Scheduling a maternity photo session can be an exciting experience, but also one that is full of stress, doubt and uncertainty. Whether you’ve never had professional photos taken before or have experienced the process many times, it can be hard to know exactly what to expect and how best to prepare. To help make your special day easier and more enjoyable for you and your growing family, I’ve come up with five amazing tips for preparing for your maternity session. From making sure you feel confident in front of the camera to selecting the perfect outfit that will look just as beautiful on film as it does in person, these simple ideas are likely to leave you feeling completely prepared and ready—and with plenty of great memories too!
- This one is very important! Schedule your photo session with your photographer well in advance, especially if you are due during peak season. When it comes to your maternity session, planning ahead is key. As your due date approaches, popular photographers can book up quickly, especially if you are due during peak season, which for most photographers falls between September and December. To ensure that you get the perfect pictures with minimal stress, try to book your photoshoot two months in advance of when you will be 32-36 weeks along, which is a great time for a maternity session. That way, you can rest assured that a talented photographer has space available to get you on their books before your little ones arrives.
- Consider your hair and makeup style. Will you do your own makeup, or will you hire a professional? Maternity Sessions are a special moment to capture the natural beauty that comes with pregnancy, so it’s important to make sure you feel your best and most confident while being photographed. When it comes to selecting a hairstyle and makeup look for the photoshoot, you have two options: either going all DIY or hiring a professional. If you find yourself feeling indecisive, there is no harm in browsing online reviews of local professionals who specialize in hair and makeup, as well as inquire about their portfolios. I can always recommend a few professionals that I have worked with who are wonderful. Makeup experts can choose looks that will suit your face shape and skin type, shades of makeup that bring out your eyes and any part of your appearance that you may want to conceal. If you’re going for classic, timeless sophistication, prioritizing natural-looking tones and minimalist accents may be best. On the other hand, if glamour is more your style, bolder colors and an emphasis on eye makeup can bring out a truly dramatic look! No matter what route you decide to take, making sure you’re comfortable with the look for your session is key!
- Start picking out the clothes you want to wear in your photos. Be sure to choose something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Maternity sessions deserve special attention when it comes to choosing a wardrobe. Your outfit should make you feel comfortable and beautiful, but also represent the time in your life that you are capturing! Show off your bump in something flowy or fitted with an extra layer to hug mom’s baby bump. Maternity photos should be filled with joy and happiness, so picking out clothes that make you feel that way is the best way to ensure those memories reflect your true season in life! I send a full style guide that is part of your maternity package when you book with me. It gives you tips on colors, patterns and things you may want to avoid when choosing your wardrobe. I also offer a complimentary client closet with lots of options if you are wanting to take the work out of selecting your wardrobe all together.
- Make sure to relax and enjoy your session! Take some time for yourself before the shoot to calm down and get into the right mindset. Maternity sessions are a magical moment in any family’s life – capturing the fleeting memories of pregnancy that make it such a special time. So, it’s important to make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy your session. Beforehand, try setting aside some extra time for yourself to get ready and work yourself into the right mindset. Whether it’s listening to your favorite podcast, getting a massage, or doing a little yoga, anything that can help you calm down and relieve stress will be beneficial for the photography session ahead. Maintaining peace of mind during this exciting process will bring out the best in both you and your photos! Capturing your true and authentic self in front of my lens is always my goal and if you are anxious or feeling stressed it may convey in your images and that’s something we don’t want! So, take a deep breath Momma and know you look beautiful and everything is going to be perfect!
- Have fun with it! Your maternity session is a special moment that you’ll always want to remember. Don’t be too serious during the shoot; allow yourself to be creative, have fun and cherish the moment. There is no wrong or right in these photos. As long as you feel content and beautiful, your photos will reflect it. You aren’t expected to be a professional, so a good photographer will direct you in a way that helps you relax and brings out your true self. Your Maternity session can also record memories of an amazing journey: capturing special intimate moments between you and your baby before their entrance into the world! It can be comforting to look back on such stunning images! So, take advantage of the opportunity to create awesome photos! Have fun with it, try out different outfits or poses, and focus on celebrating yourself during this unique and wonderful journey!
Maternity photos are a beautiful way to document this special time in your life. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you will have gorgeous photos to cherish for years to come. And if you’re interested in booking a maternity session, be sure to comment below! We would love to hear from you!