There are definitely parts of pregnancy that you cannot wait to forget (like that time that you cried at work for no reason at all), while others you want to hold onto forever (like those first little kicks). But however you may be feeling at this moment, one thing is for sure: capturing this pregnancy… this moment… is something we recommend to every woman expecting a baby!
And that's why we think maternity photoshoots are a total must! They really are the best way to capture all of your emotions at present, while giving you a beautiful way to look back on this special time in your life.
So how and where do you begin planning for a maternity photoshoot? Read on! In this article, we're going to guide you through all the ins and outs on how to crush your maternity photoshoot.
When should I do my maternity photoshoot?
You can absolutely do it whenever you want, but we recommend scheduling it for around weeks 30 - 34. By then, you will have that beautiful bump to capture on camera, and you won't be completely exhausted - or at least we hope not yet 😅.
What should I wear for my maternity photoshoot?
The most important thing is that you feel comfortable. You don't want to wear anything that makes you feel anything but your best because that discomfort will definitely show up on camera.
You also don't need to go wild buying maternity outfits for your photoshoot...actually, thanks to Amazon, you can even pick up something last-minute! They have some great maternity outfits, and we wanted to share our three favorites:
Levi Maternity Baby Bump Skinny Jeans
What is more classic than a pair of blue jeans? These Levi maternity jeans are both stylish and comfortable, perfect for a casual photo session.
MotherBee Maternity V-Neck Dress
This dress comes in several different design options, and you can pick any color that best suits your style. It's also made of a comfortable and breathable material, making it perfect for any kind of photoshoot! (Plus, perhaps you can get more use out of it by wearing it to your baby shower or any other event you have while you're still pregnant!)
Another plus: if you've experienced a lot of swelling or varicose veins on your legs (which is totally common to develop in pregnancy, in case you were wondering), this dress will hide them perfectly.
Liu & Qu Maternity Short-Sleeved Tops
These shirts are everything: soft, highly elastic and lightweight fabric is so comfortable, and the ruching side means more room for your growing belly.You can get them in a pack of 3 to mix and match throughout your photoshoot (including one that says: Mama to Be!).
Don't forget to accessorize!
Jewelry, sun hats, scarves - they can all complete your look and add a bit more personality to the photoshoot. We are, of course, personally obsessed with our exclusive Rumbly Double Hearts Gold Bangle, included in every Modern Mom-To-Be box - it's super chic and represents a beautiful reminder of the two hearts beating inside you each time you put it on.
Poses and Props for Your Maternity Photoshoot
When it comes to poses, you'll want to find a few that are comfortable and make you feel your best. Of course, your photographer will likely have suggestions for you too, but here are some classic poses to get you started:
Sitting with your legs crossed
This is a nice and relaxed pose that works for both indoor and outdoor photoshoots. You can place your hands on the sides of your bump or on your lap for added comfort.
Standing with your hands on your bump
This is a great classic pose for any kind of photoshoot, and it's particularly lovely for maternity photos. You can either take the picture straight on or from an angle to add some more interest.
With your partner
Having your partner join in can be amazing for creating that special bond between the two of you and your child. You can look down at each other or look at the camera together.
Your whole family
Whether it's your other children or your fur babies, make it a family affair! This can be a beautiful way to capture the growing family dynamic.
Bring in some props
You can also incorporate props like balloons, special blankets, your favorite baby book or one of your baby's new shoes. Add whatever personal touches will make your photoshoot feel more meaningful, and definitely don’t shy from letting your imagination run wild! (Our Rumbly moms particularly love including our exclusive pregnancy calendar that we include in the Modern Mom-To-Be box!)
And if you’re feeling a bit stuck, this site has a lot of really great ideas for you (with examples), including those for maternity photoshoot poses, so be sure to check it out!
DIY Your Maternity Photoshoot
If you're on a tighter budget, why not DIY your maternity photoshoot? You don't need a lot of expensive gear to take beautiful pictures. All you need is a camera, some great lighting and a nice backdrop. Ask your most Instagram-savvy friend to help you out and create a beautiful photoshoot together!
Just note if you plan to have an outdoor photoshoot, think about the sun. Look for open shade, like under a tree or in front of a shaded wall; if you want to do a wide-open image outside, try to plan your photos for the "golden hour," which is the first hour after sunrise or the last hour before sunset. (The sun won't give off any harsh glare during those times but will give you a golden,professional-looking glow!).
