Congratulations mama on your pregnancy! As expected, a lot comes with expecting your little one and preparing for the grand entrance into your family.
We have put together this post to help you ease one thing out of your already long to-do list – a maternity shoot.
Having a maternity session may seem like stress or you may not feel like it but it is a great opportunity to capture the beauty of your body and appreciate the joy of carrying your bundle of joy.
This is the moment you’re the most natural and feminine as you can be. Your hair is thicker, your breasts are fuller, your skin is glowing and let’s not forget the curves.
You may not know what to expect or prepare for if you’ve never had a maternity session before, that’s why this simple guide is everything you need to enjoy your session and get gorgeous photos you can always look at.
Book Your Session Early
A good time to book your session is around the time you find out the sex of your little one. Around 20 weeks would be fine for you to book your session. This would help you and your photographer to plan what you want to work with.
Style
Early bookings give you ample time to plan your outfits, your poses and what location you’ll love to have your session. Is it studio maternity? Soft palette or vibrant colours?
When To Have Your Shoot
If you’re a mama expecting a baby, a good time to have one is when you’re 28-32 weeks (7-8 months) in your third trimester. Your belly is perfectly round and allows you to pose comfortably. For mamas expecting twins or more, 26-30 weeks is incredible. This would also help you enjoy your session better because you won’t be as easily fatigued as when you’re far along in your pregnancy.
Give Yourself a Treat
Before your shoot, have a professional manicure done since your hands would appear a lot in your photos.
Professional hair and makeup
Getting a professional hair stylist and makeup artist is highly recommended. It would make your photographer’s work easier. You’ll feel confident and beautiful at your session, and this will ease you into it.
Posing
Based on your previous conversation, your photographer would direct you to pose. Especially if you have some photos in mind that you’re trying to replicate with your twist.
What to Wear
It’s best to pick out what makes you comfortable and feel pretty. Whether to keep it casual in jeans or wear a flowing maternity dress. Keep in mind a matching outfit if your partner or any family member(s) would be joining in the shoot.
Also, consider stretchy fabrics because comfort is important.
Other things to consider:
- Strapless bra and seamless underwear (neutral colours)
- Background belly shots would require either a black or white bra and panty set depending on the background your photographer chooses
- Tube dress or maxi summer dress
- Sentimental items (e.g., baby ultrasound image, baby shoes, name tag, etc.)
Before the Shoot Day
Get enough sleep the night before. You want to look at ease and well-rested for your shoot.
Decide who you’re going with. Conclude on final plans regarding the details of your session.
If your older kids are coming to your shoot, make plans for pick up once done to avoid you stressing about keeping them entertained.
On the Shoot Day
Don’t skip breakfast. Have water and light snacks available.
Avoid wearing anything elastic because it leaves marks on your skin. You wouldn’t want that. Avoid tight bands on your forehead and wrists.
Finally, Relax
Not easy but it’s possible. Do your best not to get walked up or worried about your session. Trust your photographer to walk you through your session. All you have to do is look pretty and pose.
Malzfotoz is your go-to for your maternity shoot. We love capturing your precious moments one shot at a time.
