Your Guide To A Flattering Maternity Shoot
Maternity photo shoots are the best way to document your journey through pregnancy. These shoots offer you a great opportunity to capture all the moments in your baby’s life, before the birth, and make it memorable.
If you are planning out a maternity photo shoot, remember there is nothing to be hesitant about your growing belly and changing body. You are the mother to another human being growing inside you, and everything about that is beautiful.
Here are a few tips that will make the shoot even more flattering:
Choose a Maternity Photographer That Makes You Comfortable
The level of comfort you feel when being photographed will eventually show up in pictures, therefore, choose a photographer that really makes you want to be yourself. Sift through options, set up meetings and get to know the photographer beforehand.
Ask for maternity photography portfolio
Preferably shoot in color (you can add B&W effects later)
Inquire if the photographer will be touching up the shots later as some might need to be enhanced
Decide everything beforehand: will you be doing the shoot outside? What kind of indoor lighting do you want to use? Are you going to be changing into different outfits?
Time It around the Third Trimester
It is a good idea to have your maternity shoot around the mid of the seventh month of pregnancy. There are more than a few reasons for this. The pregnancy glow is at its peak during this time and the bump looks beautiful. You will also be over the period of nausea and exhaustion. Typically, energy levels are also at an all time high during this period.
Practice Poses
Depending on the experience of the photographer, he/she will be able to best advise you on the styles and direction, but you should never feel hesitant to try out something new. Discuss ideas with the photographer before proceeding. Your location also plays a key role. Also, don’t forget to try out some poses in front of a mirror before taking the shot.
Clothing
Your outfit will play a primary role in determining the final looks of your photographs. Here are a few tips that will help:
Go for clothing that complements your baby bump.
Stripes or even solids that hug the baby bump also look great.
Wear a shirt and unbutton it around the baby bump. Bare bumps also look wonderful.
Avoid wearing outfits that have excessive checks or too bright colors.
Also avoid wearing heavy jewelry as this will drive attention away from the baby bump.
Makeup and Hair
Even though this largely depends on the location and lighting, go with something that brings out the real you. Use a bit of foundation along with mascara, eyeliner and a light lipstick. Let your hair free and keep them as natural as possible.
Bring In Your Spouse
Apart from taking solo pictures with your baby bump, you can also ask your significant other to join in. There are a lot of theme ideas you can use for a complete family maternity shoot. You can also go for intimate shots that capture the romance you share.
Don’t Forget To Have Fun
Keep that smile alive throughout the shoot and don’t forget that you are the most beautiful looking mother. Don’t hesitate to ask or recommend something for the shoot and above all, relax. You will cherish this moment for years to come.
All these factors add up together to give you flattering maternity shoot results. If you are looking for a maternity photographer in Los Angeles who can really bring out the best in you, look no further. Get in touch with me and check out my maternity photography portfolio today.