Tips for your Maternity Photo Session
What to wear:
Whether you want to keep it casual with jeans and a blouse or wear a flowing maternity dress (or even both), take time before your session to choose your outfits and make sure they fit and look the way you want them to look. You should also pick out clothing for any other family members who will be part of the session and make sure to choose outfits that coordinate and don’t clash with your own.
Here are a few suggestions:
Neutral strapless bra and seamless underwear
Maxi Dress that parts in front
Tube top or belly band
Regular jeans (not maternity ones) and a camisole top
Buttoned shirt or blouse
Favorite accessories, jewelry, etc.
Keep your colors simple - You and your baby bump will be the primary focus of your images, so you don’t want to wear any bright colors or loud patterns, logos, etc.
If you’re doing semi-nude/implied nude photos, bras and underwear will create noticeable lines on your skin, so wear loose-fitting clothing to the shoot. You can add undergarments as necessary for photos later in the shoot.
If you have long hair, be ready to put your hair up in case of a windy day. Bring bobby pins, hair clips, headbands or any other favorite accessories.
What NOT to wear:
While you should definitely dress in comfortable clothes for your session location, be sure to take off any clothes with elastic bands at least an hour before your shoot. Elastic leaves marks on your skin, and you'll want your skin to look naturally smooth. Also, be sure to remove any hair ties or other tight bands from your wrists and try to avoid wearing sunglasses on the way to the session - it will leave marks on your face and make your eyes more sensitive to the sun.
What kinds of props should we bring?
Props are optional but can personalize your session and make for a few fun photos. A pair of baby shoes, a onesie (or other outfits), ultrasound / sonogram, letter blocks, It's a boy / girl banner are some cute ideas.
What can we expect the session to be like?
We will give you all the direction you need while keeping the session natural and relaxed. We are happy to provide suggestions for poses and scenic spots that will photograph well so you have nothing to worry about.
The day of the shoot
Relax. Take more time than usual to get ready.
Eat a light meal before you leave.
Try to arrive 10-15 minutes early for any last-minute touchups before the session.
What if it rains?
Most people hope for a bright sunny day for their session, and the majority of our sessions do have clear skies. However, cloudy/overcast weather is my ideal lighting situation since there are no harsh shadows on people's faces and those with sensitive eyes won't struggle to keep their eyes open. We do get the occasional passing showers which are very common and we can just take shelter for 2-3 minutes while it passes. In the event of heavy rain where a session is simply not possible, please contact your photographer at least 60-90 minutes prior to your session to reschedule for the next available date / time.
*Photo Requests
If you have any photo requests (not more than 3-4), feel free to let us know at the beginning of your session. Sometimes it can be helpful to show us a sample from your phone.
** Bring a towel ** If you have a beach location, it's helpful to have a towel to dust off sandy feet after your session.