Why You’ll Never Regret Maternity Photos (Even If You Don’t Feel Like Yourself Right Now)

Let’s be honest for a second, pregnancy can be wild. One moment you’re marvelling at the tiny kicks and weird cravings, the next you’re crying because your partner wont fetch you that cheeseburger you just NEED. You’re growing a human, and yet, you might not recognise the person in the mirror. Swollen ankles. A ribcage being used as a trampoline. Exhaustion so deep it feels like a second skin.

So when someone suggests maternity photos, your first thought might be: Absolutely not. Maybe next pregnancy. Or Why would I want to remember THIS version of myself?

A Maternity Photoshoot in Leicestershire by Marley & The Wildlings Photography

But here’s the truth, you’ll never regret freezing this moment in time.

Even if you don’t feel like yourself right now, maybe especially because you don’t?

This isn’t about perfect poses. It’s about honest moments.

At Marley & The Wildlings Photography, I’m not here to turn you into a Pinterest perfect pregnancy goddess (unless you want to be, go on, queen). I’m here to capture the real stuff. The connection between you and your baby, even before you’ve met. The way your partner looks at you when you’re not paying attention. The light falling softly on your bump as you sit, breathe, exist.

My style is relaxed, documentary led and grounded. Just the messy magic of real life, the in between moments that say everything.

Because let’s face it, pregnancy is a whirlwind. Hormones. Planning. Fear. Joy. Waiting. Nesting. It’s everything all at once. And the truth is, you won’t remember all the details. Time has a way of smoothing out the edges.

But a photograph? That brings it all rushing back.

Maternity sessions for the you you are now (not the ‘glowing’ myth)

Not everyone feels radiant during pregnancy, I most definitely did not. Some days are beautiful. Others are bloody hard. My maternity photography is about honouring that full experience, the softness, the strength, the tiredness, the anticipation.

You don’t need to dress up (unless you want to). You don’t need to “look like a model”. You just need to show up as you are.

Some clients wear floaty dresses and bring their dogs and partners. Others wear joggers and sit in their kitchen, cupping a mug of tea over their bump while the rain taps at the window. Both are equally beautiful.

And if you’re already parenting a wild toddler while growing another tiny human? I see you. We’ll embrace the chaos. There’s beauty in that too.

When you look back…

You won’t care that your fringe was doing its own thing. Or that you felt like your belly button might turn inside out. You’ll look at that photo of your hand resting on your bump, and you’ll feel it again. That life inside you. That version of you who was waiting. Hoping. Growing.

These aren’t just photos for you, they’re for your child too. One day, they’ll ask, “What was I like in your belly?” And you’ll pull out these photos. Show them how loved they were, even before they took their first breath.

But I’m awkward in front of the camera…

So am I. Honestly, most of the people I photograph are. And that’s exactly why I work the way I do, with no pressure, no awkward silences, no fake smiles. We’ll chat. Wander. Sit. You’ll probably forget the camera’s even there.

I’ve photographed countless people who started the session saying “I’m going to be rubbish at this,” and ended it saying, “That was actually really lovely.”

Because it’s not really about the photos. It’s about giving you a moment to pause. To take it all in. To be present in this chapter of your story.

The best time for maternity photos? (And why it’s never too late)

The golden window for maternity sessions is usually between 28–36 weeks. You’ve got a proper bump, but you (hopefully) still have the energy to move around and get comfy.

That said, I’ve photographed people earlier and later. Some want to document the whole journey with multiple shoots. Some only realise at the last minute that they want to capture it. Either way, we’ll make it work.

My sessions can take place in your home, outdoors somewhere wild and wonderful (think meadows, forests, or tucked away corners of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire), or wherever feels right for you. We’ll work together to create something that feels like you.

Ready to make some magic?

You don’t need to feel “ready”. You just need to feel open to remembering this season of your life. However imperfect or strange it feels right now, I promise, it’s worth remembering.

Because your body is doing something utterly miraculous. And you? You’re still you. Maybe even more so.

If you’re curious, if something about this resonates, let’s talk. No pressure. Just a chat and maybe a cuppa. If we click, we’ll make something beautiful together.

Let’s capture the wild, wonderful, emotional, extraordinary mess of it all.

Because one day, you’ll be glad you did.

Lauren x

→ Get in touch to book your maternity session

Based in Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire | Relaxed, honest, documentary style maternity photography

Check out more of my maternity work HERE