How should I prepare for my maternity shoot?
No matter how you feel, (and believe me, I’ve felt everything from emotions to body image) pregnancy is a beautiful part of life and worthy of being documented. I love photographing maternity sessions and would love for you to have the best experience possible. So here are a couple thoughts I have as you prepare for your maternity session.
Maternity sessions are best photographed between 27-35 weeks
This really depends on how big you would like your baby bump to be. I typically suggest anywhere from 27 - 35 weeks, but all women and their bodies are different. If you are pregnant with your first, sometimes your body will grow slower and having a shoot in your third trimester is perfect. If you are pregnant for the second, third, fourth time then there is a good chance that your body will grow faster and your shoot could be earlier in your pregnancy. I’d love to photograph you when you still feel like yourself, but not too bloated and big. I know this sounds like a joke, especially if you are currently pregnant and feeling like you are having an out of body experience. So, if that’s you then I suggest leaning toward the 27-30 ish week side of your pregnancy to have your maternity shoot. At the end of the day, the timing is up to you. Just don’t wait too long! I’d love to photograph you pregnant and before you go into labor. And yes, this can happen!
Outfits
This is the most discussed topic for any maternity session. What should you wear? I wrote a whole separate blog post on this, check it out here!
Here are is my quick opinion on this: I think that the more curves showing in a form-fitting outfit, the better! Loose fitting outfits are comfortable, but can sometimes create the illusion of looking bigger than you actually are. For maternity shoots, I think showing off the baby bump is best and can be done easily with tighter fitting tops and dresses. BUT, loose dresses can be beautiful as well. ;)
I actually have an entire blog post on this for you! You can explore even more outfit and shoe ideas here!
Interested in seeing images that inspire me for photo shoots? Check out my Pinterest board for studio maternity shoots here.
Marks on your skin
Keep in mind that elastic can leave marks on your skin. The biggest offenders are socks, elastic hair ties worn around wrists, and bras. I’d love for your skin to be as smooth as possible for your shoot, so leave those elastic items behind if you plan on showing any skin at all.
Bring a strapless bra to eliminate any marks on your skin or even to show over the top of fabric for an outfit
In fact, if you’re planning on showing a lot of skin then wear loose clothing to your shoot or even just a really big dress with nothing on underneath it (bras, underwears, etc)
Can my husband, partner, or kids join me?
Yes! This maternity shoot is for you and meant to document you and your current stage of life. You can include, or not include, anyone you would like. You will have photos with those you choose to have join you and also photos taken of just you. I want this to be a sweet time to remember your pregnancy and having others join you can be an added benefit.
Bring a snack and water!
I mean, I figured this kinda goes without saying? But, I think I will go ahead and say it! Maternity shoots, while seemingly calm and easy, can quickly tire you out. I have a bunch of lollipops here, but we all know that a bagel filled with cream cheese is a much better decision. ;)
Bring a snack, water, or whatever keeps you filled and energetic.
We need a soundtrack :)
Do you have music that you love? Let’s add a playlist to your maternity session!
Music always helps bring a sense of comfort and familiarity to any session, but especially a maternity session.
If you have songs that you love to dance to, songs that make you think of your baby and being a mother, or music that is special to you or you and your partner then let me know ahead of time! I will make a Spotify playlist with your favorite music and we can play it on repeat during your maternity shoot.
I LOVE photographing with my favorite tunes playing, so let’s have a little bit of fun with yours!
Still up for reading more?
Here are some more interesting posts and my Maternity shoot Pinterest board
What to wear to your maternity shoot?
Need some more convincing on why you should book a maternity session?