Maternity Style Guide
Hi there! I’m so excited for your maternity session! I’ve created this guide to help you get the most out of your photos, and by the time you’ve read through this, you'll have all your questions answered and feel more than ready and prepared for your session. Then I’ll take care of the rest! Your only job is to be yourself, laugh a lot and let me create photos you’ll love forever. I can’t wait to get you in front of my camera!
I photograph maternity sessions using only natural light. I do this because this type of light makes for some stunning photographs! I begin all portrait sessions approximately one hour before the scheduled sunset during “the golden hour,” when the light is the dreamiest. If you’re wearing two outfits, save your favorite one for the second half, and if you’re wearing one, arrive in that.
STYLING FOR the MOM-TO-BE
DON’T BE AFRAID TO DRESS UP! Have you thought about rocking a beautiful flowy dress but never had an occasion for it? This is your chance to do it up! My maternity clients have had great luck finding outfits at places like: Lulus, Baltic Born, Free People, Pink Blush, and even amazon! Fleur De Rye makes some incredible fresh flower crowns. And Gigi Pip and Lack of Color make the best wide brim hats!
SAY YES TO THE DRESS
Long, flowy dresses look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos and well as giving your bump a great silhouette. Especially when juxtaposed with nature. Cute, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well. Dresses and skirts tend to look most stunning on camera because they really flatter the female body, especially when pregnant! We recommend avoiding pants and shorts for your session, and saying yes to a dress or two.
FLATTERING YOUR BUMP
Clothing can make a huge difference in the feel of your photos. For maternity clients, regardless if we are going for a soft image or an image with dramatic lighting, solid colors work much better than outfits with busy patterns.
Strong colorful patterns will distract your attention to the clothes instead of you. You want the images to be soft, so it’s best to go with mostly solid colored clothing. Flowing maternity dresses are a great way to add a fashion look to your images. In my experience, every woman, regardless of her shape has an area of her body that she’s self-conscious about, so recognizing what area that is in advance is key. Choosing flattering colors that complement your natural features is the best way to ensure you’ll love the way you look in your photos.
CHOOSING COLORS
When choosing colors for your outfit(s), we recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted, neutral shades. By avoiding ultra-bright colors, it will help bring all the attention to your face and your beautiful bump! The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, even maroons, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments.
COORDINATING THE LOOKS
As you’re coordinating your outfit with your partner and/or children, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family. Most of our maternity clients choose their dress first, and then put together their family’s outfit based on that.
STYLING FOR PARTNER/KIDS
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS! Long 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 the face. So, for your session, it’s best to leave the shorts, sandals at home. Dress pants, colored pants, or a nice pair of jeans work best. Next time you walk by a store like J. Crew, you’ll notice the male mannequins and models are always wearing several layers at once. Layers on men look great on camera. Sweaters, vests, jackets add great dimension to the photos. Try to avoid logos at all costs! Neutral colored or lightly patterned button ups are fantastic.
The same goes for your children, try to avoid dressing them in loud, bold, bright colors with logos. Staying in those neutral tones, even with some light patterns within the same color palette family look great.
Some Extra Tips:
• Make sure your nails are groomed, I get close up shots of hands on the belly
• Pack a bag with: Flats or flip-flops for walking between photo spots
• (Optional) Outfit two (including shoes and accessories)
• Touch up make up / lip gloss
• Water bottle (warmer sessions)
• Sweater (cooler sessions)
Favorite places to shop for:
LADIES: Baltic Born, LuLus, Free People, Pink Blush
GENTLEMEN: J.Crew , Nordstrom, Express
If you’re running short on time for ordering something, Amazon is a life saver and has great outfit options for the whole family!