Sharing pics from my pregnancy photo shoot and tips on how to prep for a pregnancy photo shoot.
Pregnancy is a very special time in a women’s life and even though you feel heavy, bloated, and tired, it is the time in your life when you are the most beautiful. Your hair is thicker, your skin is glowing and you have a big round belly!! When I was pregnant I was very excited to watch my belly grow and feel the little human inside me kicking and moving! It’s such a magical experience and what could be better than capturing those beautiful moments in beautiful portraits for precious keepsakes in the future. As being pregnant for the first time, I looked through the internet on how I could plan my pregnancy photoshoot, different poses, and what were the steps to prepare for one.
My idea of a photo shoot was not to have a fancy one but to keep it as simple and fun as possible. I had my photo shoot when I was 36 weeks pregnant. It was the perfect timing as I had a full round belly! For me choosing the location for the shoot was of prime importance. I wanted to pick a place that was close to my heart and a place that I could really connect to. Hence, I chose my school as our location as that is where I met my husband for the first time. We did not hire a photographer but instead had a very good friend click our photographs. Prior to the photo shoot I scrolled through the internet for different poses for the shoot. For the outfit, I wore a gown from pinkblushmaternity in pink color as I was carrying a baby girl. And for the props, we had pink balloons to beautify the shoot. We had a fun experience and devoted a full day to the shoot and collected some beautiful memories of our pregnancy journey. Below I have shared with you all a few shots from my pregnancy photo shoot.
Below I have summarized a list of some of my tips on how to plan for a maternity photo shoot.
1. Pick the photographer of your style
The first step in planning your maternity photo shoot is choosing the right photographer for the photoshoot whose style you are comfortable working with. The Internet is a good resource to find a professional photographer for the shoot or you could ask a close friend/family member who is good with the camera to do your photo shoot. If you chose to work with a professional photographer make sure you plan your photo shoot ahead of time as the good ones are usually pre-booked well in advance.
2. Pick a location
Secondly, pick a place where you would like to do the photoshoot. Many professional photographers offers their studios to do the photoshoot but the best photoshoots are done outdoors like a park where it’s open and you are comfortable posing with your partner.
3. Chose a sunny day and devote a complete day for the shoot
Thirdly, make sure you look at the weather forecast way ahead of time and plan your photo shoot accordingly. Pick a day that is not too cloudy and you have enough light for a good photo shoot. Also plan a whole day for the photoshoot as it will involve getting ready for the photoshoot, driving to the location, and trying out different poses. Also, make sure that you complete your photoshoot in daylight.
4. Pick the right time in your pregnancy
Mostly 31 – 36 weeks are considered the best time for the maternity photo shoot. During this time a women’s belly is beautifully round and it can be easily captured on the camera. After 36 weeks in your pregnancy, a woman usually feels very bloated, heavy, and tired and so it can be difficult to have motivation for a photo shoot.
5. Pick your outfit
I find the outfit planning the most fun part of the shoot. You can plan to match your outfit color with your partner. Also if you know the gender of the baby you can pick your outfit either in pink if you are carrying a girl or blue if you are carrying a boy. Wear something that you are comfortable with and also make sure that your shoes are super comfortable, as you will be spending a lot of time standing. Also, most pregnant women have swollen ankles in the last trimester of their pregnancy, so it is best to be as comfy as possible.
6. Limited makeup/accessories
Chose to make up that is simple, compliments your outfit, and can be captured on the camera. Plan for minimal makeup and carry your cosmetics to the location, if you need a touch up during your shoot.
7. Props to go with your shoot
Having a“prop” for the photo shoot can make your experience more fun and they make the photographs more beautiful. You can choose from various options like newborn clothes, shoes, balloons, chalkboard announcements, the crown for baby girls, and baseball cap for boys, soft toys etc.
8. Include family members if you want
You can plan to get your partner or your children for the photoshoot. Having them around can make this experience more memorable and exciting. If you are bringing your children to the shoot have someone take care of them or take them home when you and your partner are getting some couple shots.
I hope you all find these tips helpful in planning your photo shoot. A maternity photo shoot is all about capturing the excitement, feeling, and love parents feel for their unborn child so be well-rested, relax, and have a fabulous photo shoot.
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You’re right about saying that I should choose the maternity photographer whose style I’m comfortable working with. After all, this is a very important phase for me, so I have to make sure that I’m working with the right person. I think I’ll ask around if they can recommend someone so I can evaluate their work before contacting them.