How to Prepare for a Maternity Photoshoot
Congratulations! You or your loved one may be expecting a new baby! A special way to celebrate a pregnancy is by taking photos. I remember going through that myself first when we had my daughter Stella. I had my husband take my photos and the second time (when we had Luke) I hired a professional photographer. It was a dream of mine to get our own photos taken in San Francisco and I want to make that dream come true for other mothers too. I cherish my maternity photos and when I open our son’s baby book I love seeing those gorgeous photos in the “Before I arrived” section.
Now that you’re interested in a maternity portrait session, here are some things you’ll want to consider to prepare. Whether you and other loved ones join you for the session is up to you. Within the classic 1 hour session, we can take a variety of photos with family members or other kids, yourself or simply you and your partner. Whatever you are hoping for, I am here to capture that. I will add my personal touch and direction while asking you if there are any photos you’d like to try replicating.
Here are 5 Tips for planning for your session!
1. The first thing to consider when planning for our session is that the timing is just right. We don’t want momma to be too pregnant where she is waddling around from having a large stomach or feeling tired to stand for too long. At the same time, we don’t want to take photos too early when you are not showing off that cute bump. I recommend taking photos around 28-32 weeks where you are getting to the point of possibly being uncomfortable, but there’s still enough time + energy to be excited about the photos, getting them printed, shared and being prepared for labor.
2. Once your session date is reserved, we’ll most likely have your photos taken 1 hour prior to sunset, as that is golden hour! The lighting on the background is divine; there is soft and even light everywhere. With that being said, the best photos will be taken in the last half an hour. The first half an hour of photos will feature bright sunlight shining through trees or areas where there is full shade while everyone gets comfortable with me as the photographer. Many people like to have a second outfit change and I recommend having your favorite outfit for the last part of the session.
3. You may be wondering what to wear. When I think of maternity photos I imagine flowy and light weight dresses light in color to showcase your cute baby bump. In general, neutral colors will always be timeless and I’d lean toward the lighter tones. There’s something magical about that glow a mother has that needs to be seen in airy clothing. Some people prefer to have photos taken in layered lingerie in a home setting (sometimes public too) and then there’s the breezy flowy dress look in the outdoors that I aim for. Wearing light jewelry, having your makeup, hair and nails done will make you feel and look even more special. Wear a nice pair of heels or dainty flats to fit the style of your dress. If your partner or family is joining, check out my family session style guide for outfit ideas! Keep the outfits simple and coordinate colors!
4. During our session I will take a variety of photos; candid and posed. I will tell you how to stand, where to touch your stomach, and what to look at. Before our time together, get to know yourself and what your best features are. Let me be aware of anything I can highlight. Some people like to face the camera straight on for a slimming effect while others like to highlight their baby bump. Do you have a side you like to show more of or a “good side”? You are more than welcome to bring family heirlooms, word boards, props or ultrasounds to include in our photos for example!
5. After our time together, all I will need is your email, the remainder of the payment, and a couple of days to get your maternity photos back to you! I will share a link with your photo collection. You’ll be able to find a minimum of 65 high quality resolution edits in both my classic and filter looks if you desire! Depending on the lighting or time of year, the colors in the images may vary!
I assure you that our time together will be so much fun! I try my best to make you feel special and look your best in the photos by giving you a preview of the images on my camera during the session! From there, please feel comfortable to tell me what you like, don’t like and want to capture next! This is a fun session and I hope it adds to your excitement about having a baby as well as make your pregnancy feel even more special.
If you have any questions at all about the photoshoot, what to expect or how to plan for a new baby, please ask me! I’ve gone through a lot of emotions and huge learning curves and would love to be of any help that I can offer. :)