ALL ABOUT MATERNITY
Whether you're a first-time Mom or a veteran, maternity photos are a beautiful, timeless, and romantic way to celebrate motherhood and honor the person growing inside of you. Although it seems like it takes forever, pregnancy is truly a short season in your life, and I want you to look back at these photos with gratitude and warmth over this experience.
When to Have a Maternity Session?
The recommended window for maternity photos is between 30-36 weeks (between the 7th and 8th month of pregnancy). During this time, your baby bump will be pronounced enough to capture maternity magic, and you will not be as uncomfortable as you are in the full-term stage.
Also, many women give birth early, so we don't want to risk missing your shoot entirely! Of course, not all pregnancies look the same, so please talk to me about your specific needs or concerns.
What Should I Wear?
The most important things to remember when picking an outfit are 1.) that you feel beautiful and 2.) that you show off your bump!
Here are some tips for choosing a great outfit:
- Choose a top or dress that is tight above the belly
- If choosing a dress, floor-length, flowy dresses work great for photos. There is a lot of movement, which is great for photos, and there are different ways you can move your hands and fold the fabric to create pretty silhouettes. It also conceals shoes and swollen feet.
- Although flowy is good, avoid shirts/dresses that are so oversized or baggy they hide your belly.
- Avoid busy patterns and prints at all costs! Opt for a solid color (fabric texture is fine).
- Consider shapewear and seamless underwear. Although it may not be necessary, some fabrics are unforgiving. Order your outfit in advance, so you know what you need.
- Consider nude undergarments; be mindful of colorful undergarments showing through
- Optional: Bring two outfits! You can bring a casual outfit and a dressier outfit for variety. ***Let me know in advance so we can plan this***
Some shopping ideas for maternity dresses:
(Check sizing charts & read reviews about sizing before buying)
Want to go with cheaper options like Amazon dresses? Here are some tips:
- Avoid cheap stretchy dresses; stretchy dresses made with cheap material are not anyone's friend. They will reveal cellulite and bumps (talking about bumps, not from the belly).
- When going cheap, make sure the dress is lined! Otherwise, it may be see-through
- Read reviews!
Where Should I Have My Session?
What is your vision for your session? What time of the year is it? The answer to these two questions determines where you should have your maternity session.
From Edenton, North Carolina to the Outer Banks, from Elizabeth City to Virginia's Hampton Roads area, there are GORGEOUS locations for maternity photos. I'd be happy to help you with this! Contact me below.
Don't Forget to Book Your At-Home Newborn Sessions!
My At-Home Newborn Sessions documents the newborn stage in an intimate, low-stress way.
Click here to learn more!
