Whilst it’s not a time that all women feel at their most body confident, you’re actually at your most feminine with extra curves, lustrous hair and glowing skin. It is a time that you’ll be glad that you captured and that you will enjoy sharing with your child when they are old enough to realise that it is them in your tummy.
If you’ve decided that you’d like to go ahead and capture your bump, then here’s a little bit of advice that you might find useful.
Scheduling your Session
It is a good idea to schedule your session between 28-36 weeks (and up to 32 weeks if you’re going to be a multiple mum). You’ll still look pregnant but you will be a bit more comfortable than in those last couple of weeks. Also there’s always a possibility that your baby will be in a hurry to arrive and turn up a couple of weeks early so you’ll still have plenty of time for bump photos if you book in a bit early. If you’ve just decided that you want a photo shoot and you are in the last few days of your pregnancy journey, then I’ll always do my best to make space for you though so just get in touch and ask.
Feeling Camera Shy
It’s pretty common to have some nerves before a photo shoot, especially if it’s your first experience in a studio. One of the things that people say to me most often is ‘I’m not very photogenic’. I can’t totally take away your nerves but I can tell you this – it’s my job to make you look great so just let me do it. You won’t be expected to know what to do or how to pose (great if you do of course) so I’m going to guide you through absolutely everything to make sure your pictures reflect your best self.
What to Bring to your Shoot
What you need to bring depends a little on the types of photos that you’d like to create. It’s always worth bringing along something relatively tight fitting that clings to our bump so you can show it off and matching underwear if you’re planning to have photos in it. Bring something that fits you really well and if that means you have to go lingerie shopping and treat yourself to something new, well, feel free to use me as your reason.
I have a range of maternity dresses that are beautiful and super flattering in lace and sheer fabrics that you are welcome to borrow for your session.
Other things that can work well are
- a shirt that buttons down the front so you can reveal some bump
- bandeau top
- a flowing maxi dress
- a light underwear set (some of my maternity dresses look best with white or nude underwear)
- coordinating clothes for family members if they are joining you
- skirt or trousers and a camisole top
Before your Session
Gentle exfoliation and lots of moisturiser a day before your session is a great idea to give your skin that extra glow. Also, take a few minutes to get your nails looking pretty as your hands will definitely be featured on your bump. Most maternity photography focuses on your body down to mid thigh level but your feet might be in a few shots and so if you need a reason to treat yourself to a pedi, then I’m happy to be it. Other than those two little bits of advice, you just need to be your gorgeous self.
Immediately before your session, it’s a great idea to wear loose fitting clothes and underwear so you don’t have marks on your skin.
Stretchmarks
I edit each of your final images to show you off as your best self and I can reduce or remove any stretchmarks or temporary blemishes. We’ll talk about it at the end of your session and you can let me know what you’d like. Sometimes, people like me to leave their tiger stripes in and that’s fine too.
Ultimate Maternity Shoot Guide
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Maternity Photography in East Grinstead
My maternity sessions are very flexible affairs with my studio booked for an hour so we have plenty of time to create a really varied image gallery. You’re invited to select up to three backdrops and include up to three outfit changes so you can mix and match styles to create the perfect set of pregnancy memories.
I recommend booking your session between 28-36 weeks so you’re still comfortable and you’re also welcome to borrow any of my gorgeous maternity photo shoot dresses while you’re in the studio. You select your pictures and order any more that you would like directly from your online gallery, there’s no sales or viewing session to attend.
