Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Plan to Book a Shoot in Your Third Trimester
The best time to take your photos is in your third trimester, between 28 and 32 weeks. At this point, your bump will be showing well and look great in photos, and you will still be able to move around and pose comfortably. While you can do your maternity session later in your pregnancy, there’s a good chance you will have more trouble posing and standing for long periods of time specially if opting for regular package.
Preparing for the shoot day
Hands
Your hands will appear in almost all of your images, so you want them looking good! Get yourself a professional manicure and get your nails done a day or two prior to the shoot.
Hair
If you’re not sure how to have your hair done, think about what you want your photos to look like. If you’re going for a more casual look, a loose and simple hairstyle may be the perfect option. But if you want your images to look a little more formal, don’t be afraid to go dramatic with an elegant look. Wearing a tiara may enhance your hair and overall look significantly so we do recommend them.
Face
Consider Hiring a Makeup Artist. If you really want to look your best, a professional makeup artist is the way to go. A pro will know how to do your makeup so it shows best in photos. If you decide to do your makeup yourself, you want to go a little bolder with your makeup than you normally would to make sure your eyes and lips are well-defined in your images and your all skin blemishes have been taken care of.
Body
A couple hours before your session, take time to apply some non-greasy lotion to reduce any dry spots on your skin. Be sure to avoid using any artificial tanners or spray tans as they may give your skin an unnatural orange look.
Outfits
Take the time to pick the right outfit for the maternity shoot. Go with stretchy fabrics for comfort. You should of course be comfortable but make sure that your clothing doesn’t detract from your tummy’s shape and your natural glow. Avoid large, bold patterns or clothing that is too loose. Empire waists, drawstrings, flowing tops, off shoulder tops and wrap dresses are perfect for enhancing your shape. 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.
Give some thought to your under garments as well. For example, if you’re wearing a white dress, you don’t want to wear dark panties that will show through the fabric. And if you plan on doing partially nude images, make sure to bring along lacy undergarments that will look good in your photos. We always recommend using nude under garments in that scenario.
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. Also ask them to groom themselves to your best looks.
Wrinkles WILL show up in your portraits. Iron your clothes if necessary and bring in on a hanger. Make sure your clothing is clean.
Outfit Colors
Keep color of the outfit 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 that will distract. Instead, stick with neutral colors and jewel tones that will look great with any background and any skin tone.
Props
If you already have some cute baby items such as shoes, hats, toys, blankets or onesies, bring them along as they make for adorable props. The same applies to family heirlooms. If you have a special locket or photo that you would like to use, bring it along too. Anything special you want to include in your photos is a great addition. Whether that’s a family heirloom, your ultrasound, or even your own baby blanket or favorite childhood toy, these mementos can add special meaning and a personal touch to your images. More and more moms are using their ultrasound photos in their photo sessions. If you aren’t too sure whether you want to use it or not, bring it to the shoot anyway and decide on the day.
Poses
Feel free to look up for poses on internet and come up with some of your favorites. If confused, we are here to help and can take charge and suggest poses.
Decide Who to Bring with You
Your family members are absolutely welcome at your maternity session, especially if you want to include your spouse or other children. Just keep in mind that extra people can be a distraction and can even make you feel less comfortable in front of the camera, so avoid bringing friends and extended family members along unless someone wants to come to touch up your make up/hair etc.
Don’t Stress
It’s easier said than done, but do your best to relax and not worry about your session. Your photographer will walk you through every pose and position. All you have to do is be your natural, beautiful self!