When I first found out I was pregnant I knew I’d want to take plenty of bump photos and visually chart my pregnancy in some way but the idea of a ‘proper’ pregnancy photoshoot hadn’t really entered my mind. But when the opportunity of a professional photoshoot came up via the new Ohh Social app I thought it would be an amazing chance to capture my first pregnancy.
Ohh Social
Ohh Social is a brand new app specifically catering for those of us who live in Northern Ireland. It offers a range of long-running offers in four key sectors of Wine & Dine, Healthy & Beauty, Leisure & Attraction and Kids Activities. If you’re the sort of person who loves to get out and about and wants to save money in the process then I’d highly recommend downloading the app (available for iOS and Android) and accessing some great deals, including tons of 2 for 1 offers.
I choose a pregnancy photoshoot with Peter Thomas Photography. I liked the look of his work and when I found out he did location shoots and not just studio shoots I was delighted. Peter is offering Ohh Social users a selection of deals, including:
- Buy a 1hr shoot & get 2 8×6 copies of your favourite print
- Buy any wall print & have it framed for free
- Buy any frame & get a 10x8in print for free
I found Peter to be incredibly friendly and professional. He really understood the look I wanted for the photos and the end result was better than I ever imagined. So let me tell you all about my pregnancy photoshoot experience!
The Location
I knew I wanted a nature themed pregnancy shoot but it took me a while to decide on the actual location. It wasn’t until a few days before the shoot that I had complete clarity on the ideal location. It had to be Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park – a beautiful park on the outskirts of Belfast which I spent many hours in as a child. I wanted to have a pregnancy shoot somewhere meaningful to me, and of course somewhere with beautiful scenery. At Lady Dixon’s I love that there are so many different parts to it – from pretty manicured rose gardens to more rugged woodland areas. It was reassuring to know that if it were to rain during the shoot, we’d be able to get some pictures underneath towering old trees without getting soaked! Luckily the weather was on our side and stayed bright and dry throughout the one hour shoot.
The Outfit
In the weeks leading up to the shoot I was looking for a maxi dress that would highlight my bump and make me feel fabulous and like a true ‘Earth Mother’! I couldn’t find anything I liked and then one day I realised my perfect dress was already hanging in my wardrobe. My boho style Wallis maxi dress has been a summer dress favourite of mine for four years. I always pack it to wear on holidays and it never fails to make me feel glamourous and womanly. The fact that it still looks good on me at eight months pregnant is testament to what a perfect dress it is! I paired the dress with flat sandals from Clarks and some delicate jewellery, including a beautiful rose gold and silver feather necklace from Beaverbooks which was kindly given to me as a Baby Shower gift a few weeks ago.
Hair & Makeup
I’m lucky that my hair is low maintenance, so when I got a haircut and blowdry a few days before the shoot, it still looked good for the pregnancy shoot! I wanted to look like ‘myself’ and not too ‘done’ in my photos, but I couldn’t resist getting my makeup done for the occasion. I’d heard Uana of ‘Makeup by Uana‘ had just set-up a makeup station at Vintage Hair Rocks salon and I really liked the looks she created. A few days before the shoot I sent her this recent image of Blake Lively (my current girl crush!) as inspiration for the kind of makeup look I wanted and she really nailed it. It was all about glowy skin, soft pink lips and highlighting my deep set eyes. I loved the end result and would highly recommend her as a makeup artist. I liked that she talked me through what she was doing every step of the way. I felt I learnt alot about makeup application in the short time I was with her.
The End Result
I am incredibly pleased with how the photos turned out. Full credit to the talented Peter Thomas. I’d sent him a selection of pregnancy images I found appealing and from those he totally ‘got’ what I wanted and brought to life my vision. (Check out my Pregnancy Photoshoot Inspo board on Pinterest for yourself!) In the hour we had together he got an amazing selection of images – with different poses and scenery. I love that the pictures have a feeling of serenity but yet are powerful and dramatic…and full of nature!
Thank you to Ohh Social and Peter Thomas Photography for making my pregnancy photoshoot such a special experience.
Full disclosure: I received a one hour complimentary shoot in return for endorsing the new Ohh Social app.
