How to Prepare for Maternity Pictures
I find that out of all of the different type of family sessions I do that maternity pictures vary the most in terms of style and is the most planned type of session. I know that might surprise a lot of people which is why I thought I'd write about how to Prepare for a Maternity Session.
Maternity sessions vary from super casual to very styled. What will your session be like?
First off, you have to think about what you like. This is definitely the starting off point. What is meaningful to you? What makes your heart jump? Is it a very styled shoot outdoors with flowers and flowing dresses? Or is it something super casual where you have on your favourite jeans, and are sitting in your favourite chair just savouring these precious, fleeting months?
This is important because it gives me an idea of how to direct (yes direct) your photo session. It will also help me to advise you on clothing, destination (if the photoshoot is outdoors) and posing.
How do you let me know what you would like to see? It can be anything from - 'Michelle, let's keep it casual in home. Nothing fancy, just me and my husband hanging out' to 'Michelle, I have a ton of ideas, I'm going to send you a bunch of images via Pinterest so you can get an idea of what I want.' In both cases, I will make sure that your vision is achievable and if not we will work together until it is.
At the shoot, I have images that we will look at together so I can get an idea of what type of couple poses (if any) you'd like. I find that 9/10 my clients have a strong opinion about what they like and don't like.
What about this posing business? I'm not a model!
Exactly, you aren't a model which is why I'll direct you into the positions that are the most flattering for you and your body. We want to show off your bump while also having you look amazing and that takes a keen eye. We'll do small corrections to make sure it's right.
Michelle, this all sounds way to complicated!
It isn't. All you have to do is tell me where you want your shoot, and then I'll take care of the rest.
I would like to add that all women's bodies are different and all pregnancies are different. Some people have big bumps early on, some have little bumps later on. Some carry low, some carry high. It's all good. I want to capture you as you are and the size or shape of your bump does not matter.
A few more nitty gritty details:
Shoots are ideally between 28 - 32 weeks when you have a bump but are not so big that you cannot move. However, I have photographed mother's just days before they gave birth (and could barely move) and as early as 20 weeks. In my opinion, do it when it works. If it's not ideal timing it's better to have the photos than have none at all.
Dresses are available to borrow. You can see my collection here.
All maternity clients will receive a special surprise from my partners at Destination Sleep and Rock the Cradle Doulas.
Are you ready to capture your pregnancy? Contact me and we'll work together to create the maternity photos you'll treasure forever.
Hey mamas-to-be! Not exactly sure what to bring to the hospital for your labour & delivery? I have the perfect thing - the Ultimate Hospital Labour & Delivery Packing Checklist brought to you by the lovely ladies at Rock the Cradle Doula agency. These ladies have seen it all so you KNOW their list is the best. Get it here. You'll also be signed up to my awesome email list - bonus!
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