A photographer's guide to raw & emotive motherhood photography

Preparing for the session

Build a personal connection

The art of capturing raw motherhood maternity photography begins with personal connection. Take the time to get to know your mothers. Building a relationship with her will make her feel more comfortable with you. She will have an easier time letting go and being in the moment with her children when she feels like she knows you. Ask questions, take interest in her life and what is most important to her in regards to her family. Every mother is different and documenting her journey may differ as well.

Location

When preparing for a motherhood session, knowing what is most important to the mother, as well as what makes her and the children comfortable, plays a vital role in selecting a location. Often mothers and their children can be more themselves in their own home. This is where you can achieve the most authentic documentation of their lives. Children can run and play with their toys, snuggle in their beds. Mothers can swing them, or read them their favorite book. If mother’s are concerned with how their home looks or the lighting is not ideal through out, all you need is a window. Use those little pockets of light to illuminate the details and create dreamy shadows.

Although in home motherhood photography sessions have the ability to capture a mother’s every day life, choosing an outdoor location away from home is also a great way to document motherhood. Again, taking into consideration what the mother is looking for out of her session, as well as what makes the family comfortable, is very important. Little ones are rarely still, so having an outdoor location they are able to roam freely is a must. Having an outdoor motherhood session can be such an adventure for them! Exploring new things, splashing each other with water, the creativity with outdoor elements is endless.

During the session

Posing

Some mothers will have an easier time letting go and being one with her children, others may need a little guidance on what they should do. Thankfully, we have tons of imagery and prompts within the app to help with this! You can give subtle instruction on what to do as far as posing and then follow their lead. Details are everything. Years from now when a mother looks back on these images and sees herself kissing the top of her babies head, she’s going to remember the way that they smelled. The way her baby would twiddle her other breast while she nursed. The way her toddler would grab onto her skirt for stability. The simple details that are often overlooked, is what she is going to want to remember. A great way to capture details is to use what’s around you. Have the children show their mother a seashell they just found, or smell a flower together. Prompt them to give noses kisses or tickle one another. Look at the sky and show them the clouds. Capture their attention by making the surroundings fun.

Continuing personal connection

Building personal connections should flow through your session. Be her friend, let her know she is important. Mothers need to remember how important they are. Praise her imperfections and make her feel beautiful. Don’t be afraid to be silly. Make everyone laugh and help them to loosen up! As a photographer, we often worry ourselves over getting the perfect shot. Motherhood is messy, children aren’t always happy, and that’s ok! Sessions may not always go as planned, but they are a true depiction of motherhood none the less. Go with whatever emotions you are presented with. Beautiful, raw images often come from chaos.

Intimate motherhood photography

Intimate motherhood sessions do not necessarily mean nude. Nor does it mean the mother has to be breastfeeding. You can have an intimate motherhood session fully clothed, feeding a bottle, or feeding nothing at all! It all goes back to what makes the mother and child comfortable. Having the conversation on what the mother’s limits are prior to the session can help elevate a lot of awkwardness that may arise. Some women want to embrace their bodies during their session. They feel comfortable showing some skin, and rightfully so! A mother’s body deserves to be made to feel normalized, for it has created life! Focusing on imperfections like stretch marks and cesarean scars are a great way to celebrate and recognize raw motherhood. Mothers endure more than most and they go through it with such strength. In a moral sense, stripping down to the essence of it all. She and them, the way nature intended.

Ultimately, don't over think.

Allow yourself to be free to create art and capture all the magic of motherhood.