Pregnancy is often thought of as a beautiful time when you are glowing and radiant, but not all moms feel that way. For some pregnancy is no cake walk (even though you might be craving it), and you certainly do not want your maternity photos to reflect the less glamorous parts of the experience. A proper maternity shoot should leave you beaming with confidence, and even more so… leaving you excited for both baby and your photos.

How to Feel Confident

Feeling confident in your maternity photos is a collaborative effort between me, , and you, my client. I want to capture you at your best and in a way that you feel elegant. To do this, let your photographer know what areas you are insecure about so we can work around them (and hopefully avoid them all together). Also, express to your photographer if you would like blemishes or stretch marks softened or removed, that way you can have peace of mind during the photo shoot knowing these things will be taken care of in the editing process.

As for tips I give to my clients for feeling confident, I often recommend not to wait too long to book your maternity shoot. Prime time for the “perfect belly” is around 30 weeks; you’ll be round enough to capture the essence for your maternity, but not too big where it’s uncomfortable and you feel limited as to poses you can perform. You can also book a hair and makeup appointment that day for a full glamour experience! Moms to-be deserve to be pampered and to have that done before your photo shoot will make you feel as confident as a queen.

How to Feel Comfortable

The best way to feel comfortable during a maternity shoot is to choose stretchy, timeless outfits that will accentuate your curves, but not go out of style. Better yet, why not go o’natural and avoid contending with fabrics that might feel constricting the day of your photoshoot. Also, consider where you will be holding the photoshoot- Sometimes, having your photographer come to your home can help put you at ease. You’re familiar with your environment, you know the most comfortable spots in your house, and it might be nice to capture these memories in a space where baby will grow up. Just remember to clear your house (or room) of clutter before the shoot, you want the focal point to be you and your belly, not you and the snow globe collection.

Capturing Creative Photos

I’ve found that it isn’t the creative idea behind the photo shoot that makes for a great picture; it’s the creative environment. Find a space that makes you feel inspired- Is it the at the pier? Could it possibly be that DIY backdrop you saw on Pinterest? Or maybe it’s simply in a photography studio where it’s easy to play with silhouettes and shadows… Whatever you choose, your surroundings are going to make the biggest impact on the emotion and personality that you put forth into the photo shoot. In addition to this, don’t be afraid to ask other family members to join in as well. Fun shots are always found in ones that include the soon-to-be older brother, puppy and Dad. There are many ideas to try out during a maternity shoot; it just depends on which ones suit you best.

Maternity is a time to embrace change and look forward to new things, so why not move out of your comfort zone a little and remember this as a unique experience. If you’re looking to work together, I would love to be the one to take snapshots of this time in your life. You can view my previous works here and contact me to get in touch. Remember, every woman is beautiful and special in their own way, and you deserve to capture those moments that make you one of a kind.