Photographer Bob Berg: Why Pregnancy Pictures are essential

 Demi Moore did it. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera went for it, too. So, why not get belly pictures taken too?

Photographer Bob Berg , of Bellies by Bob maternity and newborn photography, thinks every mom-to-be should. “It’s important for women to document this time,” “You change so strongly, and I really believe there is a glow. It’s just the most beautiful moment.”

Berg, who got his start as a fine artist in the 1970s, moved toward the world of maternity shots even before Moore’s iconic Vanity Fair cover. “She took it from daring to beautiful,” he says. “And I was very much enamored with the female form in pregnancy.”

For Berg, a shoot involves hair, makeup, and styling — “the whole Hollywood ,” he says — but it can be possible to do your own belly shots at home, too, by following his advice:

Wear loose clothing- -To avoid putting marks on your skin, consider a wrap or other elastic-free garment. “You’re not naked, but at the same time, there’s a lot of skin showing,” Berg says.

Find your light-- “When I see people taking pictures with their phone, pointing everyone into the sun with their faces all dark, it irks me,” he says, laughing. “You need a bounce pad at least!” For those of us who aren’t so artistically inclined, consider buying some white cardboard to reflect the light.

Get dolled up- - Aside from doing your hair and makeup, Berg dares pregnant mamas to try heels — if you’re comfortable doing so. “They’re the great equalizer to all women,” he shares.

Pick a perfect backdrop- - Though many of Berg’s shots happen in scenic California; you can make your yard or neighborhood your own photo studio by picking a clean, clutter-free spot for your shots. He even encourages women on bed rest to pose for pictures, too. “Make sure you still celebrate what you’ve done,” he says.

Relax- - “Don’t be afraid, be comfortable,” Berg says. “Celebrate the beautiful. This is something a woman is reaching for, wishing and being. It’s incredible.”