As a newborn, maternity and family photographer, I spend a LOT of my time behind the camera, capturing beautiful moments for others. But this time, the tables have turned and I found myself stepping in front of the camera for my own maternity photoshoot.

We had planned to go to our own photoshoot with an incredible photographer down in Bristol, however, circumstances changed last minute with our family and baby girl and we were no longer able to make the 6 hour journey. Devastatingly.

Now, don’t get me wrong, we have captured this pregnancy throughout so it wasn’t the WORST thing in the world but I still had my heart set on doing a shoot this late to showcase the true elephant-sized bump I’m currently sporting.

So I set out attempting to corral my toddler, pup and husband to capture at least something for me to look back on.. and I’m really not mad at how they came out.

Now.. it wasn’t without its challenges. Working with YOUR OWN toddler is.. well.. you can imagine. Other people’s toddlers, easy. I can be the class clown but my toddler knows me too well for that to work..

Straight out of the gate, she somehow managed to snap the leg of my tall tripod.

I did some breathing.. hahaha.

So we set up my not so tall reserve tripod. This was the first bash. Before you look, you should know that I’m 5’11” so, I have height on my side..

Cute, right? Blurry and just of our feet, lovely. Just how I wanted to remember this moment. Luckily, my toes are painted so this very well could have been worse.

So to the floor we went…

Which again, would have been fine if I wasn’t 36 weeks pregnant at the time and wrangling a dog and toddler.

HOWEVER, despite it all, I actually LOVE the photos. Now, it was a little chaotic so not the super calm and relaxing maternity photoshoot that I really wanted but it captured us nonetheless. So learn from me, make sure you book in with someone! You want to be able to look back at the memories and remember that gorgeous, happy day you spent together as a family – not try and search for every bead of sweat in edit.

Now, again, we have had our own shoots done through this pregnancy so I do have those happy, lovely memories – you best believe that I practise what I preach! But this will likely be my last pregnancy and I wanted to see her at full growth!

If I had to pick a favourite four, these are them – one with each of my babies.

Now for every good one that we got, there’s at least fifty that really grounded me and my pregnant self.. so before you think oh I’ll just have a crack at doing my own maternity shoot, let this be a lesson for you. The angles aren’t ideal, the fact it’s on a timer is STRESS INDUCING and images straight out of the camera or phone just don’t hit in the same way. Plus I couldn’t see myself so the review was unbelievable humbling.

Of COURSE, I’ve given a peak..

In better news though, these are the ones that made the cut. Let me know your thoughts.. did we manage to make the floor work? Or should I get on Amazon, overnight another tripod have another bosh before she arrives?

Have a nose through the rest and let me know which is your fave!

Maternity, newborn and baby photography at my York newborn photography studio is a gorgeous way to capture the magic of your growing family. These sessions aren’t just about photos; they’re about freezing moments together as a family. A shoot is more than a photo session – it’s a way to celebrate your family’s journey.

Feel free to explore my website for more information and to see some of the maternity photography I’ve captured. Have questions? Send me a little message here, lovely! I’d love to hear from you.

Best wishes,
Lucy xx