January 9th, 2019

Maternity Photo Session Part. 1

Maternity / Lifestyle

Expecting a new baby is an exciting moment in every woman’s life. It’s a time for Love and passion about new unborn baby even before they have met. The feeling of growing new life although, often followed by pains and aches, makes every new mother glow and shine. And what a better time and way to capture the joy and excitement than maternity portrait session.

I love working with expecting mothers and their husbands or partners to craft beautiful and artistic maternity portraits. Each mother deserves to have these moments captured and recorded in framed prints.

Here are some tips from me for maternity photo session. If you have any questions please write them down and I will answer them.

What is the Best Time to take my Maternity Photos?

I recommend to schedule your session between 28 and 36 weeks of your pregnancy. During that time, woman’s belly has a lovely round shape. For expecting mamas with twins (or more), come in earlier around 26 – 32 weeks as twins tend to arrive much earlier than singletons.

Your needs are unique!

I suggest we talk about any ideas about poses, look, location or props you might have in mind before the photo session. Sure as a photographer I have a lot of experience and suggestions for you, but every client is unique as well as your needs and expectations. Discussing them will help me prepare better for your session. If you have collected any maternity portrait examples, bring them to the consultation session.  There are so many examples online. Even printed magazines or friend’s albums could be a source of inspiration.

Having Company is Fun

Bring your husband or older children to your session. If you plan to have them both, plan to have your children photographed first and arrange for someone to take them home after that. Having others be part of your session allows me to create more family like images and it is a great time for your children to show the love for your unborn baby. You would need the privacy and quiet time for more images with your husband or alone. For more intimate maternity portraits you need to feel relaxed.

Professional Makeup and Hair

I highly recommend professional makeup and hair. You will feel beautiful and confident at your session. However if it’s not in the budget, your going-out-on-a-date makeup and hair is fine too. Neutral looking fake lashes can really flatter your eyes. I work with so many talented makeup artist and hair stylist, and I can always recommend one of them to you, or have them in studio as we are already practicing.

Posing

Trust your photographer to direct you in posing so you can look your best. What makes maternity photos different from other portraits is that the images focus on you, your personality, feelings and the bond you have with your much-awaited baby. Many maternity poses such as hands on the belly and eyes looking down express emotions and connection to your belly. Other maternity poses empathize the beautiful curves of your body.

What to wear

Wear whatever you feel comfortable and pretty in. I provide this list to my clients:

• Neutral strapless bra and seamless underwear
• Black bra and panty set (for those black background belly shots)
• White/ivory bra and panty set (for those white background belly shots)
• Lingerie sets
• Tube top or belly band
• Regular jeans (not maternity ones) and camisole top
• Buttoned shirt or blouse
• Long, flowy or form-fitting dress (e.g. tube dress or a summer maxi dress)
• Button ups sweater or cardigans
• Men’s button ups top (for significant other/husband)
• Coordinating outfits (for significant other/husband and/or children)
• Any favorite scarves, accessories, jewelries, etc.
• Any sentimental items (e.g. baby ultrasound image)

In Maternity Photo Session Part 2. I will write about locations for Maternity photo Session, what props to bring with you, etc.

If you have any questions or comments you can write them here.