7 Essential Tips to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot
Capturing the beauty of pregnancy through a maternity photoshoot is a wonderful way to preserve this special time. Proper preparation ensures you feel comfortable and look radiant in your photos. Here are seven tips to help you prepare for your maternity photoshoot.
1. Schedule at the Right Time
The timing of your maternity photoshoot is crucial for capturing the best images:
Ideal Timeframe: Aim for your photoshoot between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, your belly will have a beautiful, full shape, and you’ll still feel comfortable enough to pose for photos.
2. Choose the Perfect Outfit
Your outfit should highlight your baby bump and reflect your personal style:
Fitted Clothing: Dresses or tops that are fitted around the belly will showcase your bump beautifully.
Comfort is Key: Ensure your outfit is comfortable and allows for easy movement.
Colors and Styles: Soft, pastel colors, solid shades, or delicate patterns tend to photograph well. Consider flowing dresses, lace fabrics, or maternity gowns specifically designed for photoshoots.
Brittany wore a fitted lace dress in a soft pastel color, perfect for a delicate and elegant look and a flowing maxi dress in a solid color, highlighting the baby bump while providing comfort. You can find them HERE.
3. Grooming and Self-Care
Taking care of your grooming needs will help you feel confident:
Hair and Makeup: Consider having your hair and makeup done professionally to enhance your natural beauty. Opt for a natural makeup look that enhances your features without being too heavy.
Nails: Make sure your nails are clean and well-manicured. Neutral colors or a classic French manicure work well.
Brittany makeup was done by Jaime Lee and her beautiful butterfly braids were styled by (insert braider). Professional makeup and hair truly elevates the photoshoot. When you look good you feel good and your confidence is boosted.
4. Include Personal Touches
Personal touches can make your photos more meaningful:
Props and Accessories: Bring items like baby shoes, ultrasound photos, or a favorite toy. These props can add a personal and intimate touch to your photos.
Family Participation: Include your partner and older children in some of the shots to capture the joy and anticipation of welcoming a new family member.
Brittany brought her daughter along for the journey and it was absolutely beautiful.
5. Select the Right Location
The location sets the tone for your photos:
Indoor vs. Outdoor: Decide if you prefer an indoor studio setting or an outdoor location like a park, beach, or garden.
Consider the Season: If shooting outdoors, consider the weather and season. Spring and summer offer vibrant backgrounds, while fall provides beautiful foliage.
Brittany decided to have her session inside of the studio and we used a variety of backdrops and lighting techniques.
6. Communicate with Your Photographer
Clear communication with your photographer ensures your vision is realized:
Discuss Your Vision: Share your ideas, preferred poses, and any specific shots you want.
Trust Their Expertise: While it's great to have ideas, trust your photographer's experience and creativity to capture stunning images.
Ultimately Brittany allowed me to take full creative control. All I needed was to understand the colors she wanted to incorporate along with her daughter's outfit. Once she came to the studio to try on what had one vision which was including her daughter but once I invited her to the studio to try on a variety of the gowns and take a (MISSING COPY HERE)
7. Bring a Friend or Family Member
Nothing is better than having someone there to support you, be a helping hand, and cheer for you. Many times photoshoots make people a tad bit nervous which is pretty normal. So having an extra hand and a familiar face can go a long way.
Brittany brought her mom to support and be a helping hand. When Brittany did her solo shots grandma was there to hang out with the baby girl. It’s nothing like having a support system.
8. Relax and Enjoy the Experience
The most important tip is to relax and enjoy the moment:
Stay Hydrated and Rested: Drink plenty of water and get a good night's sleep before the shoot.
Be Yourself: Authenticity shines through in photos, so be yourself and let your natural joy and excitement show.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring to a maternity photoshoot?.
Bring any outfits you’d like to wear (even if your photographer provides a client closet), nude or seamless undergarments, comfortable shoes or slippers, any sentimental items you’d like to include (like ultrasound photos or baby shoes), water and light snacks, and makeup or hair touch-up items. If you're including a partner or child in the session, bring coordinating outfits for them as well.
Maternity photoshoot dresses?
Flowy gowns, body-hugging dresses, or anything that accentuates the bump tends to photograph beautifully. Many photographers offer a curated client closet with dresses designed specifically for maternity sessions—so be sure to ask! Stick to timeless, solid colors, soft textures, and fabrics that allow movement (like chiffon or jersey).
What is the best color to wear for a maternity photoshoot?
Neutral tones like beige, white, blush, cream, and soft pastels are always a great choice because they create a clean and timeless look. Earthy tones like olive, rust, and taupe also work beautifully in outdoor settings. The key is to wear something that complements your skin tone and doesn't distract from your bump.
What not to do before your photoshoot?
Avoid trying new skincare products or treatments right before the shoot in case of irritation. Don’t skip meals—staying nourished helps keep your energy up. Avoid wearing tight clothing or undergarments to the shoot, as they can leave marks on your skin. And don’t overthink it—your natural glow is more than enough. Relax and enjoy the moment!
Conclusion
A maternity photoshoot is a beautiful way to celebrate and remember your pregnancy. By following these tips and preparing well, you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, resulting in stunning photos you’ll cherish forever. Ready to book your maternity photoshoot? Contact me today to schedule your session and capture this special time in your life.