Maternity photos are a beautiful way to celebrate the anticipation of a new baby, but they can also be an opportunity to capture the love and excitement of the whole family, especially when you have other children. Let’s dive into how you can make your family maternity photos not just about the bump, but about the joy and connection of your entire family.
Why Include Children in Family Maternity Photos?
Including your older children in your family maternity photos helps them feel part of the journey and builds excitement for the new baby’s arrival. It’s a special way to show them that they are just as important during this time of change. Plus, these photos will become cherished memories, capturing the unique dynamics of your growing family.
Tips for Involving Children in Family Maternity Photos
Incorporating older children into your family maternity photos can be fun and stress-free with a bit of planning. Here are some tips to ensure everyone enjoys the session:
- Make It Fun: Turn the photo session into a fun family activity rather than a chore. Let your kids bring along a favorite toy or book, or plan some playful moments where they can interact with you and your bump. This helps them feel involved and keeps the atmosphere light and joyful.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Young children often have short attention spans, so it’s important to keep the session moving. Plan for a few key shots with the whole family, then let the kids take a break while you capture some solo maternity shots.
- Focus on Connection: Encourage your children to interact with your bump, whether it’s by giving the baby a gentle kiss, hugging you from behind, or simply holding your hand. These moments of connection are what make family maternity photos so special.
- Coordinate Outfits: When planning what to wear, choose outfits that complement each other without being too matchy-matchy. Make sure everyone is comfortable, especially the kids, to avoid any fuss during the shoot.
- Highlight the Sibling Bond: Capture the relationship between your children and the new baby by focusing on their excitement. Let them talk about what they’re looking forward to or ask them to imagine what the baby will be like. These candid moments can lead to some of the most heartwarming photos.
Blending Focus: Celebrating Now and What’s to Come
Your family maternity photos should reflect the love and connection of your family right now, while also celebrating the anticipation of the baby’s arrival. Balancing these two focuses can create a beautiful narrative in your photos.
- Celebrate the Now: Capture moments that highlight your current family dynamic—whether it’s playful laughter, tender hugs, or shared excitement. These are the moments that make your family unique and will be cherished as your family grows.
- Anticipation for Baby: Incorporate elements that symbolize the new baby, like holding a tiny pair of baby shoes, reading a story about becoming a big sibling, or wrapping your arms around your bump together. These touches blend the joy of the present with the excitement of what’s to come.
Booking Maternity and Newborn Sessions Together
One way to make your experience even smoother and more enjoyable is by booking both your family maternity photos and newborn session with the same photographer. Here’s why this can make a big difference:
- Comfort and Familiarity: By working with the same photographer, your children will already feel comfortable and familiar with them, making the newborn session much more relaxed. You’ll also feel at ease, knowing that your photographer understands your family dynamic and your preferences.
- Seamless Experience: Booking both sessions together ensures that there’s a consistent style and approach across your photos. This creates a cohesive collection of images that beautifully tells the story of your family’s journey from pregnancy to welcoming the new baby.
- Stress-Free Planning: Coordinating with one photographer for both sessions means less stress for you. You’ll have one point of contact, one planning process, and the assurance that everything will go smoothly.
Final Thoughts on Family Maternity Photos
Family maternity photos are about more than just capturing your pregnancy—they’re about celebrating your entire family’s journey as you prepare to welcome a new member. By involving your children, making the session fun, and focusing on both the present and the future, you’ll create a collection of images that truly reflect the love and excitement in your family.
Remember, booking both your family maternity photos and newborn session with the same photographer can make the experience even more enjoyable, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and the process is seamless. These moments are fleeting, but your family maternity photos will allow you to cherish them forever.
Discover more tips for your maternity photo session on the blog. Ready to book your Seattle area session? Complete the quick contact form to start the booking process for your maternity and newborn sessions.