5 Tips That Will Help You to Have The Best Maternity Photoshoot

5 Easy Tips That Will Help You to Have the Best Maternity Photoshoot

• 1.Make sure you map the drive to your session BEFORE your session date.  That way, you have an idea on how far you’ll have to go and what time you will have to leave – then, give yourself an extra ten minutes.   “Mom brain” or “mom fog” starts during pregnancy – and I feel like that never ends – but you are very likely to want those ten minutes.  Just in case you forget something or want to stop somewhere on the way to your maternity photo shoot.

• 2.  Use the bathroom first.  You cannot fully relax if you have to… well, “go”.   This is especially important if you are going to an on-location shoot, for example, a beach maternity session or a Chicago River Walk Maternity Session, where there may not be restrooms to use.  There is no way to get comfortable if all you can think about is not peeing yourself during your maternity shoot.

• 3. Do your homework, check out your maternity photographer’s gallery/portfolio of images.  I would suggest looking at both maternity and newborn photography session examples if the photographer offers both services.  If you find a photographer you love and trust, you should definitely book your newborn session with them too.  You will have consistency in your images also, which is wonderful for wall décor and creating prints and books of your sessions. Overall, the third tip is: make sure you love your photographer’s style and personality.  Get on the phone with them or even meet them prior to the session.  It's a good thing if your photographer wants to ask your questions, that means they really do intend on making it a personalized session for you.

• 4.  Do not try anything new before your maternity photography session.  Remember, you’re pregnant and sometimes the slightest change can set off acid reflux (yay) or nausea (O, joy...) or some kind of strange skin reaction.  The same goes with new makeup or new hair styles.  I just would not suggest trying something new the day you are having meaningful portraits taken.   Your body has already made a lot of changes that are unfamiliar to you and how you know yourself.  You want to look and feel your best during your maternity photography session, wait to make any new "sudden" changes (or do them well in advance).

• 5. RELAX.  I know this is not easy while pregnant.  But try to force yourself to be easy going about it.  If you choose the best maternity photographer for you, they should put you at ease and take care of you all the way.  A professional photographer will tell you how to stand and pose and help you look your best!  If you wake up with a huge blemish on your forehead the day of the session, don’t sweat it!  Your photographer should be able to help hide that later in photoshop.  The more relaxed you are about the session itself, the better your images will look and the more relaxed and “natural” you will look too.  Trust that your great Chicago Maternity Photographer will guide you into beautiful poses suited for pregnancy.  The kind of maternity poses that compliment you and show off your baby bump!

If you're pregnant right now, congratulations to you!  I hope these tips help to make your maternity photoshoot the best it can be!

If you're a photographer - share this blog with your clients!   They deserve these simple tips that are often overlooked.