In utero, everything happens at hyperspeed. As parents, that only gives you roughly nine months for transitioning, preparing, and getting up to speed. That’s probably not enough time. On the other hand, the average gestation period for an elephant is 22 months; that’s definitely too much time.

The truth is no amount of time ever feels like enough when you’re a parent. To wholly understand the sunshine and hurricanes of parenthood, you just have to go through them --- and grow through them.

So what is the best way to prepare yourself and your family for your new life? One tangible way is to stop seeing time as a constant countdown and start appreciating it as a gift. Let time be a present for you so you can be present all of the time.

Some of the best maternity photographers in the Bay area are working hard to find and capture present moments for you.

There are hundreds of maternity photographers in San Francisco. Here are the top four standouts and why they’re worth your time.

Injecting some color and life into the San Francisco Bay Area, Irja (it’s Finish) boasts a style that is as unique as her name.

It’s called lifestyle photography, and she doesn't have a portfolio; she has a maternity lookbook. You have to admit, calling your collection of photos a lookbook is much more relaxed and somehow slightly less ominous, which is exactly how Irja wants it.

Lifestyle maternity photos use a photojournalism approach to tell a story that is not only powerful but also gives a good yank on your heartstrings. If you’ve always liked candid photography, this unassuming technique might be calling your name.

Still not sure that the lifestyle approach is right for you? These questions might tip the scale:

If you’re not quite ready for the excursion into lifestyle maternity photography but struggle to connect with the stiffness of portraits, the next Bay Area photographer brings a balanced compromise.

This shutter-happy maternity photographer in San Francisco is well-touted in all of the right media circuits. She’s a pretty big name in the Bay Area, and one look at her portfolio makes it obvious why.

Her sweet spots are solo shots and laughing, kissing couples. What sets her apart from her competition, though, is the absolute diversity and intensely varied spice she captures.

Beaches, bedrooms, ball gowns, skylines, shorelines, cacti --- if you are pregnant in San Francisco, this is the woman you want taking your pictures.

If authenticity and making a connection are important to you, this adorably down-to-earth mama’s more “holistic” approach to maternity photography may be for you.

At Glitz and Glory, Jessica Guerrero has reasonable prices compared to many area photographers and offers her expectant mothers a lot of handholding, reassurance, and guidance. Those are big pluses if you’re not big on fashion or feel a little nervous about your shoot.

This East Bay-born and raised mommy-of-three is personable, warm, and welcoming. She’s very upfront about her styles --- relaxed and minimalistic. She is anti “props” and anti-time limits, which is a refreshingly personal connection most photographers avoid.

Her wooded maternity sessions start an hour before sun up, but she also has a studio and will come to your home. She boasts “milestone” sessions and puts a lot of emphasis on staying with her customers after the maternity becomes a little baby. Corrine Mccombs has got the feel-good charm every expectant mother needs.

The best maternity photographers in the Bay Area aren’t all women, but the four highlighted here just happen to be all female, all mamas, and all long-time residents of San Francisco.

If you’re expecting in the Bay Area, you are privy to a quite bold, bright offering of maternity photographers. In fact, San Francisco's entire collection of remarkable maternity photographers is about as forward-thinking, forthcoming, and friendly as you’ll find anywhere.

For parents who are ready to turn heads, a modern twist on your maternity photos isn’t the only forward-thinking at your disposal. Consider a subscription to Loop, the baby-gear rental service, so you don’t have to fill your home or time with anything less than fabulous. It's easy, simple, and saves you money.