Clothing, posing, locations, props and lighting make a huge difference to a successful maternity shoot. There is a small window of when to do the photo shoot so preparing for the shoot will help you reach your goals and capturing this special time in your baby’s story.

It’s All In The Timing

We recommend doing a maternity shoot 6 to 8 weeks before your due date. Yo may not be showing too much at 32 weeks. If you are not showing as much as you want, then you may want to push back your shoot closer to 36 weeks. If you want to be showing, but are nervous about waiting too long, or looking too big, then 10 weeks before your due date, around 30 weeks might be a good choice! It’s all in your preference!

To have a successful photoshoot, you need to choose a goal and discuss your goals with your photographer. Is this your first maternity session? What type of look do you want? Do you want outdoor images or studio images or both? Outdoor images with natural light in pretty nature backdrops, the city and urban surroundings, at your home during a lifestyle session, or what about having your maternity shoot in the studio? What about multiple locations?  Is the shoot going to include your spouse, older children?

Do you want beautiful art portraits for your home? Often our clients want a larger art piece to hang in a main room in their home and another in their bedroom or master bath. Are there other areas to put a grouping of smaller portraits in your home? Would you like to create a memory book? Our custom albums start with creative maternity images, followed by images from your newborn shoot. Custom designed and hand made, our maternity shoot albums are priceless heirlooms you and your children will cherish forever!

Clothing

Clothing can make a huge difference in the feel of your photos. Your clothes need to complement the location. Patterned clothing for other types of photoshoots are gorgeous, but not for maternity. Regardless if we are going for a soft image or an image with dramatic lighting, solid colors work much better than outfits with patterns.

Strong patterns will distract your attention to the clothes instead of you. You want the images to be soft, so it’s best to go with mostly solid colored clothing.

Flowing maternity dresses are a great way to add a fashion look to your images. You can find dresses like these on Etsy or your photographer may be able to provide similar dresses. We have many dresses for our maternity clients to use. Show examples of the type of look you want your photographer to have so that they can bring an assistant to achieve that desired affect.

Another way to achieve the flowing look is to use fabric! Keep in mind that if you use fabric, the fabric will fall to the ground leaving your body exposed. Bring the right undergarments for your different outfits! We always suggest nude or skin-colored spandex and bandeaus.

Pick dresses that are form fitting! You’ve been growing your precious baby bump for months. Be proud and let your belly show. Pick some dresses that open up in the middle to show your belly!

Color 

The color of  your clothing or fabric should always be chosen according to the background. Remember, if you are at a loss for what you should, white is always a flattering look for maternity photography!

Posing

A professional photographer will be able to direct you in posing during your shoot. Different poses will make a huge difference in helping you look great and feel amazing both during your photoshoot and after! Knowing flattering poses will be very helpful. Turning your body away from the camera will show off your baby bump and slim your arms and legs.

Another great trick is to lay down! This isn’t just for pregnant women though, laying down is flattering for all women of all shapes and sizes.

Using your hands to shape the clothing around your belly and accentuate your well earned curves!

Being photographed from a high angle will remove double chins and slim down your body.  

Above all, remember that connection is everything. Images with your loved one should reflect your unique relationship.

Location

If your goal is wall art for your home, the location you choose with your photographer can make or break the deal. We offer our clients painted canvas that transforms a single photograph into gorgeous wall art. This is not just a landscape of a waterfall, but also serves as a reminder of a precious and delicate time in your life. The background compliments the image and turns it into an art piece.

You’ve spent a lot of time decorating the nursery, so why not take a few pictures in there?

Beautiful Lighting & Simple Backgrounds

Studio shoots are a good option to create timeless portraits. Perfect for dramatic lighting, privacy for a more intimate shoot and a great option for a shoot during winter. Dramatic lighting shows off the belly. This studio image has a fashion style look & feel. It is all about you, so choose a simple background.

Lighting

Lighting is the mood of the image. It can turn an ordinary image into extraordinary. Show your photographer the look you want so they can be prepared. Make sure they are experienced and capable of giving you the look you love. Being backlit by the sun is truly stunning when done correctly. Everyday is not a sunny day. When this happens a good photographer can create the sun for you. Not only does it look like sunshine on her but the clouds are very dramatic. Using studio lighting outdoors is also used to capture the deep blue sky.

We love to shoot at sunset & dusk to create an image full of romance. The right photographer will have an assistant at the shoot with you to help achieve these desired moods.

Don’t Forget The Props! 

Props are a great way to tell the story of your baby. We welcome clients with a creative side! Whether for pregnancy announcements or a gender reveal, we’ve seen all sorts of props used. From balloons and shoots to hats and flowers to blocks and toys. We’ve even had several couples use a globe to share their sweet adoption story during their maternity shoot.