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If you’re reading this post, I guess you’re expecting a little baby, so first of all congratulations! 

Pregnancy is such an incredible journey filled with anticipation, joy, fears and the remarkable transformation of your body. And what better way to cherish this experience than by capturing the progression of your growing baby bump through photos?

Whether you’re an expectant mum keen to create lasting memories of this time of your life or a loving partner looking to surprise her, you’ve come to the right place. 

In this article, I want to share five simple tips to help you take great bump progression photos.

 First thing first. It’s important to remember to set time aside to take these photos!

The key to creating a compelling series of bump progression photos is consistency. Choose a specific time interval for taking photos, whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, and stick to it. Consistency allows you to track the growth of your bump accurately and creates a visually appealing timeline when the photos are put together.

Tip: Use your phone’s calendar to set a reminder and ensure you don’t miss a photo session.

1. Consistency is Key

Consistency is not just about taking these photos regularly. It’s also about clothing choice, background, photo style and editing. But let’s start with the first one. Consider wearing the same outfit for each photo to showcase your bump’s growth. What you wear should be comfortable, make you feel confident and reflect your personality. It doesn’t have to be fancy –  just your comfy undies and bra can work wonders. But if you want to be more conservative a stretchy dress or a simple cropped vest and black maternity leggings work beautifully.

I would personally choose neutral colours – if you have a look at my maternity portfolio you’ll understand I’m a big advocate of simplicity.  A timeless style and plain colours remain classic and don’t overshadow the main focus—your bump. 

However, these are our photos and they should reflect your personality so feel free to experiment and let your individuality shine through! If you like bright colours you will probably look confident and therefore amazing!

Photos taken from Pinterest

2. Find your Perfect Spot

The backdrop of your photo is really important. Opt for a clean and clutter-free background that won’t distract from the main subject—you and your baby’s belly. I would highly suggest keeping the same spot for each photo. Again consistency will keep the series flowing.

Tip: Consider the setting’s emotional significance as well. The nursery, your bedroom or a cosy corner can add a personal touch to your photos, enhancing your story telling.

Consistent Lighting is Key

Natural light is your best friend! Choose a location with lots of light, preferably near a window. Position yourself near the window but ensure the light is diffused through some curtains or blinds. You want a soft and even light. Avoid artificial light or hot spots coming from a window.

If for any reason you are taking these photos outdoors avoid the harsh midday sun, as it can cast unflattering shadows.

Tip: If you need to soften the light coming from a window, you can get a simple white shower curtain for about £2-£3. It works miracles!

4. Strike a Pose and Express Yourself

Choose a pose that feels comfy and natural to you. Consistently facing the same direction in each photo will create a uniform look and make it easier to track your bump’s growth. 

Don’t be afraid to express your feelings in each photo. Smile, laugh, touch your bump affectionately, or even incorporate your partner if you want. Sometimes just the hands are enough or you can create something fun together. 

Tip: If you want to focus just on the baby bump, crop out the head so frame the shot from your neck down. However, I believe seeing the emotion in your face could be a lovely memory later on.

5. Consistency in Shooting and Editing

To create a visually appealing bump progression series, try to maintain consistent angles and composition throughout. The same framing, distance, and angle for each photo will allow for a clear progression of your baby bump’s growth. 

Consider shooting from the same level to maintain uniformity and accuracy.

When you’re editing your photos, try to maintain a consistent style. Whether it’s colour or black and white, vertical or horizontal – stick to the same approach each time. 

It’ll create a beautiful flow and showcase your transformation from 0 to 9 months.

Final Thoughts

I trust you’ve found these helpful tips and truly hope you’ll put them into action. 

If you’re considering documenting your pregnancy journey in more depth, I’ve also designed a free pregnancy journal for you to download. You can record your appointment, your symptoms and feelings, and your cravings. The journal features both weekly and monthly pages so you can attach your precious bump progression photos. Feel free to download it here.

Remember, it’s all about simplicity and capturing the beauty of this incredible journey.

You’ve got this! 

Good luck, and enjoy every moment.

About the author

Valentina is a Maternity Photographer in London and she has been capturing the incredible journey of motherhood for countless families over the past decade. If you wish to experience a professional maternity session, don’t hesitate to contact her. 

She will be honoured to turn your beautiful story into timeless photographs.