Why You Need a Maternity Shoot Before Your Newborn Shoot

Advice

April 11, 2022

Are you considering booking a maternity shoot before a Northern Virginia newborn photography session? How exciting! I’m so glad you’re here! Pregnancy is such a special and amazing time in a woman’s life. There are so many changes happening, both physically and emotionally. Although it may feel like it goes on forever, it really is such a brief period of time! As a mama myself, I know that capturing those precious moments with a maternity shoot is something you’ll cherish forever.

Not only will you have beautiful photos to look back on, but booking a maternity shoot before your newborn shoot has some other great benefits!

Capture loving family moments during a maternity shoot with a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, Stephanie Honikel Photography.

1.   Capture Your Glow and Increase Comfort with a Maternity Shoot Before a Northern Virginia Newborn Photography Session

Capturing your pregnancy glow is just one of the many reasons why you should book a maternity shoot before your Northern Virginia newborn photography shoot. A pregnancy glow refers to the luminous looking skin that makes you feel beautiful and confident. I would love to being able to capture it for you!

A maternity shoot is the perfect opportunity to show off your baby bump and celebrate your pregnancy. Sometimes we can be so focused on celebrating the baby, that we forget the vital role that you, as the mama, are playing in this whole process! I want to honor you and ensure that you get the maternity photos you deserve!

From my experience with other clients, booking a maternity shoot before your newborn shoot will also help you to relax and feel more comfortable in front of the camera. It allows you to get to know me as your photographer, understand my process, and feel more relaxed when I come take your newborn photos! This is why it’s helpful to book a maternity shoot before a Northern Virginia newborn photography session.

Capturing happy mamas in their prime during their maternity shoots before their Northern Virginia newborn photography session.

2.   It’s a Great Bonding Experience for Siblings

Maternity shoots provide an excellent opportunity for siblings to bond with each other and with the soon-to-be new baby! During a maternity shoot, siblings start to talk and ask questions, and it’s a chance for them to express themselves.

For toddlers and early school-aged kids, this is a great chance to prepare them for the new baby coming into the family. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to connect with their children and create lasting memories.

As a Northern Virginia newborn photographer, I personally love capturing your children’s hands on mama’s belly during maternity shoots. I like to encourage them to be a part of the shoot and ask any questions so that they get comfortable and excited!

Siblings gets in on the maternity shoot with mom before the newborn photography session in Northern Virginia.

Northern Virginia newborn photographer, Stephanie Honikel Photography capturing smiles during maternity shoots.

Turning moments into still frames during a maternity shoot before their Northern Virginia newborn photography session

Siblings really make maternity shoots that much more special for this Northern Virginia newborn photographer, Stephanie Honikel Photography.

3.   Having a Maternity Shoot Before a Northern Virginia Newborn Photography Session Benefits Soon-To-Be Dads Too

Having a maternity shoot gives the soon-to-be dad a chance to get in on the photos if he wants and to be part of the magic. Sometimes, life is just so busy and hectic that parents don’t get the opportunity to really reflect on the beautiful life and journey they’re about to embark on. Maternity shoots give you that chance and allow me to capture both candid and posed moments where parents are smiling, laughing, even sometimes crying (happy tears of course!).

Couples often talk during these moments and I get to capture them duirng one of the happiest moments. Maternity shoots give you and your partner the opporutnity to reflect on this time in your life in the future. They’re a wonderful addition to your photo collection and something you and your family with cherish for years to come!

Capturing the love and joy on mom and dads face during their maternity shoot before their Northern Virginia newborn photography session!

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering booking a newborn photography session in Northern Virginia, I encourage you to book a maternity shoot first! Maternity shoots can help you feel more comfortable, get you acclimated with your photographer, and even prepare younger siblings for their new brother or sister!

I want to take the time to honor the mamas during pregnancy. You all deserve a chance to shine and with a maternity photoshoot with me, you can do just that! I cannot wait to be your newborn photographer in Northern Virginia and talk to you about scheduling your session!

  1. Stacey says:

    Yes!!! This is such a great post, and I adore them so much! I definitely recommend doing a maternity session beforehand, really gives you an opportunity to meet eachother, and even warm up with the little kiddos! Well done!

  2. Nina says:

    Yes to all these points! I especially love number 2, I think its always extra sweet when they include siblings. Those photos always make me smile!

  3. Tiffany says:

    That last one is my favorite! It’s so beautiful and connected.

  4. Kate Cashin says:

    I like the focus you’ve put on capturing the connection and significance of siblings and dads. I don’t photograph many maternity sessions but for those I have this has also been a big part of my focus.

  5. Sally says:

    I so wish I’d had professional maternity pictures done when I was pregnant. I only have a handful of phone snaps and it’s just not the same 😭😭
    Your images are beautiful!

  6. Anouk says:

    Love all the reasons listed here, especially the one for couples, we tend to forget that a lot!

  7. Kara says:

    Beautiful mama! Great points, and love the images with her daughter.

  8. Carolyn says:

    All three are excellent reasons for a booking a maternity session. I especially love the big sister pictures!

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