How to Prepare for your Maternity Session

Get that belly ready for a fun, beautiful and stress-free maternity photo session!

Getting ready for your maternity photo session should be fun! After all, you’re preparing for your little one’s first professional shoot! Plan on scheduling your session between 31 and 36 weeks to ensure your beautiful shape has completely taken form.  You’ll be a pregnancy pro by then and dodge any discomfort that comes with the earlier weeks.

Another great way to elevate your session is to include Dad, big brother or big sister. While many of the shots will be just of you and baby-to-be. It’s always fun to change it up and capture everyone’s excitement about this very special time ….. and very special new arrival! These beautiful images will be permanent memories of a time when you were just “we” or “the three of us.” Capturing the anticipation of your family will be a memory maker for sure!

 

Now get ready for the  Maternity Shoot!

• Moisturize your knees, elbows, and belly 1-2 hours before your session to avoid added shine or sticky clothes.
• Make sure everyone’s clothing is pressed and ironed. Wrinkles will show in your images.
• Be sure to take off any tighter-fitting watches, bracelets, or hair ties so they don’t leave marks on your skin.
• Make sure to get a neutral, light-colored manicure 1-2 days prior to your session. So we will be able to get those beautiful hands-on-belly shots!
• Dress comfortably, but be sure your clothes don’t detract from your tummy’s shape and natural glow.
• Avoid large patterns and thick stripes as well as clothes that are too loose. Empire waists, drawstrings, flowy tops and wrap dresses are great choices to enhance your shape. Or better yet, you are always welcome to use one of the gowns I have in my Studio Wardrobe Collection!!
• Skip the spray tan.lthough it might seem counter-intuitive, we recommend that you do not get a spray tan before your session, even a few days prior, because it tends to photograph orange even when it’s applied subtly and by a professional. Your actual skin tone will photograph the most beautifully and naturally.
  

  The Best Fit for your Guy! 

  Long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are the most sophisticated and masculine looks for men. They draw attention away from his legs and feet and place it where you want it: on his handsome face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals, and jeans at home, too, as well as any pants that are loose or baggy. Fitted dress pants or fitted colored pants work best on camera. Solid neutral colors are a strong complement to most women’s outfits, whereas pinstripes or plaid patterns tend to distract the eye. We also recommend staying away from graphics and logos.

  Coordinating the Crew

  As you’re coordinating your outfit with your family, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palette and wardrobe pieces coordinate, but don’t actually “match.” In fact, we recommend that you avoid thinking about “matching,” and instead think about what “fits” together. This will create more visual interest, and allow each personality to shine through.

I’d love to be your maternity photographer! Remember I offer an array of beautiful maternity clothing and gowns to select from. There is no need to go out and buy anything special! Unless of course, you have your eye on something. If it is a maternity gown and it will fit into my collection talk to me about my “Buy Back Program”.

Maternity sessions are held in the studio or outdoors, 45 minutes to an hour before the sunset! Contact me by calling 775 934 5023 to schedule your no obligation consult! I’d love to talk to you about your vision for a photo session.