Planning for Your Maternity Session — Kimberly Cauble Photography

One of my favorite types of portrait sessions to photograph is a maternity session. There’s something about being able to grow a human inside your body that is just magical! Don’t think of it as a time when your body is all out of whack; your body is performing a miracle! It’s so important to document this special time in your life. It should absolutely be remembered!

When should you take maternity portraits? I always suggest sometime between 28-32 weeks. That way it’s pretty obvious that you are pregnant (and not just extra fluffy), but you’re also not in the super uncomfortable phase of your last trimester!

Think carefully about a location that will be easy for you to navigate this far along in your pregnancy! While some pregnant mamas are safe to still hike to the top of a mountain, others may need to choose a location that is easier to access. A home nursery can make a comfortable location and allow you to capture all the sweet little details as you prepare for baby’s arrival.

Prepare for the weather. Bring a special blanket to snuggle with if it is going to be cold, or if it’s the middle of summer and you’re outdoors, bring some extra towels to dab off the sweat! And don’t forget to bring some water so you can stay hydrated.

Include all your family members! If you already have children, they should definitely be a part of some of your maternity photos! Get them excited about becoming a big brother or sister and being part of the announcement process. If you have a pet that you’d like to include in a few photos, bring them along, too!

Bring special props that are special to your pregnancy or family. Sonogram pictures, baby shoes, personalized onesies, stuffed animals, or family Bibles can be a great addition to your session.

Outfit Considerations:

How will you use your photos? If they will be used as canvases in your home, make sure your clothing choices don’t clash with your home decor!
As for color choices, think about the colors at the setting where you will be having your photos made. Soft, pastel colors or neutrals will blend better with a flowery backdrop, while either pastel or bold, bright colors can work well in a greener setting. Different shades of the same color or neutrals with pops of color also work well.
Avoid being too matchy-matchy. Coordinating colors and prints, as long as they aren’t too busy and don’t clash, are your best bet for a well-dressed portrait!
Mamas…long dresses and skirts that flow and create movement help make beautiful photos!
Think about the different poses you may be asked to try out. You might be standing, sitting, facing the camera, turned around so that the camera can see your back… Are your clothes too short? Too low cut? Too tight? Pick the most flattering styles!
Shoes matter! Think about the location. Will you need to walk a lot through forests or grassy areas? If so, bring comfortable shoes, or better yet, an extra pair so that you don’t get your nicer shoes dirty!
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Bring long necklaces, fun earrings, hats, scarves, and picnic blankets to sit on!
Avoid branding or words on your clothing (it can be distracting and get cut off depending on poses), unless you’ve had a special shirt made to help you announce your pregnancy!
Do you wear glasses? Try popping out the lenses beforehand, if possible. Transition lenses in any outdoor lighting can make you look like you’re wearing sunglasses, and regular glasses often produce a glare.
And one last tip: if everyone in the family can’t try on their outfits at the same time, at least lay them out to make sure they look good together!

Planning for your Maternity Portrait Session | Charlotte Maternity Photographer