Motherhood and pregnancy are two of life’s most special milestones. It’s only natural that you’d want to document every moment of the experience.
Maternity photos are a great way to look back and remember how you and your family navigated the changes and challenges of your newfound roles. However, there is a ton of planning and preparation that goes into maternity photoshoots.
If you’re excited to book a photoshoot session but aren’t quite sure where to start planning, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are 5 things you need to consider when planning a maternity photoshoot!
The best time for a photoshoot
Maternity shoots are more than simply posing in front of a camera and snapping a shot. It’s chronicling a woman’s journey to motherhood. This is why planning the event is an important step. Part of that is figuring out when you want your photoshoot to take place.
Do you want to postpone it until you have a visible baby bump? Or do you want the photos taken earlier in your pregnancy when your baby bump isn’t as obvious?
Unlike what most people believe, there isn’t just one way to do a maternity photoshoot. And all that is influenced by the purpose of your photoshoot.
Pregnancy announcements
If you’re using your photos for a pregnancy announcement, you don’t have to wait for your baby belly to start showing. You can hire a professional photographer to snap a photo of you and your significant other holding a sonogram or new tiny baby shoes.
Baby showers
For baby showers, you can take maternity photos around week 32 or 38 of your pregnancy.
You don’t want to take the photos too early or else your baby bump won’t be as noticeable in the photos. At weeks 32 to 38, your belly will have gotten rounder and more pronounced, which will look beautiful in your photos.
Memorabilia
For partners looking for ways to surprise their expecting wives after they give birth, a maternity album can make for a great push present when the time comes.
You can start gathering photos from your wife’s first, second, and third trimesters. This way you can document the way her body changes as the baby develops over time.
Theme and style
The next thing you want to think about when planning your maternity photoshoot is the theme and style you want your photos to follow. You can find tons of inspirations online, from dreamy and whimsical looks to more vogue and glamorous styles.
Whatever theme it is that you settle for, it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident with it. Make a list of a variety of styles you like and carefully consider the elements that go into each one of them — this includes clothing.
Pro Tip: When choosing clothes, aim for something that speaks to your
personal style but at the same time offers your comfort. Maternity shoots can last anywhere between an hour to three hours, so it’s best to be cozy and secure throughout the process.
Maternity shoot location
Location is also an important part of your maternity photoshoot preparations because it ties everything together. You can choose to have your shoot indoors (like your home living room) or outdoors (like a field or at the beach).
When thinking of a location for your maternity photoshoot, choose a place that has a major significance to both you and your partner. Is there a travel destination that you and your partner enjoy visiting? Or perhaps you may want to go back to where you first had your honeymoon?
You can even choose to go back to your childhood hometowns to have the maternity shoot close to family and friends.
But no matter what time, theme, or location you shoot, the last element in your maternity shoot planning will ensure you get the results you want in the end.
Professional photography
Hiring a professional photographer to handle your shoot is possibly the best thing you can do for yourself. They don’t only have the expertise and skill to make your photos look stunning, but they can also help make sure that your wishes are followed all throughout the process.
Furthermore, the right photographer will have connections that can help you with the other elements of your maternity shoot e.g., theme, location, and outfits.
Personalization
Work hand-in-hand with your photographer to add your own little twists and quirks into your maternity shoot.
Maybe you could hold a bouquet of your favorite blossoms during the shoot? Or you could schedule the shoot during your favorite time of day? The little things will help make your maternity shoot your own and give it more meaning for you and your partner.
The bottom line
Pregnancy is a life-changing experience and documenting the adventure can give mothers a way to look back on their experiences and appreciate their journey. We hope this article guides you through the process of planning your maternity photoshoot.