Your Maternity Shoot Information
So your photo shoot is coming nearer and you’ll be wanting to prepare your styling and mentally for your session. I’ve put together some information and tips so you’re feeling ready than ever to be stunning through my viewfinder!
Make it Fitted
Don’ be hiding your figure behind baggy clothes! Generally this means buying your normal pre pregnancy size in maternity labels as the extra belly room has been allowed for. If you buy too big the garment will not fit properly and the excess fabric will not be flattering. Wearing fitted garments emphasises your beautiful belly and minimises areas you feel self conscious about. This is a time to embrace your beautiful bump and show it off.
Colour and Style
As well as thinking about the colours that flatter you, also think about the styling of the images you want. Dark and chic clothes result in dark and chic images. Light and soft result in a light and soft images! Solid colours are a must to flaunt your bump, as anything with a pattern will draw the attention away. Neutral colours are a good, effective safe choice. Maxi dresses are a great easy style, as are long skirts fitted over your bump with a tank top. Remember comfy is a good idea too! Items that will stretch and move with you will be fantastic and you will be wonderfully comfortable. Bring a few items with you if your not sure or please feel free to ask me.
Accessorise
The best way to change it up during your session and to minimise the requirement to buy lots of clothes for your session, is to accessorise well. Scarves are great, cotton in Summer or wool in Winter. Or add a casual necklace to any outfit for a unique style in your photos. Belts are a great way to accentuate your bump by placing it right at the top of your bump to really show it off and can be a breaker between a plain top and long skirt.
Bare Bellies
If you are thinking that baring your belly is for you then this is a fantastic way to show off what is gorgeous and sexy of the female body. Please let me know if this is something you are looking for in some of your photos. Wearing underwear that is suitable for this as well as properly fitting will ensure your clothes will look better and you don’t have any distracting straps or lines in your photos. Skin coloured underwear and bras/boob tubes are great for this also.
Partner Styling
A great tip for what to dress your partner in is, co-ordinate but don’t match. Neutral colours are again a fantastic start and stray away from patterns and logos. Your partner needs to be comfortable too, jeans with a nice top usually does the trick.
The Great Outdoors
If you are having a location shoot please prepare mentally what is involved with having these kinds of shoots. A few things to think about:
costume changes in public - I will have a blanket of sorts in attempt to supply a change room
bugs and stuff – insect repellent may be a good idea, I will have a natural remedy on hand if required
weather – it may be hot, it may rain, it may be windy! Please keep an open mind to these elements and that if we have to re-shoot we will reschedule and make it work
bring items that will keep you and your partner comfortable – tissues, wet wipes, water, snacks
public surroundings – there may be public persons around at the time of your shoot
Style of Portraiture
In your maternity shoot I will give you lots of direction for posing in your solo and partner shots. Your face is the key though to beautiful photos, I want your emotions caught on camera, forever your memory. Before your shoot I want you stop for a moment and really get in touch with your bub and the bump that is holding them within you and just smile. Let your partner in on this as well, they are just as much the key as you are. This will give a more than natural element to your photos so it is the memory of a feeling not just a moment in time.
Treat Yourself
This is a great time to enhance your glow, so get yourself feeling pretty and do your hair and make up like your going out for a nice date. You could even possibly treat yourself to getting your hair done or even your make up professionally. A bit of makeup is great to highlight your features but please nothing too heavy.
I hope this helps you prepare for your big photo shoot with me and please if you have any questions or advice needed – just ask me!
Jess x