The experience of pregnancy and bringing home a newborn baby is so very powerful. Whether it is your first baby or your fourth, your life as you know it is about to change. It is a beautiful time that is fleeting. Before you know it, you can hardly remember what it felt like to have your baby turn in your belly or what it felt like to hold your tiny newborn in your arms. Having three children of my own, I know just how fast it all goes. Maternity and newborn photography is a beautiful way to capture this very special time in your life and it ensures that you and your family never forget it. I want to share with you the 10 most beautiful photos that I think you should take of any new mother you get in front of your lens. These photos will become heirlooms to be treasured by the families that you are photographing for generations to come. 

1. An expecting mother’s should have a photograph that demonstrates her strength but also her connection to her unborn baby.

   Her body is doing great and powerful work, she is growing a human. Make sure that the mother’s body is angled toward you slightly as this will flatter her frame. Direct her to bend the leg that is closest to you as this will give her body a beautiful shape. Then, be sure to direct her to place her hands on her belly while gazing down. This will show the bond that she already has with her baby. When she looks at this photograph, she will remember the deep connection she had to her baby while her baby was still in her belly. 

2. Take a photograph that highlights the new mother and her partner’s romantic relationship.

This couple’s life is about to change in a big way. It is beautiful to celebrate their love during their last photo shoot before the baby is born. I like to make sure that mom is front and center and that her beautiful belly is accentuated. I ask her to stand in front of dad and then ask dad to embrace her from behind. I then direct dad to kiss her on the cheek or neck. When the couple looks at this photo they will feel their love for eachother and for their baby.

3. Take a photograph that makes the expecting mother feel like the goddess she is.

I love making sure my expecting mothers feel gorgeous during their maternity session. I do this by placing my mother in beautiful light and telling her  how beautiful she is. Then I direct her to place one hand in her hair while tilting her head back. Keeping a close eye on her body angle, make sure that she is bending one leg to give shape to her body as well as standing at a flattering angle to the camera. When she looks at this image she will forget all the aches and pains of pregnancy and instead remember how beautiful expecting a baby can be.  

4. If this is not the expecting mother’s first baby, it is essential to take a maternity photograph with older siblings.

Again, pay close attention to flattering the mother’s frame, and be sure to place her at an angle toward the camera. If the older sibling is young enough, I love to ask Mama to pick the child up and hold them close to her body.  This shows the loving connection that the expecting mother has to her older children, while highlighting the beauty of her pregnant body. 

5. Document the expecting mother in the birth space.

The days right after birth often feel like a blur. Professional photographs taken in the place of birth (hospital, birth center, or home) are such a gift for the mother. These photos should be unscripted and simple. Ask the mother to hold her fresh baby and to look down at him or her. Make sure to shoot this from above to flatter the mothers features as well as to show the newborn’s little face. This will capture the experience of bonding with a new baby, as well as the wonder that is finally holding your newborn in your arms after months of feeling the baby kick in your belly. 

6. There should be plenty of photos celebrating the growing family of the new mother.

Newborn photos that are taken in the home are intimate and really show the family’s unique style and personality. It’s fun to take these photos all around the house. Because life tends to happen in the kitchen, I always grab a few photos of the new family in the kitchen. I make sure to keep the mother in the center of the pose because let’s face it, Mama is the core of most families. I direct the family not to look at me but rather to hug and kiss each other. This kind of photo shows the love and affection that is present in the family. 

7. Every new mother needs a close-up of her holding her newborn baby.

Newborns grow and change so quickly. A close-up photo of a mother holding her newborn will remind her just how tiny and perfect her newborn was. Ask the mother to hold her baby in a way that feels natural to her, no awkward positions. Then direct her to snuggle in to her baby and to simply enjoy holding the baby. Photograph her from slightly above and fill the entire frame with her and her baby. She will feel what it felt to hold her baby in her arms when she sees this photo. 

8. Every new mother needs detail shots of her new baby.

Capture plenty of photos that highlight all the perfect, tiny, newborn details. These can easily be taken while the baby is in her mother’s arms. This adds a layer of connection to the image because the mother’s arms can be seen embracing her newborn. This will not only remind her of the tiny details but will also remind her of how soft and delicate her newborn was. Crop in tight to really highlight the details you are photographing like feet, hands, or even little back rolls. 

9. Highlight the relationship between the new mother, her partner and their new baby.

Capture an image that shows the loving relationship between mother and father with their new baby. I like to do this in the laying down position. Ask dad to lay on his back and then place the newborn on his chest. Then ask mom to lay down right next to dad and place her hand on her babies back. Now ask mom and dad to look at each other or kiss. I shoot this from above their heads. This is a flattering angle for mom and also allows her to remember her connection to her partner and her baby. 

10. If there are older siblings, every mother wants a photograph of the older siblings with her new baby sibling.

Safely place the siblings on the bed. Swaddle up the newborn for comfort and place the newborn in the sibling’s lap. Ask the siblings to look at or kiss the new baby. When the new mother looks back at this photograph she will be filled to the brim with love and joy. 

Beautiful photography is a beautiful way to celebrate the new mother! It is an investment that will last a lifetime.