Expecting a baby is one of those milestone events in life. And when I found out we were pregnant, there were so many things that ran through my mind. From baby names and cribs to doctor appointments and baby bumps, my mind was instantly consumed with all things baby. But amongst all of this daydreaming, there was something that was really important to me…photographing the journey. I instantly knew that I wanted to remember every single happy moment during those nine months, which encouraged me to pick up my camera daily to document everything from the teeny tiny clothes that now consumed our laundry room to the brand new painted walls that would become the nursery.
Yes, being pregnant is tiring. Trust me, I know…I slept through my entire first trimester. But documenting your pregnancy through photography is so important. Not only will you be able to look back and remember all of those special moments, but you will someday get to share those moments with your little one. So while you are dreaming of whether your little one’s eyes will be brown or blue, be sure to grab your camera and take these 7 photographs during your pregnancy.
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No.01Photograph the Preparation.
Nikon D600 | Nikon 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 lens | ISO 1250 | f/3.5 | 1/15 ss
The nine months you spend waiting for your little baby is full of growing baby bumps and…lots of preparation! Be sure to document the ways in which you are preparing for the arrival of your little one. From choosing the nursery paint color to setting up the crib, grab your camera and get clicking! Throughout the weeks we spent setting up our nursery, I found it easiest to keep my camera in the nursery. Because it was always there as a reminder, I could quickly grab it to capture all the moments.
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No.02Photograph You.
Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | Tripod | ISO 800 | f/2.8 | 1/15 ss
I know, I know. As photographers, we love being behind the camera. But if there is ever a time to get in front of the camera, it is during your pregnancy. And taking a self portrait to document your lovely growing baby bump will be something you will thank yourself for. You are beautiful, so get in front of the camera! Taking a self portrait is simple, with the help of a tripod and a self-timer or a remote.
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No.03Photograph the Anticipation.
Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 400 | f/1.4 | 1/125 ss
Everyone is excited, even the dog! As your due date draws closer and closer, be sure to document your anticipation. Whether it is your puppy who has taken up a new favorite spot in the nursery or a chalkboard countdown in the kitchen, photograph the ways that you are all waiting for the big day.
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No.04Photograph the Sonogram.
Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 320 | f/1.4 | 1/40 ss
Being the lover of photographs that we are, it’s only natural that our baby’s first photographs will always be some of our favorites. Even though you have a copy of your own from the doctor, be sure to take a picture of either you or your spouse with your sonogram. It’s priceless.
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No.05Photograph the Nursery.
{left photo} Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 200 | f/1.4 | 1/30 ss
{right photo} Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 320 | f/1.4 | 1/30 ss
You’ve spent so much time on it, from choosing the mobile that your little one will lay under to the little books you will read to them one day. Be sure to capture all of the details of your baby’s sweet nursery. It’s going to be the little things that you will really want to remember.
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No.06Photograph from Above.
Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 320 | f/2.5 | 1/25 ss
Because you are going to come to a point where you won’t be able to see past your belly, be sure to have fun with the angles of your portraits and take some from above so you can watch your growth. For fun, try taking the same photo from the same position every week throughout your pregnancy so you can really see your baby bump journey!
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No.07Photograph the Special Moments.
Nikon D610 | Sigma 50mm f/1.4 lens | ISO 250 | f/1.4 | 1/10 ss
From first finding out your a pregnant to attending your baby shower, there will be a lot of special moments throughout your pregnancy that you will want to remember. Whether you want to photograph the first time your puppy lays his head on your belly or sitting on the floor of the nursery opening up baby gifts with your spouse, take the time to get some pictures of the moments that are special.
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and one you will want to remember. So even though you are tired and busy preparing for your little one, be sure to take the time to document those nine months in photographs. And while you are busy taking pictures of your pregnancy before the baby arrives, be sure to treat yourself to The Unexpected Everyday to document the little moments of your baby’s childhood. It’s a great way to prepare you for photographing your little one as soon as they arrive!
I did document quite a bit during my pregnancy but mostly with my iPhone and a lot of selfies. I still am not completely on board with the cropping off of faces and heads. Nice though, all are great ideas.
glad you enjoyed the article, Mary! and great job documenting your pregnancy!