Why You Should Hire a Photographer for Your Maternity Photos

Hey there, glowing mama! Are you thinking about celebrating your superpower of creating and growing a cute little human in your belly? What better way to do this than with a photoshoot that you and your baby can remember and treasure forever!

Pregnancy Story Time!
I want to tell you a story about my maternity photo session. I was pregnant during a challenging time. I was in a new city without family and friends. I had to drop out of school and switched career to care for a family member who was injured and temporarily disabled.

On top of having so many things going on, I also felt so uncomfortable and tired all the time. I thought about how I could make myself look presentable when I couldn't even cut my own toe nails? Alas, I wasn't convinced to do a maternity session until someone gave me a perspective that I should look further in the future and that the maternity session is not really for me, but for my son and his future family. I finally had my maternity session 1.5 weeks before my due date. Yes, very late, not recommended. I was soooo happy when I found a photographer who could take me at the last minute. I remember the relief I felt, which is why I try to provide last minute sessions to my clients as much as I can.

To this day, that session was definitely my top 3 most memorable sessions I've ever had. It felt magical, the photographer made me feel comfortable and beautiful. And my son LOVES seeing the photos! We have some of the photos hanging in our home. Since he was a baby, he often stares at it in disbelief. It's like Heidi says: "One day you're in, the next day you're out!" LOL. 

So if you're unsure... I want you to think 5 years from now, you and your kids are flipping through the photo album with your maternity photos, and you sharing stories of when you have them in your belly and them being mesmerized by your superpower, then fast forward 35 years from now when they are sharing those photos and stories with their kids, your grandkids... How would you feel?

Let the Pros Work Their Magic

You're rocking that baby bump like a boss, but when the camera comes out, suddenly you have no idea how to pose and you’re worried about the angles and the lighting and want your baby bump to be distinct and show off your shape! Your professional portrait and family photographer should be your cheerleader! We know all the tricks to make you feel like a superstar, especially on days when you're feeling a bit bloated, blah, or just that got that low energy bug in your third trimester.

I’m so honored to have photographed hundreds of expecting moms throughout my career. Whether you’re shy, or an expert at modeling, I can make you feel comfortable and at ease, and still manage to get the best angles and poses to make your magical portrait. 

Baby Bump + Mama To Be With A Sparkle

Your cell phone takes nice portraits, but it’s hard to teach someone else how to take the poses that make YOU feel confident. And it will take so much more time and planning for you to use self timer mode and to plan an outfit and repeatedly have to pose and check how it turned out, tweak it, and then do it again and again. And don’t even get me started on lighting, pose experience, post session editing..and more!

Usually, photographers spend 2 - 4x as much time editing as they do actually shooting during a photo session. We have all the skills, gear, backdrops, props, outfits, and fancy lighting down… and creativity is our love language. But then we take your maternity pictures from sweet and sentimental, and add that extra ingredient to turn them into pure magic you’ll be obsessed over for years to come! Plus, we'll bring fresh ideas and concepts that'll make your maternity photoshoot sparkle like no other. Yes, that exact sparkle that makes you feel like a goddess as you celebrate all that you’re capable of - and the beauty that you bring to the table. 

When working with me, all of your maternity photos are edited in my signature style. But if you want to proudly show off your stretch marks as a beautiful reminder of what your body has greeted, or you want your skin to be smooth - I can do it all. I offer optional retouching services based on your preference!

Stress Less + Let Loose

Who needs extra stress when you're busy being a superhero mom-to-be? Not you, my friend! By hiring a pro photographer, you can kick back and relax while they handle all the behind-the-scenes stuff. From finding the perfect spot to wrangling props, we’ve got it covered, leaving you free to focus on more important things, like picking out baby names or indulging in some serious pregnancy cravings. Oh.. and don’t get me started on the fact that I have a collection of show-stopping maternity outfits you can use for your session! I also have an on-call hair and makeup artist who can come to the studio to make your whole session seamless and stress-free! 

Your Vision, Your Vibe

Your maternity photos should scream YOU – your style, your vibe, your personality, your beauty, your aesthetic. And guess what? A pro photographer totally gets that. I’ll chat with you about your vision, whether it's a cozy indoor shoot or a breezy beachy or scenic session with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in the background (and Karl of course - our infamous fog in San Francisco). Then we get to work our magic to bring it to life. It's like having your own personal paparazzi, but without the stress.

And we can ebb and flow into different poses and even talk about life or whatever is on your mind while we do. I like to get to know you so I can make sure to tell your story in a way that feels authentic for you - not just what comes naturally to me. And the best part – your gallery is usually ready by the 2 week mark, and I offer rush editing if needed too! 

Pregnancy Memories That Last

Just a few years from now, and there you are, flipping through your photo albums filled with memories so sweet they make you tear up and smile at the same time. That's why hiring a professional maternity photographer for your maternity photos is so important. They're not just snapshots; they're priceless treasures that allow you to look back on these moments years from now and to be able to relive them with your little one, or with family by your side.

So, there you have it, mama – the scoop on why splurging on a maternity photographer for your maternity shoot is the ultimate move. Trust me, investing in those stunning photos is worth every penny. And you know what? They are way more affordable than you think… and I offer payment plans and bundled packages (that come with savings!)

The only regret I hear from my clients is that they wish they had done this for every pregnancy and not just their current one. Hindsight is 20/20 - but you don’t want to miss this opportunity and be filled with “I wish I would have booked a session.”

After all, this moment only happens once, so why not capture it in all its fabulousness? Go ahead, book your maternity photographer, strike a pose, and let the magic unfold!

San Francisco Bay Maternity Photos?! Count me in! 

Oh, and speaking of capturing those moments, if you're in the San Francisco Bay Area or Marin County and you're on the hunt for a photographer who's all about making memories, then you're in the right place! I'm here to turn your maternity dreams into reality, so let's chat and make some photo magic happen!

For Indoors Maternity: I have a studio right here in Marin (Sausalito area) that is included in all of my sessions - and trust me… it’s a magic maker! If you like studio maternity sessions - this is for you!

For Outdoors Maternity: I am familiar with so many beautiful locations for photoshoots in the San Francisco Bay and Marin area. I can guide you in choosing the best photo spot, or the most meaningful location to have your maternity photoshoot in the Bay Area.

See more of my maternity photoshoots on my blog and read more about my San Francisco Maternity photoshoots, sessions, and packages.

Have questions? Reach out! minianna.com/contact