Why You Should Book Maternity Portraits With Your Older Child

I don’t know about you, but I’m so guilty of doing all the things with my first baby and not quite so many of the things with my second!

I spent a fortune on baby yoga and swimming classes with my eldest, whereas my youngest makes do with the bath! We never had either christened, but that’s another classic example… I’m christened, but my younger brother isn’t. It happens. It’s not about loving them any less, just… having less capacity.

When we’re pregnant with our first, we’re often in awe of what our body is doing. We make a point of documenting that miraculous time - often with professional maternity photos. But when the second (or third) baby is on the way, and we’re juggling a toddler and a to-do list the size of a small novel… booking a maternity shoot doesn’t always feel like a priority.

And I get it. I’ve been there.

But I want to gently argue that it’s still worth doing - maybe even more so. And I want to show you why through this sweet maternity session I photographed on film for a Mum-to-be and her little boy on the Wirral back in April…

It’s Not Just About the Baby Bump - It’s About the Growing Bond

These sessions aren’t just about documenting your pregnancy. They’re about honouring this fleeting moment in your family’s story. Your toddler might not fully understand what’s happening, but involving them helps plant seeds of connection. Through gentle, playful portraits, we get to capture the beginnings of a beautiful sibling bond before baby even arrives.

Older Siblings Feel Seen and Included

A maternity session is a special way to involve your older child in the process. So much attention will soon be on the new baby. This is a chance for them to feel important and involved before that shift happens. It’s also a memory they’ll look back on: “That’s when I was waiting to be a big brother/sister!”

These Photos Will Mean So Much More Later

I always say: we aren’t investing in photos for now, we’re investing in for later. For our children. And for their children.

These quiet, intimate images of you and your firstborn before life changes again… they’ll only become more meaningful with time.

You Don’t Need to “Do” Anything

Worried your toddler won’t sit still? That you’ll feel too tired? That your bump doesn’t look “photo-ready”?

I promise, none of that matters. These sessions are gentle, low-key and child-led. No pressure, no awkward posing, no stiff smiles. I work with the pace of your little one and the natural affection between you will always shine through.

You Deserve to Be in the Frame, Too

So often, mums are behind the camera. Or waiting until they’ve had more sleep. Or a haircut. Or a full night without a toddler foot in their face.

But you are already doing the most incredible work; growing a new life while loving the little one you already have. That deserves to be celebrated. You deserve to be seen.

So if you’re on the fence about booking a maternity session with your eldest, let this be a sign.

You don’t have to make it perfect. You just have to show up. I’ll take care of the rest.

Get in touch here to book your own relaxed maternity shoot or browse more film sessions in the gallery.