I almost didn’t take maternity photos. In the span of pregnancy, it just felt like one more task to cross off of the list and the list was already daunting enough. I went back and forth with myself for months, but eventually I just booked the shoot, and to be honest…I dreaded it. I was tired, didn’t feel very beautiful, and getting ready was the last thing I wanted to do. But, I’m SO glad I did! And today, I’m giving you guys a peek into my modern maternity photo session!
I felt like once I hit my second trimester a giant to-do list started materializing in my mind…baby supplies, doctor visits, house projects, baby shower, gift registry, and so much more. Nesting is a real thing and being a type A planning personality probably didn’t help! It can get a little overwhelming, especially with all of those hormones coursing through your body. And to add to the list, the idea of a maternity photo shoot, and if I really wanted to do one, was running through my mind.
For me personally, I just wasn’t sure the expense, time, and energy were going to be worth it. I didn’t really know anyone in the Charlotte area that did maternity photos, let alone hair and makeup, so it seemed a little daunting to try to find the right vendors and also figure out what style of photos I wanted.
But ultimately, I was more worried that I’d regret not taking enough photos during pregnancy and looking back and regretting that I missed the whole journey, just because I wasn’t feeling my best or I was tired. I had heard from SO many people that said to take as many bump photos as you can, because time passes by in the blink of an eye (even if it doesn’t feel like it) and you’ll miss those moments. And, now, looking back, I realize how true that was. Without these photos, I really don’t have that many pics of the bump!
I hopped on Pinterest to get some inspiration. After looking through soooo many maternity photos I decided that, if I was going to do this, I wanted a modern maternity photo session. I fell in love with the clean lines, black and white images, and the sophisticated look. They just felt timeless and classic.
And once I found Mariya at River Rose Photography I made up my mind.
Her esthetic was EXACTLY what I was looking for. Not to mention that her sessions included hair and makeup ON SITE, access to all of her gowns, accessories, and outfits, and magazine style editing. SIGN. ME. UP.
Every one of the photos on her website are stunning and I knew that she was going to be the photographer to bring my modern maternity photo session to life.
Booking her was a breeze and I loved that she asked for inspiration images, hair and makeup inspiration, and even jumped on a call to discuss my vision for the shoot and what would make me comfortable.
The days leading up to the shoot, I was still kinda dreading it. I was tired, uncomfortable, and a little nervous. But Mariya made me feel so comfortable from the second I stepped into the studio on the day of our shoot. We chatted for awhile, joked, and discussed outfit ideas.
I popped into the hair and makeup chair and felt pampered and relaxed which was soooooo nice! We took photos for about 2 hours. She styled various poses, outfits, and even a few pictures with Josh too, which I loved. I left the shoot feeling relieved and excited. (I can’t recommend Mariya enough!)
It took about one week to get the first look of images and another two weeks to get all of the edited copies.
Looking through these photos now, I realize just how special they are and how much I’m going to cherish these memories down the road. Mariyah made me feel beautiful, comfortable, and so glad that I made the decision to take the leap and get out of my comfort zone.
If you’re questioning doing something like this, or you’re worried about feeling up to it, or wondering if it’s worth the expense, just do it.
And you don’t have to book a fancy modern maternity photo session either. Even if they are just on your iphone on a tripod, or taken in a park by a friend. Have friends or family help with hair or makeup and pick something you feel your best in. You won’t regret having these memories and photos to look back on in the future.
They’re so worth it!
You can read more about my pregnancy here or about my pregnancy essentials here.
