Being in front of the camera can be nerve wracking.
But here’s the thing… Your pregnancy photoshoot is one of the only moments in life that can’t be replicated. Miss it — or book it with less-than-awesome photos in mind — and you’ll likely regret it later.
The good news? As long as you know what you’re getting into, walking into your pregnancy session feeling confident and comfy in front of the camera is totally possible. You don’t need to be a model to do this.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Why Confidence Is More Important Than Looks
- When To Schedule Your Session
- What To Wear (and What to Avoid)
- Preparing Your Body and Mind
- Working with Your Pregnancy Portrait Photographer
- Tips For Including Partners and Children
Why Confidence Is More Important Than Looks
Okay, this isn’t talked about enough…
A study published in Scientific Reports discovered 48% of pregnant women suffer from high body image dissatisfaction. You’re not alone if you’re feeling insecure about your changing body. But you are walking into your session already feeling defeated before the camera is even rolled out.
But what your pregnancy photographer already knows: A great photo has nothing to do with your body and everything to do with how you feel when the shutter clicks. The strongest maternity photos focus on emotion, connection and being present. They don’t capture staged poses.
The aim isn’t to look like a Victoria’s Secret model — it’s to look like you. Right at the happiest, healthiest time of your life.
When to Schedule Your Session
Timing is key.
Most photographers advise scheduling your session anywhere from 28 weeks to 34 weeks pregnant. This is typically when your baby bump is shown the best but you still have the energy and mobility to hold poses.
Schedule too early and you risk your bump not being “large” enough for photos. Book too late and you might be feeling discomfort that keeps you from fully enjoying the session. Shoot your session with a professional and they’ll explain what to expect at a maternity session during a free consultation before you book — from recommended locations to outfits and posing tips. They’ll walk you through everything and take the guesswork out for you.
Bonus tip: Always book as far in advance as possible. Even if you have your shoot months away. Photographers fill up quickly, especially in prime seasons like spring and fall.
What To Wear (and What to Avoid)
What you wear is probably the number one thing that will impact how nervous you feel walking into a session.
Here’s what tends to work best:
- Flowy dresses and gowns. Yes, they’re cliché for a reason. They’re flattering for all body types, flow nicely on your bump and look great for indoor and outdoor sessions.
- Bodysuits. For mothers who want to highlight their baby bump directly.
- Neutral colours. Think whites, creams, light greens and baby pinks. They photograph incredibly well in natural lighting.
- Fabrics with texture. Lace, chiffon, silk. (Note: avoid knits that cling too tightly.)
Truth: Most photographers will have a closet of clothing you can choose from. So if you’re feeling totally stumped, don’t be afraid to ask before your session. It could save you a ton of stress!
Preparing Your Body and Mind
The real work happens WAY before your session arrives.
Get a good night sleep the night before your session. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And eat a small meal a few hours prior to your session. You want enough fuel to have energy, but not so much that you bloat.
On the day of:
- Keep your hair and makeup natural. Don’t stress about doing a huge hair and make up look — that can take away from your confidence. Just do your usual routine, but a little extra glam. Remember: comfort is key.
- Bring snacks and water to the session. This’ll help you maintain your energy levels so you don’t get tired towards the end.
- Allow extra time for getting ready that day. Think about how rushed you usually feel before work/school. Now double that. That’s how you don’t want to feel on your session day.
One more thing most people forget to mention:
Do something you enjoy before you head to your session. Take a walk, listen to your favourite song. Taking even 5 minutes to clear your mind will put you in the right head space for the rest of the day.
Working with Your Pregnancy Portrait Photographer
Your photographer is there to do more than snap photos of you.
In a recent survey, over 70% of maternity clients wanted authentic emotions over posed perfection. A professional knows this and will mould your session around how YOU want to feel.
Here are some ways you can ensure a great partnership with your photographer:
- Be vocal about your concerns before the session. Whether you don’t want certain parts of your body photographed or you prefer certain angles — let your photographer know. They’ll use that info to design a session you feel good in.
- Have fun! Seriously. It feels weird at first and that’s okay. A good photographer will offer constructive, yet gentle feedback, and keep the mood playful.
- Don’t forget to move naturally. During your session, be sure to walk around, sway your hips and lean down to look at your bump. These candid moments often end up making the best photos from your session.
- Take your mind off the camera. Focus on how you’re feeling, your partner and your baby. Let your photographer do their job.
Sounds amazing when you think about it, doesn’t it?
Partner and Family Tips
Don’t have your partner or kids bring any higher!
Keeping things loose is perfect. Place a hand on your partner’s face, kiss your bump and let laughter happen. When you’re comfortable and laughing, that’s when the best photos happen. Don’t try to force them!
If you have kids you’d like included, schedule their time first. Younger children don’t want to sit still for long so get their time out of the way first and you’ll have more enjoyable time with your partner.
Wrapping It All Up
Maternity is one of the shortest moments in your life.
Make it last a lifetime by working with the right photographer and planning your session properly. You’ll thank yourself later when you look back on your pregnancy professionally captured.
Let’s review:
- Schedule your session between 28-34 weeks pregnant.
- Opt for clothing that flows, feels comfortable on your body and will photograph well.
- Prepare your mind and body a few days leading up to your session. Don’t wait until the day of!
- Communicate your likes/dislikes with your photographer pre-session.
- Have fun and let natural, candid moments happen.
The camera only shoots what’s already in front of it. Just show up as you are and everything will fall into place.
