Thursday, December 13, 2012

Maternity Photos: Do or Don't?

I need some help. Are maternity photos a do or a don't? 

Of course, I've seen a lot of maternity shoots that have been amazing and so sweet, which makes me want to do it as well. However, I guess my feelings are on the fence because of how I will feel after seeing them! As in, am I going to look at them and feel like a cow? Or will I look at them and think fondly about this amazing time in our lives? Will I wish I had done them if I don't? If you did them, are you happy that you did? Do you display them in your house? I also don't want to spend a ton of money on them when we are already spending a lot on baby prep. Newborn photos are a must. Are maternity photos a necessity? I think I would love to look back on the last photos of us as a family of two.


 So, anyone with experience in this category, please send along your advice. And anyone that isn't in this category...would you do maternity photos? I'm thinking the best time will be January {before the swollen hugeness sets in for real} and if I'm doing them, they will be outdoors which could be tricky.

And no bare belly shots.

Would love your advice!!
xoxo.

15 comments:

Tarabelle said...

Do you have any friends who are decent with a camera? Why not do a little informal photo sesh yourself instead of putting the money into a professional one? Picmonkey or Instagram can do wonders to increase the quality of the photos and then you not only have your pics but saved money too.

Tara

http://tarabelle-adropofink.blogspot.com/

Dana Frieling said...

I totally agree with Tara. Save your money for amazing newborn photos. It seems a bit awkward now (with older kids) when I walk into a friend's house and see maternity photos. But, not awkward at all looking at their kids as infants!

Carolina Charm said...

Same position on bridal portraits - do them! You may not frame these pictures and display them around the house, but you will have these moments captured to look back on. If you are truly on the fence, find an inexpensive photographer or have a friend take them.

And agreed - no bare belly shots.

Laurie @ Stylin Savanna said...

Oh my gosh lady.. I can't believe you are even asking the question. First off, you look amazing pregnant! Maternity photos are a TOTAL DO! I didn't with my first and I regret it every day. pregnancy is such an amazing time, you don't even realize just how amazing until after baby is already here. You'll miss those moments and it's great to have memories of the pregnancy. I'm sure you won't love every single photo (who does?!) but I'm already planning my maternity shoot!

Cotton said...

I 100% agree with Tarabelle! Find a friend with a decent camera to take the photos! Chances are, they friend knows how to photoshop (or just use picmonkey) to spruce up the pictures! 100% edit them, though. I have a friend that didn't edit any of her pregnancy photos and that is what made them awkward.

If you need help, I will edit them for you!

Unknown said...

I'm not pregnant yet but I'm definitely planning on getting maternity photos done! My sister and her husband have a nice Canon camera (the professional kind) so I'll probably get them to take the photos! I think you are absolutely gorgeous and very photogenic, so I say go for it! :)

Lindsay @ LindsayInNYC said...

We're just beginning our "trying" time but I'm on the fence. My husband is against them - he sees no purpose. Part of me is "but everyone gets them." I think I'll either find a friend or someone looking to build their business (aka do it for free - check Craigslist!) and just make a simple album with them? I don't know if I'd hang up a photo like that.

Laura S. said...

Definitely have them done, whether you have them professionally taken or a friend does it you'll be so happy you have those memories captured. I LOVE mine...but I feel like mine were more couple centered with a few of just me thrown in. I was adamant about NO BARE BELLY shots...those just make everyone uncomfortable!

megan said...

I agree with the majority above - ask a friend with a nice camera to take them..that way, if you don't like them, you didn't fork out a ton of money and if you do like them, you'll be so happy you had them done! :)

Nat said...

I'm not in your situation yet but I don't think I would pay for maternity photos- I just don't know what I would do with them! Also I know for a fact my husband would never ever agree to them. I agree with the previous poster that said have a friend with a nice camera do it, that way you'll have photos but not break the bank

April of Smidge Of This said...

I'd say it's at least worth pricing out. You may even find a photographer that, if you book them for newborn photos, they will give you a discounted rate on your maternity session!

Just like Christina said, I view these sort of like bridal portraits -- while I seriously doubt you'll be hanging a big canvas of your maternity photo above your bed, I bet you'd like to have them stored on your computer or in a little photo book to show your children one day!

Anonymous said...

I was definitely NOT going to do them, but a friend gifted me with her talent. I don't have them on display in my home, but I suppose I will look back one day and think they were cute. If I had to choose, though, I would definitely prefer to spend the money on newborn photos, clothes, pampering for yourself, etc.!

Anonymous said...

Oh and I forgot to mention- I much more enjoy my weekly pregnancy pictures and updates from my blog. Don't stop doing them!

Amanda English said...

I def like classy and cute maternity photos. I don't like the ones where skin is showing or are in sexy attire. Not my cup of tea. ;)

Kate @ Daffodils said...

I didnt do them with my boys, but I was also not cute, confident pregnant like you! (And I hardly show up in pictures when I look normal, so I guess it isnt that surprising!) I have taken maternity pics for friends who just love them, so like everyone above said, maybe find a friend who can take some on the cheap for you!