Pregnancy is a time that comes with so many different emotions and life changes, from eagerness to meet your new little one, to nervousness about how your life will change. Whether you’re mostly excited, or mostly nervous, there’s no doubt that bringing a new life into the world is an incredible experience and will likely be one of the most important events of your life. 

Like all big life events, I believe these moments while you wait for your newborn to arrive are worth capturing (if you’re not sure, click through to this article to see if it’s worth getting Maternity Photos). I know that having professional photos done can be a little nerve-wracking though, so I’ve created this guide to How to Prepare for Your Maternity Session. It includes information about What to Wear, How to Choose Your Maternity Photographer, How to Pose for Maternity Photos, and the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR MATERNITY SESSION

When Should You Do a Maternity Shoot

All stages of pregnancy are beautiful and worth documenting, but when choosing the Best Time to Take Maternity Photos, most expectant Mothers prefer to do their shoot when the bump is starting to show, but before it gets too hard to move around. This usually means planning your Maternity Pictures between 30 and 34 weeks. Of course, it is up to you though! Some Mom’s feel too large when they’re approaching the end of their third trimester, while others adore their bigger bump. To be on the safe side, I’d recommend planning to do your shoot by the 36-week mark at the latest, just in case your baby decides to make an early entrance!

What Should You Wear for Maternity Pictures

There is a reason you see so many maternity photos of expectant Moms in gorgeous, long dresses! These show off your amazing bump and will make you feel beautiful and special, not to mention, they’re incredibly comfortable, which is so important. When choosing What You Should Wear for your Maternity Portraits, keep in mind that classic designs with neutral colors or minimal patterns will make your photos timeless. Ultimately though, you should wear something that you’re comfortable in and that expresses your personality. If that means bright patterns, then you do you and wear bright patterns! 

Regardless of what you wear, I recommend that all of my clients treat their Maternity Session as an excuse to treat themselves. You might not have many chances to get dressed up and feel truly special during your pregnancy, so your Maternity Portraits are a perfect excuse to take a moment for you. Why not indulge with a relaxing maternity massage or treat yourself to some spa treatments so that you feel truly radiant. This will shine through in the photos and help create a beautiful experience.

Where can you Buy Maternity Dresses?

Maternity Clothes aren’t what they used to be, and there are now so many beautiful, practical options for Expectant Mothers! Some of my favorite Maternity Stores in Long Island and across the US are:

• Joyfolie

• Lulus

• Shein

• Pink Blush

• Hatch

• Free People

• Flutter Dress 

• Baltic Born 

• Vici Dolls 

Choosing Your Maternity Photographer

Choosing the Right Maternity Photographer for you is possibly the most important part of Preparing for your Maternity Session. While I hope you’ll choose me to be your Maternity Photography if you’re in Long Island or nearby, it’s truly more important to me that you choose the right photographer for you. There are a few things to consider, like price and location, but the most important things are choosing a photographer who’s style you adore and finding a photographer who you trust and who makes you feel comfortable.

Choosing Your Maternity Photographer: Style

Deciding whether or not you like a Maternity Photographer’s style should be relatively easy! All you need to do is to check your Maternity Photographer’s portfolio to see if you like their style of photography. Thankfully, Instagram has made this easy for us – a quick glance at a photographer’s Instagram account should be enough for you to decide if you like their photos or not. Once you’re sure you do, check out their website to see some full galleries. 

Choosing Your Maternity Photographer: Personality

Your maternity session is so much more than just a photo shoot, it’s a chance to create a beautiful reminder of this incredible life journey. When you look back at your photos, you won’t just see a picture, you will also remember the experience of that day. It’s for this reason that it’s so important to choose a Maternity Photographer who you connect with and who makes you feel comfortable. If you’re photographer is receptive to your needs, they’ll be able to get better photos and you’ll be able to enjoy this incredible experience. 

Choosing Your Maternity Photographer: Newborn Photos

One last thing to think about when Choosing Your Maternity Photographer is whether or not they could do your newborn photos as well. Booking a session in with a photographer is an investment, and if you’re reading this, it means it’s not something you’re taking lightly (and rightly so)! Being able to work together again with the same photographer not only saves you time, it also means you’re able to build trust and friendship with them. Over time, they’ll come to know you and your family, and you’ll feel more and more comfortable with them. I probably sound like a broken record, but really, it is so important that you enjoy spending time with your photographer, and it really does make all the difference!! 

How to Pose for Maternity Photos?

As a documentary photographer, I adore capturing natural moments and interactions. I understand that having a photo shoot can be nerve wracking though, even I would feel the same! The beauty of hiring a professional photographer for Your Maternity Photos is that we have a few tips & tricks up our sleeve to make you feel comfortable, beautiful, and authentically you throughout the shoot.

That said, I’m going to share my most important tip for Posing for Maternity Photos with you. Ready? It’s simple! Just hold your bump, with one hand or both, then bend the knee that’s closest to the camera. That’s really all there is to it! It will accentuate the beautiful curves that come with pregnancy and elongate your body. I promise, you’ll look truly beautiful, and I’ll be there to guide you whenever you need it.  

I also always recommend combining your Maternity Portraits with Couple Photos, and, if you already have another little one, Family Portraits as well. It’s wonderful to reflect and take a moment for your little family before the new baby arrives and life changes. I’m always thinking of new fun prompts for Family and Couple Portraits just in case you’re not sure what to do! Mostly though, my advice for Posing is just to hang out like you usually would. That way, your photos will feel honest and authentic – a beautiful moment in time.

Are you expecting and unsure about Maternity Photos? Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have, either in the comments below or via my contact page. I’d love to help you decide if Maternity Portraits are right for you.