Congratulations, Mom-to-be! I am so excited that you have taken the first step to capturing the beauty and joys of pregnancy. We are going to have a wonderful time during the session, so we can get you smiling and loving the bundle of joy. Just like I’ve had the pleasure to do in the many maternity photography sessions previously.

How do we get from here to there? With tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. As with any advice, think of these maternity photography ideas as a good starting point. We discuss, build up and work together to get the maternity photos that you love.

There are 5 key areas to think of for your maternity photo session. Then, I recommend you visit the Maternity page as well, in case you haven’t as of yet. You will be able to view photos from the various maternity sessions, get information regarding the investment, and about our belly to baby package.

Timing

The best time of the day for maternity photography is in the evening, about 30 – 45 minutes before the sunset. This is the time photographers call “the golden hour”. The light is not too harsh, but isn’t low enough either. And at the right spot, if one is available, we may be able to catch the sun flare that makes you look like a goddess. Early mornings are good as well, but seriously, I am not daring enough to ask a pregnant woman to get out of her bed that early and be all cheerful for me. Good luck if you want to do that!

Personalize

Let’s make the session about you – mom, family (dad, siblings), and the little one. Let’s think about props and mementos we can add to the photographs. Things that help you tell a story about your maternity. A sonogram that shows the little one inside your belly. Little shoes or clothes if you’ve already picked them out. If you want ideas, just sit down and think what kind of story would you like to tell with the photographs, years later? Then accessorize as necessary.

Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup

Wardrobe: Or said another way, “Look & Feel Beautiful”. As you look into your wardrobe, look for clothes that are comfortable but make you feel confident and beautiful. Take the time to model for yourself in front of a full length mirror, to get a feel of how you look from all sides. Pick up two to three sets of outfits so we can get variety in the shots.

Wardrobe suggestions:

• Regular jeans (not maternity), camisole top, and boots with a nice top (see here)
  • Get your significant other and kids to wear a matching, simple top or t-shirt
  • Simple white or black t-shirts with jeans is a great combination, for significant other/husband and kids
• A nice dress (see here), with a neutral strapless bra & underwear
  • Avoid dots and stripes, fluorescent colors (yes, I’ve seen this), or
  • Anything with large prints (like gowns with large flowers).
• A white, blue or red gown (see here), with lacy bra and underwear to match. Also bring:
  • White/ivory, black/dark grey sets for the white and black background belly shots

Hair & Makeup: When you are pregnant, getting makeup and hair done is probably the last thing on your mind. But this isn’t just another day. It is your special day. Your special moment. I highly recommend getting your hair done and wearing makeup. Best results would be to get both of these done professionally. However, if that is an added expense you are not comfortable with, do your best at home.

Accessories: By the way, this is the perfect time to try on the accessories as well. Here are some examples:

• Scarfs, shoes, necklaces, and hats.
• Sentimental items – little baby shoes, ultrasound images, etc.
• Heirlooms – passed down the generations that you want to incorporate into the photos

Remember, at the end of the day, it is about you feeling beautiful and confident. Again – this is YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

Connect

Awesome photographs are a result of a perfect chemistry between the photographer and her model. The two need to be comfortable with each other and on the same page. This is especially true of maternity photography. My preference is to connect before the session, to share ideas and understand your style. Preferably, and I cannot stress this enough, I like to receive photos of the various dressing options you’ve chosen for yourself. You need to be excited about the session, and what better than for us to talk about the dresses, scarves, shoes and color combinations.

Preparation

Confused why I am talking about preparation last? Especially since everything – Wardrobe, Personalization – has been about preparing. Don’t worry, this is not about getting you ready but rather getting your significant other – partner, husband – in the ‘zone’. Often, they simply assume that a maternity photography session is all about the one who is pregnant. Well, it largely is, but it’s not fun without the active participation and smiles from our spouse, is it now? My two suggestions: (1) involve your spouse early on. I am sure they’d love to see you model the dresses, and (2) talk about all the cute things babies do, and how you are looking forward to seeing the little one when s/he arrives, on the drive over to the maternity session. Get the two of you in a loving/warm feeling as you arrive. I’ve heard from many mom-to-be’s that this one tip worked wonders for them.

I hope you found these maternity photography ideas helpful. Remember, the goal is for these ideas to be a good starting point. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions to make the session even better. Email me at avnidaphotography on gmail, or click here to contact me.