Pregnancy can often times make many women feel self-conscious about their changing bodies. It can be hard to feel your best self if you are experiencing morning sickness and any aches and pains that come with growing a tiny human! This can make it tricky to decide on just what you should wear for your maternity photos. We compiled a list of our best tips below to help take this stress away, and guide you in choosing something you look and feel your best in that you won’t regret!

Keep it classic! You will have these photos and cherish them for years to come, so keep your outfit classic and simple to avoid the photos feeling dated. You’ll want to avoid any bright colored nail polish, heavy makeup or big jewelry. We recommend dressing yourselves in a dress and chinos or some sort of tailored pant with a collared shirt for a more polished look. Long, flowy dresses photograph beautifully, as well as heels which tend to elongate your legs. If your partner is most comfortable in denim and a crisp t-shirt that’s fine too! Stop and ask yourselves, “Do we look like we’re going to the same place?” Avoiding any clothing that is too loud or distracting also helps keeps the focus on your faces and baby bump.

Consider the season and natural landscape around you if taking photos outdoors, and make sure you and your partner are dressed for the same season. If it's cold out, consider wearing layering pieces such as a jacket or sweater that you can remove for some photos to change up your look. In the warmer months be sure to choose lightweight and breathable clothing so you stay comfortable.

Take note of the seasonal colors too! If photographing on a beach or at a park, consider the earth tones around you being photographed. Flowy maxi dresses photograph beautifully on the beach. In the fall & winter months, jewel tones, ivory, browns and navy photograph best. In the spring & summer months ivory, khaki, white, blush and pale blue are the way to go.

When deciding what to wear for your photo session, you’ll want to make sure you are comfortable. If you look your best you will feel your best, and if you are uncomfortable it will show through the photos. Stay away from clothing that is too loose and baggy, as it tends to photograph sloppy. Don’t be afraid to accentuate your baby bump! Form-fitting clothing can highlight your growing belly, but if you don’t feel comfortable, opt for looser, more flowing fabrics. Some of our favorite websites for maternity dresses are Seraphine, Pink Blush, Ingrid & Isabel, Hatch & ASOS.

You’ll also want to make sure your shoes are clean, clothing is ironed, and everything is well-fitting as the camera tends to pick up on everything.

This is a fun and special way to tie in anything from ultrasound photos to baby clothing, signs with your due date, a stuffed animal or small pieces of nature to highlight the season in which your baby will be born. Keep the props simple, so that it doesn’t clutter and take away the main focus of your photos.

Take this time to pamper yourself so you can feel relaxed and most beautiful. The more calm, comfortable and relaxed you are, the more beautiful you will feel and it will shine through your photos. Take this time to get a massage, take a relaxing bath, or get your hair and makeup done. Your hands will be photographed a lot as you will be embracing your baby bump, so treat yourself to a manicure!

Don’t Forget!

Lastly, we’ve compiled a list of items to not forget. Although your session should last no more than an hour, we always recommend bringing the following to make sure you’re as comfortable as can be.

-Water & snacks: Always pack a little snack or make sure to eat before your photos, and definitely bring some water for warmer days, especially on the beach!

-Flats or flip flops: If you’re wearing heels, you might find it most comfortable to slip into flat shoes when walking to different spots in between photos.

-Hair brush, small mirror & touch up make-up: As part of feeling and looking you’re best, we always recommend bringing a little makeup bag for you to be able to touch-up your hair and makeup should you need to. You’ll be happy you did, and it’s good to bring just incase!

-Props: Don’t forget the accessories or any special props and details you’d like to include. But remember to keep it simple!

We photograph maternity sessions all year round both in-home and on location, and have a list of our favorite places if you need some recommendations. If you’re looking to plan your maternity session, please contact us here. We look forward to photographing this precious time in your lives, before welcoming your newest addition to the family!