Top Tips for a Stunning and Successful Maternity Session: Capture the Magic

Tips on how to prepare for a successful maternity session

Maternity photos are absolutely beautiful but they can be daunting for some couples. I can guarantee that I will help you to feel comfortable when it comes to your belly photos. Here are a few tips to help make this shoot productive! 

TIP #1: TIMING

• Most maternity shoots are shot between months 6-8. It all depends on the look that you would like to portray. For some women, by 8 months, you can start to feel uncomfortable or too big to be photographed. I recommend sometime between month 6 & 7. You will still have a decent belly but you may not feel that overly big feeling. Swollen ankles, feet, or face is also something that many women try to avoid. I personally had my maternity sessions at 26 weeks and I felt beautiful. 

TIP 2: DARK CLOTHING

• It is no secret that dark clothing is slimming. This will certainly help you feel as beautiful as you are and also help you to pop from a light background. But find a dress that you feel good in. Some women opt for light and flowy. Others prefer jeans and a bump-friendly top!

TIP 3: LOCATION

• Outside always makes for promising and beautiful photos. There are a few parks that I typically go to that has the country-esc look that my clients typically want. If there is a specific place that you would like to photograph at, please let me know. Inside photos work as well, though they are not typically what I prefer to shoot. Since I do not work out of studio, you would need to make sure that the location is brightly lit and free from clutter so as to keep the photos looking like they were photographed in a dirty surrounding. 

TIP 4: PROPS OR NO PROPS

• Props can add a unique element to your photos but should be used sparingly to avoid clutter. Some popular props include:

  • Ultrasound photos.

  • Baby shoes.

  • Letter boards with the baby's name or a sweet message.

  • Floral crowns for a whimsical touch.

DON’T FORGET

• You are absolutely beautiful. You are growing a life and everything about you is glowing. Don’t feel embarrassed about stretch marks or onlookers or anything else at that moment. This is about you and that beautiful little baby that you are bringing into this world! 

A successful maternity session is a blend of timing, location, styling, and emotional connection. By following these tips, you can create a beautiful, memorable experience that captures the magic of this special time. Whether you're an expectant mother looking for inspiration or a photographer seeking guidance, these tips will help you achieve stunning results.

For more inspiration and to book a maternity session, check out the rest of my site, Delaney Dobson Photography.