Congratulations, you’re expecting a baby! This is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, with so many changes happening in a short period of time. Professional maternity photos are a way to capture this fleeting season of life and create images you’ll treasure for years.
I’ve been working as a maternity photographer for almost two decades, and in that time, I’ve learned a thing or two I’d like to share with you today. Here are my five secrets for creating amazing maternity pictures.
1. Wait for your bump to grow, but not too long
Of course, the most prominent thing about your pregnant body is your beautiful baby bump. We want to highlight that in the photos, so wait for a nice, round belly. But not too long. The last weeks of pregnancy can be uncomfortable for some women, so I suggest around week 34 for the optimal bump-to-comfort ratio.
2. Keep it simple and elegant
The focus of your maternity pictures should be you. Busy backgrounds and lots of props distract and move the eye away from you. Keep the photo compositions simple and elegant, with a focus on soft lighting. When I meet or speak with clients before their maternity photo session, we talk about what to wear, too, which can range from sporty and casual to sexy and glamorous. If you’re considering semi-nude photos, read my post, 5 Questions to Ask Before Booking A Semi-Nude Maternity Photo Session.
3. Pick an experienced photographer
This tip can’t be overstated—do your research before choosing your maternity photographer. Find someone with many years of experience and a large portfolio of maternity pictures. You should expect to get a lot of photos from your session (75+), with almost all of them being winners. A tenured photographer will know how to work with light, composition, space, and you to create unforgettable images worthy of your investment.
4. Feel beautiful
Take the time for a mani-pedi before your photography session, and consider professional makeup and hair if you’re so inclined. These extras can make the difference in helping you feel exceptionally pretty and comfortable in front of the camera. Another benefit of an experienced photographer is he or she will help you feel like the most beautiful version of yourself with clothing suggestions, poses, and conversation during the shoot.
5. Go for both black and white and color
Color catches the eye and is a great choice for maternity pictures. This is what most women think of when they imagine their pregnancy photos. But don’t forget to ask for black and white, too, which is fantastic for capturing emotion. A mix of these two will make for a unique, memorable collection of photos.
If you’re expecting a baby, contact Miette Photography to learn more about maternity photos. We can also discuss how to coordinate maternity and newborn photo sessions.
