Updated at: 21-05-2022 - By: Sienna Lewis

After the birth of your child. Between the ages of 33 and 34 weeks of pregnancy, it’s advisable to have maternity photos taken. Let out a little bit of yourself at this stage of the game!

We recommend taking maternity photos at 34 or 35 Eweeks, when the baby isn’t yet too small to be photographed. Remember that if things don’t go according to plan, you can always wait till after the baby is born!

Even if baby arrives early (which is common), it’s best to get these priceless memories preserved now rather than later.

We’ll let you know if you need to size down if the tops of our dresses start to show your growing belly — we like to keep certain portions of the body hidden in the images.

Maternity photos should be done between 31-37 weeks along.

When you have a maternity session, you’re showing off your growing belly while also getting some great shots of your growing family. Hence, the necessity of getting up in person. Trust me, you want to show off your baby bulge in your maternity photos, even if you feel like you’re “big.”

When to Take Maternity Photos - ShootProof Blog

You don’t want to wait too long in pregnancy since you’ll either be too uncomfortable in the third trimester or your kid will arrive early and we’ll miss the maternity session!

You can book your maternity session while in your late first trimester to early second trimester.

Despite the fact that you may not be able to accurately forecast the size of your baby bulge, booking your session early will allow you to plan ahead of time. The right setting and details for your maternity session can be decided upon, as well as the outfits you should wear.

My calendar allows us to be more flexible while you’re on it. I only accept a limited number of clients at a time, so if we need to reschedule due to the baby’s progress, we can do so.

It’s not too late to get maternity photos until that baby comes!

Don’t worry if you’ve been expecting and think you’ve waited too long. Get in touch with me so we can plan your maternity picture session and capture your family exactly as it is right now (before the baby arrives)!

A Beginner’s Guide to Maternity Photography

Pregnant women used to be embarrassed by their bodies. Although it used to be, this has changed in recent years, as society has embraced the wonder and brightness of new life. It’s becoming more and more common for women to want to remember this moment in time.

Since becoming a huge trend, maternity photography has been a huge hit. For best results, it’s done toward the end of a woman’s pregnancy. To commemorate a special period in a family’s history, many prenatal sessions involve the mother-to-be and any previous children she may have.

Thoughts on Maternity Sessions

Maternity photo shoots can be approached in a variety of ways. Photographing a pregnant woman is viewed as no different from photographing any other member of the family, according to one school of thinking. Whether you’re seated, standing, or lying down, the same stances apply. Include your siblings and spouses if you can, in order to maintain the same family dynamics.

For pregnancy photographs, black and white is a popular choice. It’s important to keep in mind that making consistently stunning black and white photographs requires some expertise. There are three fundamental aspects of photography that must be considered: exposure, contrast, and tonality. Portraits in black and white seem sophisticated and ageless, which is why they’re so popular.

Photographers will be able to pick between inside and outdoor shots much like in other portrait sessions. Studio shootings are also an option here. When it comes to maternity photos, moms-to-be prefer to take them outside.

Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup

Wardrobe and styling choices are generally made by the client. Tell your clients to bring three or four maternity dresses for photography, but make sure you discuss the important points with them. What sorts of photos are they looking for? Do they want to show off their belly? Are they looking for nude or implied-nude photos? Are they looking for formal photos?

When it comes to wardrobe and styling, the customer typically has last say. Tell your clients to bring three or four pregnancy gowns for photography, but make sure you address the crucial aspects with them. Is there a certain type of image they’re searching for? Does it matter if they can see their tummy? For nude or implied-nude images, what are they seeking for? Why are they taking these pictures?

Safety and Comfort

With many outfit changes, expect your maternity sessions to take longer than intended. If you’re planning on taking maternity photos outside, you’ll need to budget time for getting to and from the sites and setting up the lighting properly.

Maternity Poses

No specific poses are necessary when photographing pregnant women. Yes, it is a specialist sort of portraiture, but as a photographer, all you need to know is what the session is all about. The goal is to record this particular moment in the life of this woman or her family members.

The Mom-To-Be

Even if you’re photographing a couple or a large family, be sure to include plenty of shots of Mom by herself. Take a mix of full-length and cropped portraits, as well as close-ups. To get the best results, stick to the classic posing configurations such as sitting, reclining, and standing. Straight-on, square-shoulder pictures can give the impression that she has a flat stomach.

Curves are highlighted in three-quarter postures. When working with models, always keep in mind the golden rule: have them bend everything that can be bent. Keeping your elbows and fingers bent, bend one leg. Photographer: Keep an eye out for wrinkles and rolls. Make sure she keeps her neck and arms out of the picture.

If you’re dealing with reclining stances, take care. Having a flat stomach can look odd if your client is laying down. If you want to show off her stomach, bend her hips and use her wrists and arms. When photographing a maternity session, you have the opportunity to experiment with new postures and lighting techniques. When else would you want to draw attention to a person’s tummy?

Couples

One of the most important aspects of a maternity photo shoot is capturing the bond between the persons involved. Take use of the couple’s natural affection by having them hold hands, hug, or kiss in these portraits. Make sure your subjects are looking at each other in order to enhance the emotional connection in your images. People in this frame are far more connected than they would be in a typical “look in the lens” shot.

The Whole Family

Maternity photos are an excellent opportunity to include any children in the family, even if they’re still in diapers. Gather the upcoming siblings around mom, and let your imagination run wild. Require them to maintain eye contact as before. They can hug their mother with their faces on her belly, or they can touch her belly.

Tips for Maternity Sessions

Natural Light and Outdoors

Pregnancy photos look their best when taken in natural light, preferably in the open air. This set-up best portrays the organic, natural sense you’re going for with these photos. A portrait session in a studio isn’t out of place, but you won’t get the same natural, glowing results as you would in an outside setting.

