10 Tips for Your Maternity Photos in 2023
You're pregnant, congratulations! I'm glad you are already thinking about your maternity photos. This is an event designed to capture your joy, excitement, and all of that powerful energy you radiate during your pregnancy.
I know you're adding so many things to your to do list right now, and it's hard to decide what's most important. Anna Bauman Photography, your Pittsburgh maternity photographer, is here to help with seasoned advice that will make this process smooth and easy for you! You will be so glad you decided to capture these memories to look back on in the future!
These top tips for 2022 maternity sessions will help you prepare with ease.
Schedule Your Maternity Shoot Early
The first thing to do for your photo session is to hire your photographer. By 20 weeks, go ahead and call to get your session scheduled. You have greater flexibility scheduling your maternity session than you do a newborn session, but booking early can make sure you find availability when you need it.
Plan for the Third Trimester
The third trimester is the best time for you to get your photos done. After 32 weeks you may have greater discomfort with poses, so 28-32 weeks is ideal. You will have a lovely bump to show off, but you'll still be able to move around easily and comfortably and have a lower chance of flushing or swelling.
Discuss Your Goals
It's important to share any specific desires or ideas you envision with your photographer before your session. You can discuss with her what is important to you and whether you want any implied or partial nudes. By knowing beforehand what your goal for your session is, she can plan the poses that will work best to create the looks you desire.
Get Pampered
This is meant to be a fun session and to capture every detail of your beauty during your pregnancy. It's a good reason to go get pampered!
Hair: Consider heading to your hair stylist before your session. Think about the desires you have envisioned for your final photos so your hair can be styled in line with that. If you're going for casual, you can style your hair loosely. If you want a more formal look, you may want a more elegant updo.
Nails: Because your hands will be in your photos, give them some attention before your session. You don't want any cracked or partial polish. Consider pampering yourself with a professional manicure or tips.
Makeup: A professional makeup artist will know the ideal way to do your makeup for your features to show up well in photos. If you're doing your makeup yourself, be bolder than usual to make sure your eyes and your lips show up well. The camera tends to diminish these features. Make sure your skin is hydrated, and use matte instead of anything shiny.
Sleep Well the Night Before
I know, I know! This one is easier said than done in late pregnancy. As much as you're able, though, try to relax and get as much rest as you can the night before your maternity photos. By feeling refreshed during your session, we'll capture some really great photos.
Stay Hydrated
Be sure to drink plenty of water before and during your photo session. You'll feel better, have more energy, and your skin will stay nice and hydrated, too. Don't skip your regular meals, even if you have to opt for more frequent, smaller snacks.
Decide Who and What Are Coming
Spend some time before your session thinking about who you want to be included in your photos, and if there are any sentimental items you'd like to have with you.
Family Members: Including your spouse and any children you have in your photo session is totally okay! Friends and extended family can be overwhelming and distracting, so I recommend avoiding bringing them.
Sentimental Items: Special heirlooms, jewelry, and ultrasound photos make wonderful props to include during your session. A meaningful baby blanket or toy are other special items some families like to include.
Choosing Your Outfit
Before your session, choose your clothing and make sure your picks fit and flatter the way you envision.
Stretchy Fabric: You'll be able to change your outfit multiple times during your session. Bring along a few stretchy pieces, like yoga pants, bandeau bras, and tank tops, as well as loose maxi dresses and flowing clothing.
Black, White, and Neutral: Simple colors are best. Your beauty and your bump are the focus of your session, and you don't want bright colors or busy patterns distracting from that. Simple colors will also work better with different backgrounds.
Undergarments: Think about which bras and underwear will work best for your photos. Nude-colored strapless bras and underwear tend to work best under any outfit. For partial nude photos, bring along lacy undergarments.
Family Members' Outfits: If you're including family in your photos, make sure their clothing coordinates with yours without matching too much. Jeans, khakis, and solid black or white shirts work well.
Planning for Outdoor Sessions
If your maternity session will be outside, these tips still apply, but be sure to consider the temperature to be expected and make any wardrobe adjustments accordingly. You need to be comfortable, not overheated or too cold.
The Day of Your Maternity Photos
There are just a few final things to remember when your day is finally here.
Snacks and Drinks: Don't forget to hydrate and bring along snacks and water.
Use Non-Greasy Lotion: Non-greasy lotion will help with any dry spots on your skin without making your skin shiny. Do not use tanning lotions in the weeks leading up to your session as they'll cause your skin to look orange and unnatural.
No Elastic: I want you to be comfortable on your way to your session, but elastic will leave marks on your skin. Plan to remove any elastic, included hair bands from your wrists, at least an hour before your photo session so that your skin can be smooth in your pictures.
Plan Ahead if Siblings Come: If at all possible, plan for siblings to leave once their pictures are done. The real focus here is on you and your growing bump, so if dad or grandparents can whisk the other children away for the remainder of your maternity session, you'll be able to finish up without the the worry of calming or entertaining them.
Don't Stress!: We want you relaxed, not frazzled during your session. Your photographer is a pro at what she does, and she will walk you through the entire session. There is no need for you to do anything more than enjoy yourself and look beautiful!
Pittsburgh Maternity Photography
Now you have all the tips and info you need to prepare for your maternity photo session! If you've been searching "maternity photographer near me" but now you're ready to book your outdoor or studio maternity session, please reach out to me. I am enthusiastic about capturing every bit of you and your beautiful bump in timeless photos you're sure to treasure!