Why You Shouldn’t Skip Maternity Photos: A Personal Regret From a Lehigh Valley Family Photographer
As a photographer, I’ve always believed in the power of capturing memories—whether it’s a couple’s engagement, a child’s first birthday, or a family portrait. I’ve seen firsthand how deeply meaningful these moments become over time. But there’s one moment I didn’t take my own advice on: maternity photos.
It’s hard for me to admit, but I missed out on that opportunity. And now, looking back, it’s one of my biggest regrets.
At the time, maternity photos just didn’t seem like a priority. I told myself I could take a few casual shots on my own—I had a camera, after all. But the truth is, I didn’t feel my best. Pregnancy, while beautiful, is also challenging. Between the exhaustion, the body changes, and the discomfort, I convinced myself that maternity photos weren’t necessary.
I already had plenty of other portraits—engagement photos, family pictures, and milestone moments. I thought skipping one session wouldn’t matter. But now, as a mother looking back, I realize how wrong I was.
Maternity photos aren’t about looking perfect. They’re about preserving a fleeting moment in time that disappears too quickly.
Your body is doing something incredible. Even if you don’t feel beautiful in the moment, there is magic in the anticipation, the excitement, and the love you already have for your baby. That connection deserves to be documented.
I wish I had taken the time to step in front of the camera. I wish I had asked another photographer to capture that moment for me. I wish I had allowed myself to celebrate that chapter of my journey, even when I didn’t feel my best.
Now, I don’t have those images to show my children. I can’t pull out an album and say, “This was you, growing inside of me.” I can’t share that visual story with them, and that’s something I deeply regret.
If you’re expecting, please don’t make the same mistake I did. Even if you feel self-conscious or think maternity photos aren’t necessary, trust me—those images will become invaluable over time.
One day, your child will look at those pictures with wonder, asking questions about what it felt like to carry them. They’ll see the love and anticipation you had for them before they were even born.
Pregnancy is temporary, but the memories don’t have to be. Maternity photos allow you to freeze that moment in time and revisit it whenever you want.
You don’t have to look a certain way to deserve beautiful photos. The love you have for your baby, the excitement in your eyes, and the connection you share—those are what truly matter.
If you’re on the fence about maternity photos, I encourage you to take the leap. Whether it’s a simple in-home session, a glowing golden-hour shoot, or a cozy moment with your family, these photos will mean the world to you—and to your child—someday.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Let’s capture this beautiful chapter together. Click here to book your maternity session with a Lehigh Valley photographer who truly understands the importance of these fleeting moments.
Because trust me—you won’t regret taking them. But you might regret missing them.