
Should I Take My Own Maternity Photos? – Elizabeth Lang Photography
By Elizabeth Lang Photography – Surrey, Near Vancouver
Pregnancy is a magical time, filled with excitement, anticipation, and transformation. As your body grows and changes, it’s only natural to want to capture these special moments. In today’s world, it’s easy to pull out your phone and snap a quick selfie or ask your partner to take a few photos. But you might be wondering, "Should I hire a professional photographer for maternity photos, or can I just take them myself?"
The answer? Both! Let me explain why it’s great to take your own maternity photos, but why you should also invest in a professional photography session for those truly memorable shots.

1. Take Lots of Photos of Yourself – It’s Always Worth It!
First off, yes, you should absolutely make an effort to take pictures with you in them! Pregnancy is a time of change, and taking photos of yourself throughout the process can be a wonderful way to document your journey. Whether it’s a quick mirror selfie or a candid shot with your partner, it’s important to capture the little moments. These photos can serve as beautiful, spontaneous memories that reflect your unique experience.
In fact, you should take plenty of pictures as you go along—whether it’s a casual snapshot with your phone or something a bit more posed. Having these photos is a great way to look back on your pregnancy and see the natural progression as your belly grows.

2. Why You Should Still Get Professional Maternity Photos
While your phone or personal camera can capture many moments, professional maternity photography takes things to the next level. Here’s why:
- Angles Matter: It’s not always easy to get the best angles of yourself. A professional photographer has the experience and knowledge to find flattering angles that showcase your beautiful pregnancy glow. When you’re behind the camera, it’s hard to get the right perspective and ensure your body looks its best in every shot.
- Posing Guidance: Posing yourself can be tricky, especially when you're pregnant and your body is going through changes. A professional photographer will guide you through poses that are flattering and comfortable, helping you feel confident and at ease. It’s one of the biggest differences between a DIY maternity session and a professionally guided one.
- The Power of a Professional Camera: Let’s be honest—a phone camera is just not the same as a professional camera. While phones do a great job for everyday shots, they often don’t capture the detail, depth, and color accuracy that a high-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera can. A professional camera brings out the richness and warmth of the moment in a way a phone can’t.
- Post-Processing Magic: After a professional maternity session, the images are not only carefully composed and shot, but they also undergo post-processing retouching. This is where the magic happens. The retouching process enhances the final image, giving it that polished, magazine-like finish. While phones have filters and editing tools, they can’t achieve the same level of refinement that professional editing can provide.
- Timeless, Heirloom Images: Maternity photos are a way to capture this fleeting and special time in your life. Having high-quality, professionally taken photos means you’ll have timeless memories that you can pass down for generations. These are images that your child will one day treasure, and they will become family heirlooms that stand the test of time.

3. Don’t Skip the Phone Pics, But Do Both!
While professional maternity photos are a must, I highly encourage you to continue taking photos with your phone throughout your pregnancy. Selfies, family photos, and casual snapshots are all part of the journey. They reflect the everyday moments of your life and are a great way to keep the memories alive.
However, when it comes to preserving the full beauty of your pregnancy—capturing your glow, your curves, and the love between you and your family—professional maternity photography is an investment you won’t regret.

Conclusion: A Balanced Approach
In short, while it’s important to take plenty of photos of yourself and document your pregnancy journey, don’t skip out on hiring a professional maternity photographer. You’ll benefit from the expertise, the equipment, and the attention to detail that a pro brings to the table. Plus, you’ll have stunning, high-quality images that truly capture the beauty and magic of this special time.
So, go ahead and snap those phone pictures for the memories. But when you’re ready to create beautiful, polished, and timeless photos, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to capture your pregnancy in all its glowing, beautiful detail.
Elizabeth Lang Photography
Serving Surrey and the Vancouver Area
YOUR MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION WITH ELIZABETH LANG PHOTOGRAPHY