Congratulations!! I can only hope you’ve stumbled upon this post by searching something like “Huntsville maternity photography” or “maternity photos with older siblings.” If either of those apply to you, you are in the right place. As a North Alabama maternity photographer, we believe every expecting mother is an absolute work of art. Pregnancy is so beautiful, and one of the best ways to document and celebrate the joy of bringing new life into the world is through maternity photos.

“But should I bring my kids to my maternity photo session?”

…That’s a question we get a lot, and while there is no right or wrong answer, here are 3 reasons why you should consider taking your maternity photos with your kids.

1. You’re telling your family’s story

For so many mothers, maternity photos are about more than just the bump. They’re about preserving this chapter in your family’s life—this fleeting time where your arms are already full of little ones, and you’re preparing for another one to enter the story.

By taking maternity photos with your kids and partner included, you’re truly able to document your family as it is in this moment. All the little interactions are connecting your new baby to your family’s story from the very beginning.

2. It helps your older kids feel included

Let’s be real: sometimes, young kids don’t know how to feel about the idea of a new sibling. They’re probably feeling a lot of big feelings right now, from overwhelmed and anxious to happy and excited. Either way, they might not understand how to interact with a new baby or how the family dynamics are going to change once the little one arrives.

When you include the whole family in your session, you’re giving your kids a special, designated time to connect with their new sibling. Picture a little hand gently resting on your belly or a secret whispered to their new brother or sister. These interactions can take the seemingly abstract idea that “there’s a baby in mama’s belly” and make it feel more real to little ones.

3. Your session will feel more natural

For so many women, being in front of the camera can feel a little unnatural or even uncomfortable. Moms are used to taking the pictures of their kids, not being in them! We provide intuitive posing prompts to help our clients feel natural and beautiful in their photos. But if you’re still nervous, having your family with you can create fun, authentic, joyful moments moments that just look so beautiful on film.

Bonus tip: why not do both?

Something we always recommend to our clients is to have their family arrive at the session 30 minutes to an hour after the session begins. We love, love, love celebrating mama by herself! This option is the best of both worlds—you can include the whole family in your session without needing to sacrifice those beautiful images of just you and your bump. You can even change your outfit in between (how stunning are these two dresses?! Christy Dawn and DÔEN never miss), basically getting two sessions in one.

If you are pregnant, we believe you are a true work of art deserves to be preserved. Whether you want to take your maternity photos with your kids and partner or on your own, we can’t wait to celebrate this beautiful chapter in your life. We’d love to hear from you—reach out today.

Fauna & Film is a Huntsville family photographer specializing in nostalgic film photography and custom heirloom artwork for busy couples and families in Huntsville, Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. From bespoke heirloom albums to custom, museum-worthy framed artwork, their passion is to serve clients by designing artwork for them that will last generations.  Your memories deserve to be seen.

Currently serving Huntsville, Madison, Decatur, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, and surrounding area.