Are you pregnant and missing your maternity session right now? It's difficult to not be able to do what brings me so much joy and energy, which is to capture your beautiful families.  But the hardest part is knowing that many of you are probably going to miss out on having your maternity photo sessions.  Let's face it that sweet baby is coming, pandemic or not!  I know this time is difficult for everyone for many reasons.  Bringing a baby into this world is such a special thing and every part of it deserves to be remembered. If you are pregnant right now, grab your partner and any camera you have and start documenting! 

Here are five different ways to get the photos you might not have known you could capture of your pregnancy right now at home.

1. Have your partner experiment with taking photos from above.  They can stand above you, either in front of or behind, while you are sitting on the floor or bed.  You can do this standing up as well, they just need to grab a chair to safely stand on. They can even just hold the camera up above you to snap from a higher angle. This one looks especially gorgeous when you are looking down and at your growing belly or gently resting your hands above or below it. If you are taking photos indoors, don't forget to turn off all of the overhead lights and find a naturally well-lit space to hang out in.  

2. Get some rays.  Head outside to your own yard on a sunny evening, about 20 to 30 minutes before sunset (the timing here is the key!). Position yourself so the sun is directly behind you and find different ways to use those rays to create something special.  The sun can be coming in through the trees behind you, shining in just above your shoulder, onto your face or right onto your growing belly. You can really have fun and get creative with this one!

3. Snap some of the two of you together.  This may seem challenging to do, but there are lots of tricks to getting some great images of the two of you!  One thing you can try is setting the timer on your phone for 10 seconds and then setting it up against a wall or on a counter somewhere.  Make sure you are settled in and then let your partner push the button and make it back to you in time! Most camera phones shoot in burst mode when you do this, which then allows you to choose your favorite one from the bunch. If you have a DSLR camera, you can do the same with a tripod or chair!  If you have other family members with you at home during this time, you can give them the phone or camera with a little direction.  I especially love seeing what toddlers and preschoolers create from their level! You can also do some pretty great "selfies" of the two of you.  Snuggle up on the couch together (remember to find some good natural light and shut off the overhead lights) and hold the camera up above the two of you and shoot down.  If you set the timer for this one, you can experiment with different angles and not have to look at the camera or push the button.  

4.  Get the sibling shots you didn't know you wanted.  If this is your second or third child, you may really be feeling the pressure to make sure this pregnancy is documented just as your others were.  It may also be hard to get little ones to cooperate when you want them to.  But remember, it doesn't need to be perfect.  The photos we treasure most are usually the ones that capture us connecting with each other in a genuine way.  So make your little ones the focus of the photos or just snuggle up with them, play, or comfort them just as you always do. You just may need to situate yourself in a position that makes your belly a little more noticeable or tell your partner to grab that camera while you are already in the moment and having fun with your little one.   

5. Try something different!  We tend to want to take most maternity photos while standing up and holding still.  However, you can get some really gorgeous natural looking photos while seated in a relaxed position or while up and moving around. To get maternity photos while seated, just make yourself comfortable on the edge of the bed or on a stool. Try looking off into the distance or softly down at your belly.  If you have a flowy dress to wear, try creating a little movement by walking around, or just swaying back and forth.  Putting your hand on your lower back while walking will also create a bit more shape and movement.

If you are going to miss your maternity shoot due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you can still document your pregnancy at home.  Show this guide to your partner, grab a camera and try to recreate some of the things you see here.  I can't wait to get back to doing this with you all very soon!

I am a lifestyle family photographer located and working in the Denver, Colorado area.  To chat with me or to schedule your next family, maternity or newborn session in or around Denver, click below.