What to wear for your maternity session?

Sep 6

There are SO many options for wardrobes when it comes to a maternity shoot.

Creatively, I have found that I like to photograph on the edge of beautiful, modern, and intrigue. Personally, I want your photos to feel classic and for you to be comfortable.

So here is what I’ve come up with for outfit ideas that I think blend the two concepts pretty well.

Form Fitting vs Loose Fitting?

I think this is the most popular question I get. Should I wear something flowy or tight?
In my style of maternity photography, ***my main priority is to show off you and the relationship to your baby bump.***
I think that the more curves showing in a form-fitting outfit, the easier it is to see your tummy. However, there are ways to make a loose, bohemian or fabric look also highlight your bump. It just sometimes takes a little more creativity and angles. Loose fitting outfits are sometimes more comfortable, but can also create the illusion of making you look bigger than you actually are.
Here is my simple answer to this question of form fitting vs loose fitting maternity outfits: I think showing off the baby bump can be done easier with tighter fitting tops and dresses. However, if you have a gorgeous and fun loose dress you want to try then I am ALL FOR IT! My job is to take beautiful images of you in whatever you wear and I’m up for the challenge.

Outfit Ideas

Simple, not showing skin
Showing some skin
Draping with fabric and robes
Wearing nothing and letting your body be the main focus
The long, tight dress
Bodysuits
Making it simple and using staple pieces from your wardrobe

If you are reading this post and have a maternity session booked with me, let me know which wardrobe options you’d like to use for your shoot. We can use any of these combinations of wardrobes…

Simple, not showing skin

For this option, think along the lines of a simple maternity top with jeans or a casual dress. You don’t have to show a lot of skin to be beautiful and sexy! If you are a casual person and just want to keep it simple, then so do I. ;)

Showing some skin

This idea is perfect if you want to wear an every day piece, but bring a little sass to it. Here are some creative ideas:
A bigger button down shirt that can be loosely dropped off of the shoulders.
A dress (or even that bridesmaid dress you spent money on for your best friend’s wedding and can barely zip up now just two weeks later) that we can move around in ways that are attractive and bring a little intrigue.
Jeans with a strapless bra
A suit jacket with nothing underneath it, paired with jeans
A bathing suit
Just A long sweater
A bathing suit coverup

Draping with fabric and robes

I have LOVED this option and think it is so much fun to photograph!
I find that these can easily be adapted to any comfort level of showing skin. I add pieces of fabric and silk robes into my studio wardrobe pretty regularly and wash them after each use so they are ready for every shoot.
If you have a color or texture in mind, let me know!

Wearing Nothing

This is a really beautiful way to let your body, in all of it’s raw and intimate ways, be the main focus of your maternity session.
We can work together to show as little or as much as possible in whatever ways you feel the most comfortable.
Let’s chat about this so we can plan ahead and also for me to give you a couple of pointers and details as you prepare.

The long, tight dress

This is a classic and timeless option that I LOVE.
You can go barefoot or wear heels, you can stand on a small stool if your dress is too long, or we could just angle the camera in way that makes your dress look long if you only have a shorter option.
If you only had one outfit you were bringing to your session, this is the one I’d say to have.

Bodysuits

I love a bodysuit or bathing suit! I think it can walk the line of luxurious and sexy, but also modest and clean. Just let me know the mood you’d like to shoot for and we are golden.

Use Staples from your wardrobe

Want to make it simple and easy on you without overthinking it?
You can use ***denim, bras, trousers***, or even a ***non-maternity outfit*** for your session. Click here to see samples from my work and read more on how to style staples well for a minimalistic look.

Shoes

This is 100% your personal preference! I am always barefoot in life and tend to be barefoot in photos. So if you ask me, I always err on the side of barefoot for maternity photos. I also tend to take more photos closer to the subject than full-length shots, so your feet may or may not be in all of the images.
I mean, shoes were my worst enemy when I was pregnant. But maybe your experience has been better? If so, and you want to try that super luxurious photo with heels on then yes!!
If you’re undecided about shoes then we can decide when you get here. Either way, take a quick minute for maintenance on your toenails and nail polish before the shoot. You know, just in case.

Add an accessory

I say YES! Let’s show off your personality in whatever way you want to.
A hat or sunglasses
An heirloom or special piece of jewelry
Statement shoes
A meaningful tattoo
Do you want to have a bouquet or flower crown made for your shoot? That’s an option as well and can add such depth and dimension to your images.

What should my partner wear?

My perspective is that your partner is with you in a maternity shoot to help tell your story and compliment you and your baby. I more than likely suggest that your partner wear something neutral and isn’t much brighter than you. I want you and your baby bump to be the main event.
If you are hoping for some shots with you and your bare skin, then your partner is also more than welcome to also show more skin. I am up for (almost) anything!

What to bring?

Do your best not to wear anything to your shoot that may leave a mark on your skin. The worst offenders are elastic hair ties around your wrist, socks or shoes that will leave strap marks. If you are planning on wearing a bra the entire time, choose a strapless bra if any part of your shoulders will show. If you are planning on less clothing, then I’d suggest showing up in a loose outfit and maybe not wearing anything underneath. Bras and underwear can leave marks and aren’t as easy for me to edit out of the photos with more skin showing.
Bring a strapless bra to eliminate any marks on your skin or even to show over the top of fabric for an outfit
A snack and drink
Tell me your favorite music and I’ll make a playlist for you!!