Pregnancy represents a profound milestone on the road to motherhood and deserves to be celebrated and embraced. Yet many women tend to shy away from the camera when they are pregnant, preferring instead to hide their growing bodies and choosing not to document this transformative experience.
Maternity photoshoots have recently come into the spotlight for their focus on shifting long-held perception around pregnancy. They enable women to feel confident in their changing bodies, and reflect on the beauty and joy of carrying a new life. In this article, we examine maternity photoshoots and the many ways they help to empower women during pregnancy.
1. Seeing Themselves In A Different Light
Between the stretch marks, weight gain, and swollen ankles, it can be difficult to feel positive about your appearance when you’re expecting. As your body grows and changes, you may be forced to confront your own worst vulnerabilities and limitations. Feeling self-conscious and insecure is not out of the norm for pregnant women.
While it may be challenging to change mindsets overnight, women should be encouraged to see their pregnant bodies in a new light. Maternity shoots provide an opportunity to celebrate the radiant elegance of a mother-to-be by showcasing her baby bump front and centre. Instead of hiding behind loose or ill-fitting clothes, women can feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. These photoshoots give women a chance to see themselves as strong and beautiful, and are an amazing way to help women feel empowered as they go through their pregnancy.
2. A Snapshot Of A Major Milestone
Although it may seem like a long 9 months, in the grand scheme of things, pregnancy is a relatively fleeting moment in a woman’s life. Before long, motherhood takes over and the trials endured during pregnancy can sometimes be quickly forgotten.
The photos taken during a pregnancy photoshoot provide a permanent snapshot of pregnancy, and serve as a reminder of the fortitude and resilience of the mother during those 9 months. They allow women to reminisce and cherish the experience and record the incredible journey they have undertaken. Maternity photos can, and will be, treasured for a lifetime and ensure that women can feel proud of the choices they have made.
3. Embracing Their Femininity
Societal standards of femininity sometimes clash with the changes in appearance women endure during pregnancy. However it’s important to recognise that pregnancy is a time when expectant mothers are able to fully embrace their womanhood, and should be an opportunity for them to appreciate what their bodies are truly capable of.
Maternity shoots provide a safe and supportive environment for women to enjoy the experience and showcase their strength and grace to the world. It gives them a chance to challenge conventional ideas of femininity, while also making a powerful statement about pregnancy and motherhood.
Bringing a new life into the world is a miracle and should be regarded and remembered as such. Maternity photos capture the unique spirit of pregnancy in portraiture and provide you with a deeply personal and intimate memento as a permanent keepsake. They give women the world over a platform to proudly and boldly reclaim their femininity, and help to fight against the negative perceptions surrounding pregnant bodies.
As an award winning professional maternity photographer, Xiaoyun strives to make maternity photoshoots a special and memorable experience for everyone. Contact us today to learn more about our services and drop us a line with your questions.