there so trust me i get it. My style of Pregnancy photography is relaxed and natural. No shoes required! yay. I use loose fitted clothing to make you feel comfortable and you can cover up as much as you wish. It is my job to photograph you in the most beautiful and flattering way. I know the angles :)

2. Congratulations, you’re pregnant! but suddenly you have to dress for a body shape you aren’t used to. Thankfully i provide most items for my sessions such as dresses and cover ups, long over sized cardigans and shirts. All you need to provide is comfortable underwear and i will do the rest. My Maternity sessions are very much bump focused so i do not use puffy dresses or over the top clothing. Think striped back and minimal.

3. Babies are expensive aren't they! Especially the first as you have to buy everything. I can tell you now you do not need all the things! Your baby will likely hate the moving baby seat or never sleep in the Moses basket. There is this pressure to buy all the latest top of the range baby items when in reality they only get 2/3 months use of. Cut back on one item and have lifelong images and memories instead. A lot of mums ask for a gift voucher for a photoshoot at baby showers instead of people buying individual smaller items like blankets etc.

4. Those stretch marks are your tiger strips ladies! Evidence that your body housed your little baby for 9 months! Embrace them because you are amazing! If its an issue for you, no problem we can still photograph your pregnancy without skin on show if that's what you prefer.

5. I get this, people just didn't know it was something that you can do and the main reason for this is it is not seen enough. Let's change this ladies and get those beautiful bumps out.

6. Again, this is something i can relate to. I have sadly experienced lose so i understand the worry. Its all about having a positive mindset and celebrating all these amazing moments in your life.

7. This is sad only because i have had new mums in my studio with their 10 day old baby and already saying 'i regret not having a maternity photoshoot'. They already miss the bump, the kicks, the bond, the pregnancy. They didn't think it was important at the time but deeply regret it very soon afterwards.

8. Ok, so here's the thing. Each pregnancy and baby is different. You deserve to have those moments captured with each of your children. You will feel different in each pregnancy, and you will likely have more confidence second time round as you already know what to expect. Again, there is very little you can do during pregnancy but this is something you can. Let each child see you carrying them and they will know they were all celebrated before they even arrived.

And those are my reasons why you should book the pregnancy shoot.............

Natasha x

Blog | Northern Ireland newborn photographer