A Pregnant Newborn Photographer's Journey- Part 2- Maternity

May 16, 2017  •  1 Comment

Once the announcement was finished, we immediately began to talk about maternity portraits. This is my last baby and I had never done formal maternity portraits, so I wanted to make sure that I did them this time! Since I was due in May and we live in Northern Virginia, we discussed doing a maternity session that would be stunning local favorite: at the DC cherry blossoms! If you live in this area, you know how crazy the weather can be. So, the forecast was for a few more weeks of winter cold and then really warm, springlike weather in rapid succession. Our plan was to do some winter/snow maternity pictures and then do our spring/cherry blossoms. Because where else can you get both sets of images within a few weeks of each other, except Northern Virginia?! Of course, if you paid any attention to what happened in this area, you know that we had a massive cold front come through at just the wrong time and most of the blossoms died! We were so disappointed, but we WERE able to get our winter/snow maternity session in. I am so grateful to Kristen Abraham Photography for lending me one of her maternity dresses. None of the ones that I had available to me were what I was looking for because I really wanted something dark that would pop against the white snow. (Plus, having something with sleeves was helpful in the cold!!)

Throughout the blog, I wanted to talk a little bit about what it was like to be on the other side of the lens and what tips I would offer to women going to have their maternity portraits taken. 

First, I have to say that although I was self-conscious (there's a reason why I'm the one always behind the camera), it was SO helpful to have two people with me that I was comfortable with, and trusted to make me look as good as possible. Knowing their work and that they have the experience and knowledge to create beautiful portraits really made me much more comfortable.

So, tip #1: Find a photographer (or photographers) that you trust to make you comfortable and look good! And if nothing else, you guys will have fun!! 

www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017

(Top image is Second Ave Photography; bottom image is Jamie Romaezi Photography)

Second, standing in the snow in a maternity dress was COLD after awhile! If I had to do it again, I would have an assistant close by to have my winter coat available when needed. 

Tip #2: Be aware of temperature and what your needs will be during the session. 

(Image above credited to Jamie Romaezi Photography.)

Third, I realized AFTER the session that I hadn't done anything with my fingernails. No polish, no filing, no even lengths, nothing. I also didn't touch up my roots! Ahhh! I didn't think anything of it at the time, but I definitely noticed in the final products! 

Tip #3: Take the time to pamper yourself before your session. Get your hair done, get a mani/pedi, have your jewelry cleaned, do what you need to do to present your best self.

www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017 www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017

(Top images credited to Second Ave Photography, bottom images credited to Jamie Romaezi Photography.)

Fourth, I wore the wrong bra! 

Tip #4: Maternity dresses are form fitting for a reason, but you want to make sure that you're not going to have lines under your dress. This is important not only for your final product, but also so that your photographer doesn't have to spend time trying to get rid of those lines while they are editing!

(Image above credited to Jamie Romaezi Photography)

Finally, doing a maternity session was empowering! At the end, I felt beautiful and was really proud of my body for carrying this little life around! 

Tip #5: Just do it! You won't regret it!

(Top image: Jamie Romaezi Photography, Bottom image: Second Ave Photography)

www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017www.secondavephotography.com | blaire elizabeth ring ©2017

 


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