How to Feel Comfortable and Confident During your Maternity Photos

If the thought of standing in front of a camera while you're pregnant makes you a little nervous, you are definitely not alone.

Pregnancy changes your body quickly. Some days you may feel absolutely beautiful, and other days you may wonder when exactly putting on shoes became an Olympic event.

And then someone suggests taking pictures.

I get it.

But here's the most important thing I want you to know before your maternity session:

You don't have to know how to pose, and you don't have to arrive feeling completely confident.

That's part of my job.

You Are Not Expected to Be a Model

Most of the moms I photograph aren't professional models.

You don't need to know where to put your hands, which direction to turn or what angle photographs best.

I'll guide you through all of that.

Maternity posing is often about very small adjustments—turning your body slightly, shifting your weight, changing where your hands rest or adjusting your chin.

Those little changes can make a huge difference in a photograph.

You just need to show up.

I'll help with the rest.

Wear Something That Makes You Feel Good

Your outfit can have a huge effect on how confident you feel.

Don't choose something simply because Pinterest says it's what you're “supposed” to wear for maternity pictures.

If you feel uncomfortable the second you put it on, you're probably going to think about it throughout your session.

Choose something that makes you feel beautiful right now, in the body you have right now.

That might be a flowing maternity dress.

It might be something fitted that really shows your bump.

It might be something simple.

There isn't one correct answer.

Tell Me If Something Makes You Uncomfortable

Communication matters.

If there's something you're self-conscious about, tell me.

If a pose doesn't feel comfortable, tell me.

If you need to sit down, take a break, grab some water or change something, tell me.

This isn't a situation where you need to suffer through something because we're taking pictures.

You're growing a human.

You officially have permission to take a break.

Give Yourself Time Before Your Session

Whenever possible, don't schedule your maternity session so tightly that you're racing out the door stressed and already exhausted.

Give yourself some breathing room.

Try on your outfit beforehand.

Gather everything you need.

Eat.

Drink water.

And give yourself enough time to get ready without feeling rushed.

The calmer you feel when you arrive, the easier it is to settle into the session.

Don't Judge Yourself From One Photograph

This is an important one.

During a photography session, we create lots of images.

Not every expression, movement or split second is going to become your favorite photograph.

That's normal.

We're looking for those moments where everything comes together—the light, your expression, your body position and the connection you're feeling.

Trust the process.

Your Body Is Doing Something Incredible

You don't have to love every single thing pregnancy does to your body in order to appreciate what your body is doing.

Those are two different things.

Years from now, you may look at these photographs very differently than you do today.

You may not notice the things you're worried about right now.

Instead, you may see the way your hands wrapped around your belly.

You may remember feeling your baby move.

You may see the anticipation on your face.

And you may wonder how that tiny baby you were waiting for became the child standing beside you.

That's why these photographs matter.

You Don't Have to Feel Confident Before You Arrive

Sometimes confidence comes during the session.

It happens after you realize you don't have to figure out the posing.

After we laugh a little.

After you relax.

After you stop thinking about the camera.

My goal isn't to turn you into somebody different for your maternity photographs.

It's to photograph you beautifully during a season that won't last forever.

Next: Where Should We Take Your Maternity Photos?

Now that we've talked about feeling comfortable in front of the camera, let's talk about what's going to be behind you.

Arizona gives us some incredible options.

Next: The Best Maternity Photo Locations Near Buckeye, Arizona

TAQ Photography offers relaxed maternity, newborn and family photography for families in Buckeye, Verrado, Goodyear and throughout Arizona's West Valley.