Maternity photography is all about capturing the beauty of pregnancy that all expectant mothers will cherish for the rest of their lives. Getting the most stunning pictures, however, relies on careful planning, open communication and creativity from both the photographer and expectant mother. If you are thinking of having a photoshoot with your baby bump, make sure you follow our tips!
1. Choose the Right Timing
Ideally, you would want to have your photoshoot when the baby bump just right. Each pregnancy journey is unique and all baby-bumps are special. We usually suggest somewhere around 32-36 weeks, so belly is a nice size and you’re not feeling too tired or heavy. Most pregnant women tend to have their maternity shoot when they are between 28-36 weeks or 6-8 months pregnant. Do your own planning and book a date with a photographer between these time frames.
2. Mix Up the Poses
While typical maternity shoots showcase femineity and motherhood, don’t be afraid to get creative and play around with different poses and postures. Try placing both hands on the bump, on your hips, or at the side.
No request is too big for our us (we’ve even done an underwater shoot before!) so feel free to get creative and just be yourself.
3. Show Off the Bump
The baby bump is the star of the shoot after all. You want to capture it at its best angle, and it has to be at the centre of attention in pictures.
Opt for side-view poses where the bump stands out the most.
Also, avoid outfits that are too loose and conceal the bump.
Instead, wear figure-hugging (but comfortable) clothes like maternity bodycon dresses or knitted sweaters that turn the spotlight on the bump. Alternatively, you could also don tube tops and cropped tops to show off the belly for a trendier shoot. Otherwise go casual with jeans and a tank top or bohemian with a tube top and maxi skirt.
4. Go Easy on the Makeup
If there is one thing maternity shoots are known for, it’s capturing the mother at her most natural. There’s beauty in marrying simplicity with femineity.
Avoid dark smoky eyes, bright red lipstick, and heavy contouring for your pregnancy shoot. Instead, go for natural makeup as you want to look like an enhanced version of yourself. Go with light eyeshadows colours, subtle highlights at your cheek bones, naturally rosy cheeks and a smooth finish. Look for a lip colour that is close to your natural shade.
Au natural is gorgeous as well for the natural-looking mamas!
5. Make Yourself Comfortable
Your pregnancy shoot is all about what you are most comfortable with. After all, we want to capture the mother at ease.
We can explore artistic semi-nude shoots in the privacy of our studio. Our studio is locked during each photoshoot for the utmost privacy of each client with only a female photographer present. Fabric is also provided for elegant artistic nude shoots.
You don’t have to be fully nude for your maternity shoot. In fact, you can experiment with lingerie or nude bras underneath the fabric. You can also wear a bikini for a fun bench or fashion theme!
6. Have Your Family Join The Shoot
Have your family members joining in and make it a fun and memorable photoshoot. Your elder kid(s) or pet(s) are just as important! After all, they are going to be “promoted” soon!
Interact with them as you would off-camera and let your photographer capture those organic expressions and moments of bonding.
Book Your Maternity Shoot Today
Oh Dear Studio is nested in a colonial-style conservation shophouse, with full French windows, lush tropical greenery and rustic timber wooden flooring, we have just the right amount of vintage flair.
Our cosy space has plenty of gorgeous spots for photo-taking. We have a private rooftop that allows us to capture greenery photos for a whimsical theme. Check out our Maternity Gallery for some inspiration and have a chat with Melody to organise your maternity photoshoot today!
