Capturing the Essence of Motherhood: Tips for a Memorable Maternity Photoshoot
Pregnancy is a rollercoaster. It is beautiful and alien, exciting and terrifying, it's a journey like no other, and it goes FAST. But amidst all the chaos, maternity photography offers a golden opportunity to take a moment and reconnect with yourself, your partner, and the tiny little human that you are growing. For a brief moment, we get to stop time, not just for ourselves but for our children. We get to create beautiful artwork so that when they ask “what was it like when I was in your tummy?” we can show them how much they were loved. So here are some tips to help make your maternity portrait session not just a quick snap of the camera, but something that will be meaningful for you and your family.
Choose The Right Timing:
Timing is everything, especially when you're trying to capture that perfect baby bump. The sweet spot? Between the 28th to 32nd week. This is the time when your belly is in it’s full glory, but your still able to move around fairly comfortably. Photoshop can fix a lot of things, it can’t fix you looking like you are in pain because you are carting around a bowling ball that thinks it’s fun to kick you when you are least expecting it.
2. Location, Location, Location:
Whether you're dreaming of an warm and vibrant outdoor images during the golden hour or a cozy indoor session, the location should resonate with you. One of the things I love to offer for maternity portraits is a half indoor half outdoor session. There’s three or four gorgeous locations a stones throw away from my home studio, so I’m able to give clients the best of both worlds. And if scheduling is tight, we don’t have to worry about potentially being rained out of a planned outdoor session.
3. Wardrobe:
Flowy dresses, a simple black maternity dress that hugs your curves, or your favorite tee and jeans – let your outfit tell your story. You should also consider accessories, the right hat, or statement earrings can help elevate an image from “good” to a stunning piece of art. And they may be a little cheesy, but the pictures of mom and dad with the ultrasound pics, or the little baby shoes are fun to add in too!
4. Pose Like You Own It:
Posing is important for every niche of photography but for maternity it becomes an essential piece of the puzzle. Knowing how to emphasize your curves, or how to keep that pregnancy puffiness from creating a double chin are important skills for your photographer. Make sure to also discuss the types of images you want, classic, candid, or somewhere in between – every pose is a chapter of your unique story.
5. Comfort is Queen:
We get it; pregnancy can be a tad...uncomfortable. There were days when I was too tired to worry about blow-drying my hair, forget about applying makeup. That's why I decided to include professional hair and makeup for all my maternity and newborn sessions. This way clients can kick back, relax, and let our professional hair and makeup artist work their magic.
6. The Magic Touch:
Editing is a very personal preference. Talk to your photographer about what you are hoping for. My personal preference is that less is more, and my ultimate goal is to use just enough to make you look like the absolute best version of yourself. My goal is to enhance the real, raw beauty of your journey.
Maternity photography isn't just a photoshoot; it's a celebration of love, anticipation, and the beautiful chaos that is motherhood. It's your chance to create a timeless keepsake, not just for you but for your family. So, when your little one asks, "Mom, what was it like when I was in your tummy?", you'll have the most beautiful answer. Dive into my guide on Creating an Intentional Home: Showcasing Your Memories, for more insight on how to create images that become part of your home, not just digital clutter.
Ready to create memories that'll make your heart flutter every time you look back? Let's craft your story together. Book a session with Jessica Ryles Photography today.
Jessica Ryles specializes in newborn photography in the Northern Virginia area. She services in Aldie, Alexandria, Arlington, Centreville, Chantilly, Gainesville, Fairfax, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County, Manassas, Reston, Sterling, Tyson’s Corner, and Washington DC. To inquire about your own session, please fill out the form on the contact page, and she will be in touch to design and customize a portrait session for you and your family.
