Seeing that I am getting towards the end of my pregnancy and baby Walker will be here on May 18th 2022, I found it was only fitting that I talk a little about maternity sessions. When the best time to book, dress rentals or wardrobes, objects to bring, points to clear up with your photographer before your session and so much more.
When I was pregnant with Skyler (2020), a maternity photoshoot was the last thing on my mind. It was mid-summer, there was a massive fire, my feet were swollen, and I was extremely uncomfortable. However, looking back on it now, I am bummed that I didn't force myself to just get out and take a few pictures with a photographer who knows how to have fun and understands how tired pregnancy can be. Well, not this time around! I will get some maternity pictures taken one way or another to be sure to capture this fleeing moment before we become a family of four.
When is the best time to get maternity pictures taken? Well, most photographers agree that between 28-34 weeks is ideal. With that being said, in my opinion, there's no right or wrong moment to get pictures taken with a photographer to document this stage in life. Mothers sometimes have a baby bump show later than others, or some moms get a bump within the first trimester. I, personally, get uncomfortable around 30 weeks, so once I passed that point with Skyler, and still hadn't set up anything with a photographer, it was effortless for me to come up with any excuse to not have them done.
So, when thinking about maternity pictures rather than asking someone else to tell you when the moment is right, ask yourself how you want to remember your maternity experience. I would prefer to take mine on the early side when my back isn't hurting as much, or my feet aren't too swollen, but also when I just feel the most amazing in my beautiful growing body. The last thing I would want as an expecting mama would be to go out and get pictures when I'm not feeling well or the conditions make it more of a job than something that I can enjoy. As your photographer I still want you to enjoy our session together and that's where it goes back to the best time to taking your maternity photos can only be something you know. I will be there to help you in any way that I can during our session to ensure the most comfortable and enjoyable excperience together.
Wardrobe can make or break your experience and impact the final image outcome. Not to sound too dramatic about it, but it's true. You want to be sure to talk to me as your photographer to ensure that the outfit you're choosing will flow with the season and the location setting we choose. More importantly than that is that you wear a dress or outfit that you will be most comfortable in. Nothing would be worse than for you to be in a dress that isn't comfortable to move around in. My ultimate favorite place to look for dresses is through mama bump rentals. They offer a full selection of bump friendly dresses with a broad range of color options.
Thing to bring to our session, water is a must especially for our maternity sessions. No matter what season we are in, staying hydrated during our time together is essential. Other items to think about bringing would be if you have any sentimental baby pieces such as ultrasound photo, shoes, family heirlooms, signs with a baby name on it, etc. Finally, I recommend if you have little ones, or dogs that will also be joining us for the session that you also bring along a friend or family member to help with chasing and getting their attention or to allow us to get a few shots of just mom and dad together.
These are just a few surface suggestions to helping you make the most of our session time togther!
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