Those major milestones, the unique and fleeting times in our lives, cry out to be captured in photographs: birthdays, graduations, your engagement, your wedding, and of course, your pregnancy. Whether it’s your first child or your fifth, a maternity shoot is a must. The love and anticipation associated with your growing belly makes for magical photographs.
Like any photo shoot, a little planning and forethought goes a long way toward making the most of your session and capturing photos you’ll love for a lifetime–and that your children and grandchildren will love long after that.
When to Schedule Your Maternity Shoot
If it’s all about the bump, you’re on the bump’s timeline. You want to be curvy enough that it’s clearly more than a family portrait or a glamour shot, but not so curvy that you’re uncomfortable and could deliver at any moment. (I’m just a photographer, after all.) Seven months might be the sweet spot, but it’s up to you to see how you feel and when you’d like to do it.
What to Wear
Whether you go high-fashion or casual, comfort and clinginess are key. Flowy dresses are popular and beautiful; we’ll just want to make sure we get it gathered or held in under your baby bump for some of the shots.
Choose the colors and the clothes that make you feel your best. As with any other shoot, you should take care that your clothing doesn’t clash with anyone else’s. (Skip the stripes if your husband’s wearing plaid, for example.)
One more note: if you think you want some bare belly shots, don’t wear anything that will dig into your skin and leave marks, like an elastic waistband. Or, if your favorite outfit might leave a mark, let’s do the skin-baring shots first.
Bring your Partner
You can include the father and your other children (and pets!) in the photos. You’ll cherish the interaction between family members as much as you do your baby bump.
What NOT to Do
Okay, it’s your shoot: you can do whatever you want, and I’ll keep that camera clicking. But here are a few thoughts:
- Don’t come hungry. (That’s not a joke about pregnancy cravings; that’s just good advice for anyone in any type of shoot.) Bring snacks and water to keep your energy up as we create.
- Don’t get too caught up in posing. Yes, you’re going to study Pinterest and come with a handful (or truckload) of poses you want to replicate. I’ll have some ideas, too. But the most beautiful maternity shots happen when you and your spouse or other children are having special moments together: playing, cuddling, laughing. Give yourself time to be you, in love with your growing baby and eagerly awaiting his or her arrival, and let that shine through in the photographs.
- Don’t worry! While I can’t say “I get it” when it comes to pregnancy, I can promise you this: you’re going to love your photos. Not only that, but the session itself is a lot of fun, too.
Adoptive Parents Get Maternity Sessions, Too
Waiting to adopt a child is also momentous and exciting. If you’re adoptive parents who are expecting your son or daughter soon, let’s get together and photograph that anticipation. We can capture you and your spouse together, with or without props like baby shoes and clever signage. Your process to become a parent is a milestone worth photographing.
When you’re handling hundreds of tasks between home, work, and, you know, creating an entire human being from scratch, the thought of getting ready and showing up for a photo shoot might seem daunting. Don’t let that deter you. When your child arrives and the pregnancy seems like a blur from a million years ago, you’ll cherish the opportunity to look back on the photos of this unique and precious time in your life.
Ready to take the leap and book your session? Contact Marcus Anthony today!