Welcome to the


Maternity Style & Session Guide



Are you ready? Let’s do this! I am here to help make sure you have the best session you possibly can! Below is a list of tips for your session, wardrobe tips, and ideas! As always if you have any questions please reach out!

Tips for an Amazing Session

01.


Choose an outfit you love


Easier said than done when you're pregnant. Am I right!? But seriously, if you love what you are wearing and are comfortable in it then that will shine through in your photos.

02.


Pamper yourself before your session


A little self-love goes a long way. This is a special time so treat yourself before your session! Get a massage, get your hair done, get your nails done. Not only do you deserve it, but it will make you feel that much more refreshed and excited for your session.

03.


Bring the Kids or Pets


Want to celebrate your pregnancy with your kids or fur babies? Bring them along, we can split your session between solo maternity portraits and family photos showcasing everyone's excitement about the new addition.

04.


Let the stress go



I got you! I have been there and I remember what it was like to have my photo taken while I was pregnant. Trust me, we will get some amazing shots! If at any point you are feeling uncomfortable or nervous please let me know! I want your session to be as wonderful as possible.




It's all about the colors.


For some, figuring out what to wear can be the most stressful part of prepping for your session. When it comes to choosing outfits the colors are really more important than the style of clothing you choose. The right colors will warm skin tones and make you blend cohesively into your backdrop. They can be the difference between good photos and amazing photos! When it comes to colors you can not go wrong with earthy tones and neutrals. These color palettes also don't leave color casts and are timeless and age beautifully in photos.


Check out my Pinterest board below for tons of great outfit ideas for your session.

Pinterest Outfit Inspo

Spring & Summer

Color Inspiration

Fall & Winter

Color Inspiration

TIPS

For Choosing Outfits


None of these are hard rules. These are just things that I have learned over the years that might help you while styling your family.

01.

Show off that Bump


Its important to dress comfortable but also we want the star of the show to shine through, your super cute bump! A long flowy dress is a great option. as it provides lots of fun movement options for photos and has a very romantic feel. They are also very flattering on almost all body types. Another great option is a cute neutral shirt or sweater and a maxi skirt. It still has lots of movement but feels more casual and playful!

02.


Wear Sensible Shoes


Even for maternity sessions, there is a good chance we will be doing a good amount of standing and walking so sensible shoes are key. If you want to wear a heel I recommend bringing a spare pair of shoes for walking to locations so you can be more comfortable.

03.


Avoid too many Patterns


If your session is just you and your partner, then only one of you should wear a patterned outfit (or both of you can wear solids, just not both in patterns). Too many patterns can be overwhelming and distracting in photos and take the focus away from the most important thing, you! Also, avoid super small plaid patterns and thin stripes, most common in men’s shirts. They can cause a distorting wavy overlay in photos known as the moiré effect and there is no way to correct it in images.

04.


Don't stress about dirt


Most dirt won’t even be visible in the photos so try not to stress, and if it is it can always be photoshopped out. Focus on having fun and interacting with each other and don't worry about the dirt :)

05.


Don't be Matchy-Matchy


Avoid being too matchy-matchy with your partner by creating contrast in your outfits. This will help you stand out from each other in your photos. If you are both wearing white you will blend together, we want to clearly be able to see you both.

06.


Accessorize


Accessorise can be a fun way to add interest to photos. Hats, scarves, jewelry, jackets, shawls, and sunglasses are all great add-ons to help add texture, color, and interest to an outfit and bring it all together! For winter sessions extra layers like sweaters can keep you warm and add more color and texture to photos.

Things to avoid:


  • Clothing with logos.
  • Neon colors, stick with neutrals.
  • Athletic polo shirts, cotton polos are better for photos.
  • Athletic shoes. Think leather shoes, sandals, wedges, and casual sneakers (like Converse) instead.
  • Low-cut shirts. They can end up being more revealing than intended when chasing little ones.
  • Bright whites, substitute for creams and tans instead.
  • Solid black, it can be hard to see your bump!
  • Transitional lenses, sub for contacts or non-transitional lenses if you have them. If you only have transitional lenses you may have to do the session without them if it is a bright day.



Feeling Stuck?


I know that was a whole lot of information! Now that you have read through it all it might help to go back to my Pinterest outfit board and look at how other moms-to-be and families implemented a lot of the ideas above!


If you are totally stuck feel free to reach out and send me some examples and I will be happy to help you choose outfits!



Where to start


You can always wear something you already own and love but if you are planning on buying some new outfits here are a few popular retailers for finding photo session-ready outfits for you and any additional family members joining your session.