Prepare For a Beautiful Maternity Photoshoot
Maternity photoshoots are becoming more and more popular each year! With over 17 years of Charlotte Photography experience, Gavin Boulware offers insight on how to prepare for your photoshoot for expecting mothers in the Charlotte, NC area and beyond.
The special time has finally arrived for professional photos of your growing love. It is so important to prepare and plan for the day to be able to capture the vision of your photos, whether it be a simple announcement or a full maternity shoot. My goal is to capture these memorable moments of motherhood in a style that matches your own. Some tips for preparing for a beautiful pregnancy include:
HOW TO PREPARE FOR MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT
Plan Your Photoshoot Early
The earlier, the better! After much feedback from some clients and working with maternity shoots, planning to do your session around the beginning of your third trimester is ideal. The 30-32-week timeframe has the ideal cute baby-belly bump and isn’t too hard on a mom to get around yet.
Since you're starting early, take time and select your “Look”. Maternity sessions vary in style based on the expectant mother’s vision. Location plays a big part in the overall final product of the shoot. Studio sessions tend to have a great glam-focused look and seem to be the favorite for most women as controlled elements are best for hair, makeup, and a place for moms to rest. Non-distracting and natural locations such as your home, a peaceful garden, the beach, etc., are best for maternity sessions where the focus and centralized purpose is to photograph the mother in an element for her comfort.
Pamper Yourself
One of the biggest things I stress to my expecting clients is to get ample rest the night before our shoot. It sounds so simple to say, but being rested and present has a huge effect on how your photos will turn out. Taking care of yourself and pampering yourself is highly suggested for our shoot! These lasting images are a great way for you to indulge in a little self-care and make yourself feel beautiful for your maternity session with a fresh manicure, hairstyle, and professionally done makeup. Professional makeup artists and hairstylists tend to know what looks best when photographing and are suggestively well worth the splurge when planning for capturing your maternity photos.
Be Creative With Your Outfit Selections
It’s important to be both creative and comfortable while planning for your shoot. Your style and creativity should collide when thinking outfits for the shoot that work best with your skin tone, belly size, style of shoot, and overall comfort. Your baby bump is best highlighted in outfits that are form fitting and cling to the belly. It is completely okay and suggested to be barefoot during your shoot as foot swelling and heels tend to throw off your comfortability. Throw in your personal style with your favorite color, favorite accessories, or props and your shoot is bound to be successful! Need outfit ideas? Check out this blog on What to Wear to Your Maternity Session.
Makeup Artist Suggestions
Selecting the right professional makeup artist is crucial. Below I have included some of my favorite makeup artists and their booking information.