How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Tucked away in field, these beautiful, lush trees are the perfect spot for a maternity session. When I first received a message from Danielle, I did not realize she was THE journalist, Danielle Grossman! I It was such an honor that she chose Rose Tello Photography to help her prepare for her maternity photoshoot. If this is your first maternity session, you may have no idea what to expect. If it’s not your first rodeo, you’ll learn that each pregnancy is so different from the next. I’m here to help with some tips.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Session

If this is your first pregnancy, you won’t show until later on in your pregnancy. That will vary from mother to mother their first time around. I can remember showing pretty quickly into my second and third time around. For comfort sake, I recommend booking between 28-34 weeks. Those last weeks can be very uncomfortable, achy back and achy feet are no fun. The later you book could result in more discomfort. By 36 weeks I had my bags packed and car seat in tow ready for the arrival of our baby. Definitely, do not schedule a maternity session past 35 weeks.

Seasons and weather can vary pretty quickly between 28-34 weeks. Take into consideration the time of year and weather conditions throughout the last few weeks and book when the season is the nicest. From experience, being in the heat at 34 weeks with your third baby is not fun. At that point, I’d probably prefer colder months.

What to Wear: Styling Tips for Your Maternity Photos

My favorite go to dresses for mom are smocked dresses. I feel like those look so beautiful on any body type. I also love the flowy type dress that Danielle is wearing for her session down below.

If your session is outdoors, look for natural fibers like cotton or linen. Linen is a perfect fabric for those warm months. Stay clear from shiny white materials if you are photographing outdoors. Instead, look for more of a gauze cotton. Textures in your fabric can be a great way to incorporate variety in your clothing. It elevates the look of your wardrobe, especially when other members of your family in your maternity session.

When looking for colors, neutrals look best. Reds and greens can cast into your skin making for unflattering photos.

Accessories can be kept minimal and still look classy. Bring your favorite hoop earrings, diamonds or pearls. A simple gold necklace will look so much more elevated than any chunky, beaded necklace full of color that will go out of style.

When incorporating family members, avoid matching outfits or colors. Your photos will look more elevated if your colors coordinate but don’t match exactly. Also, when considering patterns, the best option would be for one person to wear it to avoid clashing with other patterns.

Beauty Preparation for Radiant Photos

As soon as you book your maternity session, book all those other appointments you don’t plan to diy- hair, makeup, nails, eyelashes, eyebrows.

I personally like doing my own makeup and nails but not everyone can. I feel that getting a professional hair blow out makes a world of a difference in both how I personally feel and look.

If you do your own makeup, incorporate some fake lashes from over the counter for a pop in your makeup.

Beautiful nails will definitely be needed for those closeup belly shots or if you plan on holding any special props.

Most importantly, rest and hydrate the week before your session.

Location and Timing: Creating the Perfect Setting

This gem of a field in the photos below, is one of many I like taking maternity clients for shoots.

When you arrive on location, you are greeted with a vast field of greenery. A whole field to ourselves with three sets of backdrops for variety. I love posing moms to be and families in this area because of the versatility. I like using all three sets of trees for different poses and the grassy field for some sitting shots as well.

My favorite detail of this field is the setting of the sun. With my style of photographing and editing, the sun peeping through the leaves makes for capturing any session beautiful and serene.

Since Old Town Spring is a center of business, it can get very busy during different seasons. Because I shoot here often, I know in advance exactly where to take my clients and what dates to avoid. That way you have this gem all to yourself to cherish and make memories.

What to Bring to Your Session

When we first think about what to bring, we think about props. Of course, those are great to bring to, but let’s not forget the following:

• snacks
• water
• comfortable shoes
• any makeup to retouch
• comb
• gel/hairspray
• bobbypins
• clothing tape
• towel to wipe face

After you’ve thought of all those necessary items, let’s not forget the baby props:

• ultrasound image
• baby clothes
• baby shoes
• any additional items to make the announcement

Posing Tips for Natural, Flattering Photos

When doing individual photos, I like to pose mom more to the side and create and s-curve. You’ll simply do this by positioning your body a 45 degree angle, and bending the leg closest to the camera.

Another favorite pose I like for moms, is the mermaid pose. The name says it all! It is as simple sitting pose where you bring your legs together and behind you like a mermaid tail.

The last favorite I like for moms is somewhat of a kneeling pose. You are seated sideways, like your kneeling, but you’ll be sitting on your ankles instead of upright.

Here’s my last tip for posing with your hands on belly. When holding your belly, it is natural to bring your hand towards the very bottom of the belly. I’ve found it looks to low and awkward on camera. Instead, bring it up a little higher than you would normally have your hand rest when holding your bump.

There is an exemption for this though. In the photos below, Danielle’s dress is not as fitted as I normally like dresses to be. In this case, I will ask mom to hold the belly where it naturally feels, which is down low. Doing this will help give flattering look as oppose to hiding the belly in the flowy of the dress.

Capturing This Beautiful Chapter

Remember this is part your story, and your maternity session does not have to be very long. You can focus on thirty minutes and capture beautiful moments. I did this session in 25 minutes and photographed some many great poses for Danielle.

When booking your session, give yourself time and start looking early. When your 32-36 weeks pregnant you are ready for your session and not stressing about finding a photographer at the last moment.

The right photographer will do so much for you, you won’t feel overwhelmed.

If you are in the Houston area, Schedule a call here for your session.

Don’t forget to check out The Best Spas for a Prenatal Massage in New Orleans Twirl Photography. She’s sharing the best spas in New Orleans and some safety tips to watch out for during pregnancy.