Pregnancy is such a unique and beautiful time, a season of anticipation and excitement. Having a maternity photoshoot is a meaningful way to welcome your upcoming bundle of joy. Whether you want to have it in a studio or outdoors, the goal is to focus on your baby bump and capture the emotions of this special moment.
The best time for your maternity photo session is around your 30th week. By this time, your pregnant belly is fully showing but small enough so that you can still move around comfortably. During the photo session, you'll want to flaunt that bump in every shot and angle!
Here are five creative tips to help you achieve beautiful maternity pictures you'll cherish forever:
1. Touch Your Belly
If you're camera-shy, this is the most comfortable and natural pose you can do as a soon-to-be mom. Touch your bump with one hand on top and the other at the bottom, like you are cradling a ball. For a sweet shot, look at your belly as if you're talking to the baby.
Pro tip: Look at your feet and not your belly. This way, your neck will be more elongated, and you'll avoid capturing squished double chins.
2. Include the Daddy
Maternity pictures with the soon-to-be dad are also sweet and moving. Include your partner in some of the shots. One pose he can do is to stand behind you and wrap his arms around your belly. If you're in for a little humour, men with "dadbods" can pose with their wives as if they're also pregnant — it always gets a great reaction!
3. Use Props and Accessories
Bring little decorations on your maternity session. They're a great way to make your shoot lively and more creative. You can use tiny shoes, stuffed animals, books — the possibilities are endless. You can even give away hints about the baby's gender by using gender-specific toys.
4. Plan Your Outfit
Your dress should match the theme of maternity photos. Whether you want the photos to be rustic, bohemian, or elegant, make sure that you plan for an appropriate wardrobe. As a general rule, tight shirts or body dresses work well because they can emphasize your growing bump. Light, flowy dresses work best for dramatic shots because they move beautifully in the wind.
5. Involve Older Kids
If you already have children, they're probably very excited to meet their baby sibling as well. Make it a family affair and involve everyone in your maternity session. Have your toddlers talk to their baby brother or sister and let them kiss or rub your belly.
A Final Tip
It's best to plan your maternity photoshoot with your photographer. If you can't personally meet them before your session, you can exchange ideas through email or other messaging platforms. The more we know about your vision, the better the results.
