From one mum to another—here’s what actually matters before the baby comes
By the time you’re thinking about a maternity shoot, your back probably hurts.
Your feet feel twice their size.
And you’re wondering if there’s any position—any—that counts as comfortable.
Also, why are those maternity photos on Instagram so… staged?
The gowns. The wind machines. The epic poses.
If you’re thinking, that’s not really me,
you’re not alone.
So let’s talk about what really matters when choosing someone to photograph this strange, lovely, slightly swollen chapter.
Not the Pinterest version. The real one.
From a fellow mother who’s been through it—and helps others remember it.
1. This isn’t a show. It’s a little memory in the making.
You don’t have to show your bump if you don’t want to.
You don’t have to wear a gown if it makes you feel like you’re at someone else’s party.
Some women want the full fairytale look.
And that’s beautiful—if it’s what you want.
But if you’d rather keep it simple—something relaxed and real—that’s just as perfect.
A comfy dress. A quiet pause by the window.
A hand on your belly, and a smile you didn’t pose for.
That’s just as beautiful.
No elaborate staging.
Just the story of you—waiting, wondering, glowing a little (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet).
2. If it feels like home, you’re halfway there
You’re going to be photographed at a time when comfort matters more than ever.
So ask yourself:
Will I feel relaxed in this space?
Is there privacy? A place to sit, stretch, freshen up?
Is the lighting soft? The vibe unhurried?
At Niddledy Noddledy, I’ve shaped my home studio around these exact questions.
It’s peaceful, open, and welcoming—with a full bedroom right next to the shoot area, and an attached toilet for those just-in-case moments.
It’s a space where you can pause mid-shoot.
Where you can change, lie down, or sip some water—without feeling like you’re on a set with all eyes on you.
Because when you feel at ease, the moments unfold on their own.
3. What should you look for in a maternity photographer?
Look for someone who notices the quiet bits.
Someone who won’t ask you to do ten awkward poses in a row,
but will wait for that soft shift in expression. That real smile.
Someone who knows this isn’t just about pictures—it’s about how you feel in your own skin.
And yes, if they’re a mother too, they’ll understand more than lighting and angles.
They’ll understand when you need to pause.
When to say, “Let’s try something else.”
When to keep shooting quietly in the background while you find your moment.
That kind of knowing?
It doesn’t come from a manual.
It comes from having been there.
4. It’s just a few photos now. But they’ll mean more than you think.
You may not feel your best right now.
You may not feel ready.
But one day, you’ll look back and be so glad you paused to remember this version of yourself.
Not styled. Not staged. Just you.
Waiting. Wondering. Growing.
Because this isn’t just a photo shoot.
It’s a small, beautiful pause.
Before the diapers and the midnight feeds.
Before the chaos and the magic.
And when the baby arrives, you’ll have something to hold on to.
Something that says—
This was me. This was us. This was the beginning of everything.
A gentle nudge, before the big arrival
Maternity photos aren’t about looking perfect.
They’re about holding on to a little piece of the before.
So choose someone who helps you feel calm, not self-conscious.
Who makes things feel easy.
Who’s done this more times than she can count—and still smiles at the magic of each one.
When the person behind the lens understands what this time means…
it shows in every frame.
Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be here.
🤰 With soft light, gentle laughs, and space to just be.
📸 Learn more about maternity sessions at Niddledy Noddledy
Suchanda
Niddledy Noddledy
Bumps to Babies Photography
Hi, I’m Suchanda, the ♥️ behind Niddledy Noddledy. 📸
As a mother myself, I understand how quickly the precious moments of life slip by—from the quiet anticipation of maternity to the joyful chaos of childhood. For many years, I’ve had the privilege of photographing families, capturing the giggles, the mischief, and those tender moments that make your journey so special.
My sessions are designed to create a relaxed, joyful environment where expectant mothers, little ones, and even the not-so-little ones feel free to laugh, play, and just be themselves. Whether it’s the serene glow of motherhood, a cheeky toddler grin, or the way your baby holds your hand, I’m here to preserve the details you’ll treasure forever.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, let’s talk. Together, we can create memories that last a lifetime.
Visit Niddledy Noddledy to see how I can help turn your precious moments into lasting memories.
