Glow and Flow: Four Maternity Photo Session Considerations
Welcoming your baby to the world and anticipating their arrival during your pregnancy is such a gift.
Contemplating and preparing all the things: nesting the perfect nursery, committing to a baby name, preparing for the arrival of your little nugget’s life earthside.
Documenting the last few weeks before completing the pregnancy phase and moving onto full on parent mode is a lovely offering to your future self to truly reflect upon and celebrate the miracle of this 40 week transition.
A few impactful factors that influence your images:
Commission a maternity specific photographer that you trust. Posing maternity photos can get really weird, really fast. This might seem like a #shamelessplug but the truth is, it’s real. Would you hire a labor and delivery doc to perform your open heart surgery?? Choosing a photographer that specializes in maternity with expert level posing experience in the realm of flattering pregnant bodies is so critical in achieving beautiful images. Feeling at ease in front of the camera will reveal itself in the images. Choose a photographer that makes you feel well cared for while being photographed. Offering feedback and subtle adjustments is part of what brings life into the bodies of my clients and their images.
Intentionality about wardrobe selections is EVERYthing. The biggest impact you can make in preparing for your maternity photo session is to adorn the baby bump in style. I typically suggest a solid, bold palette for maternity sessions: reds, burnt orange, blues, mustard, I also love the timeless classic neutral color collection, too! I do suggest avoiding an all black dress, it often hides the shadow contouring of the bump. I love maternity sessions in long flowy dresses, I feel they have such a whimsical presence and innate movement. Other favorite wardrobe elements: textures like lace, knits, and sheer, tight or fitted pieces that accentuate your figure, a skinny belt. The most common wardrobe question I’m met with is all about complimenting the derrière. If you choose a form fitting dress you don’t feel 100% comfortable in, opt for a shawl or kimono to drape across your arms to add flow to your lower back area. I suggest two outfits for variety in images. I love the texture of velvet, the flow of a gorgeous gown and the way your husband looks at you in appreciation during these sunset sessions. Proper footwear is a huge consideration. Mountain vibe locations are covered with snow from winter to spring. At times, LOTS of snow. Keep this in mind when planning maternity session
footwear. Happy to be of assistance in your outfit selections. Thrilled connect and discuss your plan for wardrobe. I’d welcome a hair and makeup artist into your session prep to feel most confident while being photographed and while reviewing and enjoying your images.
The forever debate: props or no props? Props can be such a fun addition to your gallery. I love adding as much variety as possible to a session without going totally bonkers prop overboard. The struggle is real. Ha. Props I often see used during a maternity session: blanket to sit on or wrap up in, accessories like belts, jewelry, hats, ultrasound images, items with baby’s name, baby shoes, a stuffed animal to use for milestone photos. Props are such a personal addition and I allow my clients full agency over the decision to incorporate props or to refrain.
Plan to take photos 1-2 months before due date. I typically aim to photograph maternity sessions one to two months prior to due date to ensure a nice round bump, a mobile mama and enough energy to get all glammed up before baby arrives.
Above all, enjoy. These last few weeks before transitioning to parents are precious and fleeting. My hope is to offer beautiful images you’ll look back on with gratitude as your family grows.
