Tips to prepare for your maternity photography session
CENTRAL COAST MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHER
A maternity photography session is a little bit special. It is chance to acknowledge the amazing changes a woman’s body has gone through in growing a new little life. Whether this is your 1st baby, or your 4th, the weeks leading up to bub’s arrival are filled with anticipation. Here’s a few tips to help you prepare for your maternity photography session…
1. location is everything
You want to feel relaxed and confident during your maternity session. So it’s important to carefully consider where you would like the session to occur. If you are a little shy about exposing your bump, doing the session in your home is a great option to keep things personal and private. In home sessions means we don’t have to worry about the weather and your session can be held any time during daylight hours. In home sessions also means you can include the baby’s nursery, your pets and everyday routines.
If you feel confident getting that gorgeous bump out (and you totally should!) let’s go hit the beach or a nice national park for your session. Outdoor sessions allow us to get the beautiful natural light during sunrise or sunset, with lots of different backgrounds.
Make sure that wherever you choose to go, you choose somewhere that is meaningful to you and your family. If you want the best of both worlds, book a longer session and we can have time at your home as well as another location.
2. the outfit is important
Feeling confident in front of the camera is easier if you feel comfortable with what you are wearing. Choose an outfit that makes you feel beautiful and which you can move around in easily. Your location will have an impact on your outfit. A cute kimono with your bump out will look natural at home in your bedroom. Soft, flowing dresses are always a winner, whether indoors or out.
3. bump out (or not)
Some mums to be don’t like exposing their bump. That’s totally fine. Stretch marks and previous c-scars can make the best of us feel uncomfortable. Personally I love seeing the bump exposed and being able to capture priceless images of pregnancy. I feel it is so empowering to celebrate the female body in all it’s forms. If you’re keen to get those gorgeous bump out images, its important to consider your bra and undies. If you’re having your session at the beach, a bikini will do the trick. Other wise opt for neutral coloured bras and undies - white, black, or cream coloured - keeps the look simple and elegant.
4. Include your loved ones
Your partner and older children definitely should be part of your session, and I’m a big believer in including fur babies too.
5. Timing is everything
The best time during your pregnancy to hold a maternity photography session is weeks 32-36. This gives you a little bit of breathing room in case bub makes an early arrival. If you’re expecting twins, the session should be held between 26-32 weeks as these little ones have a habit of arriving early. By holding your session during this time, you will have that classic baby bump silhouette and avoid the tired and worn out feeling that comes at the end of your pregnancy (or cankles!).
So that’s my top tips on preparing for a maternity photography session. If you’d like to book in or have any questions click the button below.