If you’re looking for a baby shower or stork tea gift for a mom-to-be who already seems to have everything she needs for baby, a maternity photoshoot is something a little different.
A maternity gift voucher can also be a lovely option if you want to give her something more personal than another baby outfit, blanket or bottle.
And unlike most practical baby gifts, it’s something she’ll still have years from now.
I was reminded of this recently when a mom arrived at my Waverley studio for a maternity session that had been given to her as a stork tea gift.
We had never met before her photoshoot.
She was quite quiet and shy when she arrived and chose very simple dresses and styling for her photos. Nothing over the top. Nothing complicated.
And she photographed beautifully.
Once we started, I guided her through everything — where to stand, what to do with her hands, where to look and all those little things that most people worry about before a photoshoot.
Because the truth is, you really don’t need to know how to pose to have beautiful maternity photos.
What if the mom-to-be is shy?
This is much more common than people think.
Most of my clients are not models and most don’t arrive at the studio knowing exactly what to do in front of a camera.
And pregnancy can also be a strange time. Your body has changed, you might not feel quite like yourself, and being photographed may be completely outside your comfort zone.
That’s okay.
I don’t expect you to arrive knowing how to pose.
I guide you throughout the session. I’ll help with your hands, shoulders, posture, body position and where to look.
Sometimes the smallest adjustment makes a huge difference in a photograph.
That’s part of my job.
I’m not going to put you in front of a backdrop and then expect you to figure it out on your own.
You really don’t need complicated outfits
I think people sometimes see maternity photos online and assume they need huge gowns, loads of accessories and very elaborate styling.
You really don’t.
Some of the most beautiful maternity photographs are very simple.
A beautiful dress.
A clean background.
Good lighting.
And posing that suits you.
At my studio in Waverley, I have maternity dresses and fabrics available for clients to use, so you don’t need to go out and buy an entire wardrobe just for your photoshoot.
If you prefer simple, we keep it simple.
If you want something a little more dramatic with flowing fabric, we can do that too.
I don’t want every mom who comes into my studio to look exactly the same. We choose what works for you.
When should you have your maternity photoshoot?
I usually recommend doing maternity photos between around 28 and 34 weeks.
Your bump is nice and visible, but you are hopefully still comfortable enough to enjoy the shoot.
Every pregnancy is different, though, and babies don’t always stick to our plans either, so I always recommend booking your maternity session in advance rather than leaving it until the very end.
Can you add professional makeup?
Yes.
Professional makeup can be added to your maternity session if you’d like to have your makeup done at the studio before we start.
It’s completely optional.
Some moms prefer doing their own makeup and others love having someone else do it for them, especially when the whole photoshoot has been given to them as a gift.
Either is absolutely fine.
A maternity gift voucher can make a lovely baby shower or stork tea gift
If you’re not sure what to buy for a mom-to-be, a maternity gift voucher can be a really nice option.
So many baby shower and stork tea gifts are focused on baby, which is obviously useful and practical.
But a maternity photoshoot gift is actually something for mom.
Pregnancy feels very long while you are in it, but looking back it really is such a short stage.
A maternity photoshoot gives her photographs of that time before life changes completely once baby arrives.
A maternity gift voucher can also work really well as a group gift.
Friends, family members or colleagues can contribute together rather than everyone buying another small baby item.
And if she is shy, nervous or worried that she won’t know what to do during the photoshoot, she really doesn’t need to.
I’ll take care of that part.
Why I think a maternity photoshoot makes such a good gift
Baby showers and stork teas naturally become very baby focused.
Nappies. Clothes. Blankets. Bottles. Toiletries.
All useful things.
But a maternity photoshoot gift is different because it gives the mom something she can keep long after all those baby things have been outgrown or used.
It’s also something that can feel a little more personal.
You’re not just giving her another item.
You’re giving her the chance to have photographs of herself during a stage that passes very quickly.
And for a mom who already seems to have everything she needs for baby, that can make a maternity gift voucher a really thoughtful baby shower or stork tea gift idea.
Maternity Photographer Waverley
If you are looking for a maternity photographer in Waverley, Jenna D Photography offers studio-based maternity sessions with dresses, fabrics and different backdrop options available.
I’ve been photographing babies, moms and families since 2007, and all my maternity sessions take place in my Waverley studio.
You don’t need to arrive with loads of outfits or buy things specifically for your session.
You just need to arrive.
I’ll help with the rest.
If you’d like to book your own maternity photoshoot, or you’d like to give a maternity gift voucher as a baby shower or stork tea gift, get in touch with me for my current maternity packages and availability.
Jenna D Photography
Waverley, Pretoria
Maternity • Newborn • Baby • Family Photography
