Photographer's Guide: How to Have Your Maternity Photos Look Like the Bountiful Goddess You Are
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Maternity Photo Sessions
Photographer’s Guide to:
So, you’re expecting! This time now is so exciting, with the expectations of your upcoming newborn and the joy of bonding with your baby, this is most mommy-to-be’s must have photo opportunity. You haven’t yet made any plans, but You know you want to look glamorous, have some unique bonding shots, as well as document the changes that your body went through to bring another life into the world.
So how can you make sure all of those things happen?
Check out this quick guide on how to make your shoot both smooth and easy, and be the most serene momma-to-be your photographer’s ever seen!
Planning
Maternity shoots are usually done between anywhere from 24-32 weeks, so you’ve gotta get to planning mama! Once you decide that you would like to have a shoot, now you’ll need to know what general theme or feeling you’d like for you photos. Do you want studio portrait shots with minimal background? Or maybe you’d like to find some great scenery and capture some gorgeous shots that way? Check out places like Pinterest to get ideas on how you’d like your shoot to look. Remember, though your choice of scenery is important, don’t forget the rest of the details to decide:
What would you like to wear? Perhaps minimal clothing to best show off your bump, or you may prefer more long and flowing garments to give a more “ethereal” feel. Or, perhaps you and your partner have designed some really cutesy t-shirts that you’d like to showcase.
Would you like to include props? Common maternity props include: your little one’s shoes, clothes, or toys; confetti, paint, colored powder, or cake in the color of your baby’s gender; or intricate balloon or flower displays.
Including accessories/adornments? Lots of moms opt for fun accessories like flower crowns and maternity sashes, or even get cool adornments like henna designs on their bellies!
The final (and most important!) thing to consider is what will be required in order to attain the plan you’ve developed. If you’re planning on a picturesque landscape, where is it located? How will you get there and is travel difficult? Perhaps you’re planning one of those gorgeous colored milk baths, what chemicals are used to color the water? Can you easily get in the tub, and comfortably remain for the session duration? These important considerations should be examined before the big day to ensure a smooth-sailing session.
2. Packing your Things- Day of Session
The day has arrived! You’re excited for your impending session, but before you walk out the door, be sure you’ve gotten everything prepped for your day to go smoothly. It is HIGHLY recommended that you have someone with you for the session, whether a friend or your SO. They don’t have to necessarily be taking photos with you, but having someone there to hold your things and provide support is always nice for you. When packing the things to take, be sure to consider the location, time of day, temperature, session duration, and your personal needs. Meaning, if your session is on a scenic waterfall at sunrise; a blanket/coat, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a portable chair would be some things you would want to consider. Snacks, a damping towel, touch-up make-up, and a change of comfortable clothes are some other things that we’d recommend.
Time Management- Listen to Your Body
As a mom-to-be, you are more than aware that your little one is already controlling your schedule. This is no different during your photo session, though you’d think the little squirt would be a little more understanding since it’s their photos! :) With this in mind, be sure that your photographer is keeping one eye on the lens, and one on the time. Prior to your session, you should talk with your photographer about your "model shelf-life”. This means an estimation of the time you feel you’ll be able to do the session. Some mommies have a more difficult time towards the end of their pregnancy, and you should consider your own personal limits in that case. Photographers vary their session times due to preference, so your maternity shoot could be any amount of time. With that in mind, discuss things like travel, set-up, and shooting time so you can have an accurate look at how much time you will be in-session. Finally, even with all the prior considerations, only you know how you feel. Never feel that you can’t stop your photographer, or that you have to finish a shot or session. Your little one may have decided that NOW is the time to leave, whether it be due to fatigue, hunger, sickness, or some combination. Listen and follow when/if your body tells you enough is enough.
With these few tips and considerations, you are well on your way to a photo shoot that great Mother Gaia would die for!
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