You’re pregnant! Many congratulations. As you busily prepare for the arrival of your little one, having your portrait taken may not be at the top of your to-do list. But you really want to capture this incredible part of your life in a photograph. So you book a photographer, and eek! Now what? Have a read of my top tips on how to prepare for your maternity photo shoot.
Pregnancy is arguably one of the most amazing times in a woman’s life; full of anticipation, excitement and wonder. A maternity session is such a wonderful way to capture and record this monumental and magical time in your life. Whether this is your first baby or a new addition to your growing family, the photographs will celebrate the phenomenal joy of a new baby and the power and beauty of your incredible pregnant body. I encourage every pregnant woman to consider maternity photography
When?
If you’ve never had a maternity portrait session before, you may be unsure of how to prepare or what to expect. So to start with, it’s never too early to book in with your photographer. Booking months in advance is good, as your favourite photographer may well get booked up. Book in early for best availability and to secure your session. When for? Well, the best time to have your maternity portraits taken is during the third trimester; when you’re around 28-36 weeks pregnant. At this stage your bump will be glorious but you should still be comfortable enough to move around and pose for the photographs.
Pamper time!
This is a very special session and is all about you. It’s celebrating your amazing body and the little person growing inside. I want you to feel beautiful, to feel your best and for this to show through in the images. Make sure you keep hydrated as one of the many benefits of drinking plenty of water is glowing, dewy skin. Ideal for your portraits.
Try to get plenty of rest the night before – not always so easy when you’re pregnant, I do appreciate – but aim to feel rested and refreshed for your session. Perhaps a relaxing bubble bath and indulgent body lotion might help you catch some quality zzzz’s.
To give you that little bit more confidence, try to find time for a little bit of pampering. Think about your hair and make-up. Are you able to book a hair appointment earlier in the day than your session? Nothing boosts confidence quite like a salon blow dry. And don’t forget your nails. Some of the images will focus on your hands, so aim for neat nails that are picture perfect and ready for their close up. This is a moment in your life that you’ll want to treasure forever so it really is worth making a little time to prepare for your maternity photo shoot.
To bare or not to bare, that is the question
Talking of confidence, have a bit of a think about how you feel with regards to varying levels of undress in your portraits. It’s popular but by no means mandatory, so please don’t feel pressured into showing more flesh than you feel comfortable with. If you feel self-conscious and awkward it will show in the photographs. And we don’t want that. We want to capture a confident, beautiful woman with her incredible pregnant body. Far better to cover up and be radiant if that is your comfort zone.
However, if you would like to bare more than just your bump then do tell me what images you would like to achieve, be they partial or implied nudes. This will help to plan the session. Please don’t hesitate to tell me if you are not comfortable in a certain pose or with a certain body part uncovered.
What to wear?
You are welcome to make use of my selection of amazing dresses and fabrics. But if you would like to bring along some of your own clothing you are more than welcome. Think fitted, to best showcase your tummy. Stretchy fabrics are great; you want to be comfortable but we also want to see that baby belly. Avoid elastic that could leave indents or red marks – we’re aiming for naturally smooth skin. It’s always a good idea to bring two sets of matching underwear to the session – one dark, one light. That way, if you are not quite brave enough to bare all, we are still able to capture your beautiful bump.
You may also want to bring small meaningful items with you to the session that we can include in the photographs. Perhaps some adorable bootees, toys or your ultrasound photo. Or maybe a treasured locket or blanket. Bring them along with you to the photoshoot.
Relax and enjoy it
This is such a special time, let’s celebrate and capture it, giving you memories to treasure for a lifetime.
If you are interested in a maternity session…
If you would like to book in for a full maternity session, all the details can be found on my Maternity Photography page. I have also introduced maternity mini sessions if this is more to your liking.
For more information with regards to newborn studio portraits then check out my newborn photography page which gives you a great insight into how the sessions run.
I look forward to hearing from you xx
Gorgeous blue maternity dress by Mii Estilo
How to Prepare for your Maternity Photo Shoot, by Samphire Photography
