Maternity Shoot – My Inspiration

So I’ve been paying attention to maternity photos since I first got pregnant, and collecting (ok I think it really qualifies as hoarding) those that inspire me most on my Pinterest.  For a long time, most of the shoots I was seeing on the blogs were pretty epic – set on the beach, in the ocean, or in a vast field – with really stylized outfits (perhaps a muslin cloth wrap for the ocean, or a really coordinated outfit with props for a field shot).

But more recently, I’ve been seeing a whole new genre of maternity photos crop up that just give me the warm fuzzies.  I think these relaxed, cozy, at home photos of mamas-to-be wearing simple, comfy clothes, bathed in natural light really capture something special about being pregnant – they kind of translate the nesting instinct to film!

So these are my current inspirations – I’m going to shoot photos with my talented photographer friend Lori of The Purple Tree Photography in 3 – 4 weeks, when I’ll be a full 8 months pregnant.  Here’s some of what I’m hoping to capture – I will share the finished photos down the line too for a little ‘inspiration to reality’!

I love this first set of images, all shot in bed.  Of course, to capture these in our house, I will have to hide my full body pillow, foam wedge, and ratty memory foam mini pillow that I use in a 10 step process to prop myself into the acceptable preggo sleeping configuration : ) LOVE that shot where the mom’s belly is on display and being grazed by that cool long necklace!

Credits / Sources: Top Left Page Reaux Photography, originally featured here.  Top right: Kelly Sauer Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom left: Kelly Hicks Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom right: Kristy Carlson Photography, originally featured here.

These are gorgeous too – sitting upright in a chair or on the couch.  I just love the simplicity- and I love the 2 piece PJ outfits on the top row!

Credits / Sources: Top Left Nat Windsor Photography, originally featured here.  Top right:Kelly Hicks Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom left: Kelly Sauer Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom right: Paige Smith Photography, originally featured here.

Hope to capture some cool backlit shots (I am a sucker for flare ; ) in front of a window, like these.  And how pretty is that white shirt / nightie?!

Credits / Sources: Top Left via Aura Joon.  Top right: Page Reaux Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom left: Charley Star Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom right: Paige Smith Photography, originally featured here.

And finally, of course want to get some with Mr. Floret Cadet! I love these poses:

Credits / Sources: Top Row: Alea Lovely Photography, originally featured here.  Bottom row: Page Reaux Photography, originally featured here.

Pregnancy Photo Journals

I’m a photo book enthusiast, so starting a fun pregnancy journal was high on my to do list when Mr. Floret Cadet and I first confirmed the news! If you follow any pregnancy or baby boards on Pinterest, you have likely seen some version of this awesome digital pregnancy photo journal, and I became obsessed with how I could make one like it without hiring a professional photographer / designer to create one.

It just so happens that the photographer who created these journals is Hanna Mac, and after being out on maternity leave herself, she is back and offering a template for purchase so you can have a DIY version of one of her gorgeous booksl! Even cooler, you can buy cute individual images to accompany some of the pages and mix it up if you don’t want to include a bump photo each and every week. You purchase the template for $50 in either PSD or JPG format, and then print your finished book through a service like Shutterfly, or Hanna also has a special recommended printer who she introduces you to upon purchase.

I missed the boat on this template (I think it was made available just days after I looked and then moved on), but luckily for me, she also has three gorgeous baby book templates available – in chalkboard, pennant and chevron styles.  I will definitely be using one of these to document our baby’s first year! Here are some of those designs- what’s your favorite? I think I’m leaning towards the chalkboard for now.

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Calling Photographers…

Are you a baby, family, maternity photographer? Or have you worked with someone that is FABULOUS? Spearmintbaby.com is creating a Photographer Referral Page – it will include some of our favorites in the industry for each state. (more…)

Maternity Photographer

Hello Spearmint Baby!

I have been reading your blog for quite some time. I really like reading your “Show Your Bump” feature, my bump was even featured last year when I was pregnant with my daughter Olivia!

I am Los Angeles based lifestyle photographer that loves shooting maternity sessions. Recently, I had the opportunity to photograph two of my best friends and their “bumps”. Jennifer and her husband, Dan, are expecting their second child, a girl, in just a few short weeks. My other friend, Corina and her husband, Matt, had their first child, Lilia, earlier this year. I love documenting this moment in someone’s life because it is filled with so much joy and anticipation. I remember that time in my life with such fondness, and I feel so fortunate to be able to document it for others so they can cherish it forever. Check out the rest of my work at michellegarciaphoto.com.

Michelle

Are you EXPECTING?  Send up to 5 photo/s of yourself (and your BUMP) to Spearmintbaby@gmail.com.  

Include wks pregnant, boy/girl/team green, 1st/2nd/3rd baby, cravings, and/or something interesting about your pregnancy. We all enjoy reading fun pregnancy details!! If you have a blog, etsy store, or website we’d love to give you some link love!

Photographers, you can participate too! Just be sure that you have permission from clients before sending photos for use on Spearmintbaby.com.