The Ultimate Guide to Preparing for your Maternity Photoshoot

A maternity photo shoot is perfect for capturing the wild ride of pregnancy, and celebrating your body’s ability to grow and nurture an actual human being.

Whether it's your first baby or your third, these tips will help you prepare for a stunning and memorable session.

1. Timing is Everything

The best time to schedule your maternity photoshoot is between 28 to 36 weeks. During this period, your belly is beautifully round, but you're not yet in the uncomfortable final stages of pregnancy. This timing also ensures you're less likely to go into labour before your booked date!

2. Choosing the Perfect Outfit

Your outfit plays an important role in how your photos turn out. Most importantly you must look and feel like YOU. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Comfort First: Make sure you wear something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. Tight clothes might highlight your belly, but they can also be uncomfortable.

• Flowy Fabrics: Dresses with flowing fabrics create a soft, dreamy look and add movement to your photos. I work with an amazing dress hire company to offer a complimentary dress from their collection, when you book with me.

• Solid Colors and Subtle Patterns: Solid colors or subtle patterns work best as they don't distract from your baby bump. Light, pastel colours and earth tones are popular choices for a timeless look, but I’d suggest coming wholly and beautifully as yourself- however that manifests in your outfit.

• Layers and Accessories: Cardigans, scarves, and jewellery can all add an extra touch of interest to your outfit- bring what makes you feel amazing, and have a play!

3. Location, Location, Location

Choosing the right location sets the tone for your photoshoot. Consider these options:

• Outdoor Settings: Parks, gardens, beaches, and open fields provide a natural and beautiful backdrop. We are so lucky near Bishop’s Stortford to have an amazing choice of gorgeous outdoor spaces. If it’s the beach you’re after, I would love a day trip!

• Home Sweet Home: Sometimes the best place is where you feel most comfortable. A home setting can provide a wonderfully personal touch to your photos, and set the stage for baby’s first photoshoot if you decide to book an in home newborn session too!

• Studio: At the time of writing this, I am in between studios, but I can always bring the studio experience to you! I come with lights and backdrops to create a studio maternity shoot in your home!

4. Pamper Yourself

A little pampering can go a long way in helping you feel your best:

• Hair and Makeup: Consider getting your hair and makeup professionally done, if that’s your thing. I can recommend some amazing hair and makeup artists locally. If it helps with a confidence boost and makes you feel “camera ready”, why not indeed?

• Nails: Don't forget about your nails! A simple manicure can make a big difference, especially in close-up shots.

5. Bring Personal Touches

If there’s something that means a lot to you for this pregnancy and baby, then bring it with you! I am here to create photographs that make you feel alllll the feels!

6. Partner and Sibling Involvement

I offer different pricing points for solo and couples sessions, so let me know which you’d prefer when you book. We will always get a few of you solo (well, with bump!) during the session.

7. Relax and Have Fun

The most important tip is to relax and enjoy the experience. You’ve hired your photographer for their portfolio and experience, trust them to guide you through. I offer really gentle guidance and movement in my maternity photoshoots- so you’re in safe hands.

8. A Checklist for Your Photoshoot

To make things easier, here's a quick checklist to help you prepare:

• Schedule your maternity photoshoot for between 28-36 weeks ideally, so that you have a lovely shaped bump for the photographs, but can also move around comfortably.

• Choose and try on your outfit in advance. Bring some alternatives too if you fancy mixing it up.

• Pick a location that resonates with you, or ask me to suggest some lovely places that I know.

• Book hair and makeup appointments, if you want to.

• Bring meaningful props and personal items if that’s your thing.

• Coordinate outfits with family members, if they’re involved.

• Take a deep breath, relax, and trust the process!

If you have any questions or need more advice, please do get in touch! I'm here to help you create some gorgeous images, and hopefully, memories too!

Erin x