You should have a list of places you like to photograph and familiarize yourself with the light there before going outside. What’s the greatest time of day to go out for a walk? No, you won’t be using lights or reflectors anymore. Is it necessary to obtain permission or permits in order to film there?

When to Take Maternity Photos - ShootProof Blog

Candid Shots

In the annotations above, you may have noted that nearly all of these photos are taken in the moment. A small percentage of the most beautiful maternity photographs feature the subject gazing directly into the lens. Your client, on the other hand, keeps his or her back to the camera and appears to be distracted.

Communication

When working with customers who aren’t professional models, you have to put in extra effort to set up the ideal conditions so that you can obtain the photos you’re looking for. The bottom line is that you need to be a great communicator. For a successful photo shoot, you must first get to know your clients and what they want from the experience. It can be good to use artboards and websites like Pinterest, and to show off your portfolio to potential clients.

Unfortunately, very few people are able to clearly state what they truly desire. Perhaps they were moved by a photograph or a friend’s pregnancy book that caught their eye. Observe your client’s reaction to examples of poses, lighting, sets, and clothing during a sit-down session. Find out what they want by asking inquisitive inquiries. You won’t regret investing the time. As a bonus, you’ll have established a rapport with the client and will know just what to do next. It’s important for the client and her family to feel at ease in front of the camera, as well as understand your guidance and communication when it comes to setting up photos.

Client Comfort Level

Pregnant ladies come in all shapes and sizes, just like everyone else. Some people are completely at ease in their own skin, but others aren’t. If your subject is strong and self-assured in front of the camera, it’s best to shoot straight on and in the middle of them. These customers are more inclined to look for photographs that show more skin, therefore it’s crucial to have a consultation with them first. Prior to the shoot, you’ll need to know exactly what she wants.

You’ll need a different strategy if your client is nervous or self-conscious. Shoot her from a distance of one to two feet above her. In these kinds of scenarios, it’s ideal to take a series of unscripted photos rather than a staged one. For the most part, these clients are likely to have come to you seeking for photographs in formal clothing that cover all of their bases.

Importance of Wardrobe

Almost all maternity photo shoots place a high value on the models’ outfits. The ideal prop for your compositions is an elegant maternity gown for photography. Generally speaking, they should not be undefined. They should be tight and form-fitting but should not be painful.

It’s possible to go “all-in” on the clothing and get a more unique look. What about a mermaid tail to tell a new kind of story? Even if it sounds like a joke, dressing up like a character from a fantasy book or film might lead to some fantastical images!

Props

Portrait sessions can be made or broken by the use of imaginative photography props. Don’t be afraid to decline an offer. Photos with flowers or flower crowns can offer a dash of color and whimsy. In most maternity photo shoots, the wardrobe itself serves as the prop. When it comes to posing for a photograph, props can either work well or they can go awry. It’s possible that your client wants tacky or cheesy images, in which case using props is a good idea. It all comes down to your initial meeting with the customer and whether or not you employ props. What were their thoughts on the use of props in the photos? Preparation is key, since some people will be enamored while others may be repulsed.

Be Mindful of Awkward Problems

Do not let an unflattering position or a wardrobe malfunction ruin your maternity photo shoots. Make sure mom keeps her chin and arms away from her body to avoid wrinkles and rolls. Avoid awkward stances and your client’s tiredness, which will show up in the photos, to the best of your ability.

Equipment Choices

Camera and equipment choices are similar to those made by photographers in previous photo shoots When photographing in a studio or on location, your lens is your most important instrument for producing the best images. In order to get the most out of your lens, you’ll need a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Lenses

Maternity photos taken outdoors benefit greatly from the use of prime lenses. The 35 to 50 mm focal length range is ideal for your lens. Using super wide-angle lenses can distort the shape of your arms and legs at the edges of the picture. A telephoto lens will similarly be of little help to you.

Camera Settings

Using a fast lens while still being mobile has its advantages and disadvantages. As a result of the lack of a tripod, shutter speed and depth of field will be more important considerations. Make sure your depth of field isn’t too shallow, and pay close attention to where you’re focusing.

This necessitates some planning and patience on your part. Despite the fact that you want to capture spontaneous moments, begin by preparing posed photographs and making sure your camera settings are just correct for the scene. As a photographer, you may wish to experiment with exposure compensation in order to get a more dramatic effect in your photographs.

When to Take Maternity Photos - ShootProof Blog

Pricing Maternity Sessions

When it comes to maternity sessions, most photography businesses will price them the same as regular shootings that span a few hours. It’s not uncommon for these meetings to span between one and three hours and only include one or a few people. The post-production procedure should be painless if you do your job well while taking the photos.

You may charge more for maternity sessions if you’re trying to establish yourself as a local photographic specialist. When deciding how to price one session above another, there are two aspects to consider. You must first determine how the product will fit into your business. Whether or not it’s your primary source of income, what is it? As a second step, consult your company’s business plan and market research. What is the maximum price point that the local market will accept? How do you measure up to the rest of the pack? Is the consumer getting value for their money if you price more than the competition? So, do you specialize in it and give exactly what the customer wants, or is it just another source of cash for your business?

It’s all about your client when it comes to capturing the best maternity photos. Getting the task done right means listening intently and collaborating with her to develop a strategy for a successful shoot. You can’t make any judgments about what constitutes a maternity image because of the huge range of styles and definitions. Find out exactly what your client wants, and then provide it to them on time. In other situations, it could be a studio-based family photo shoot. When it comes to photography, candid shots may be a powerful tool. What matters is that you achieve your aim. Always make an effort to record this moment in the life of the mother-to-be. Use your photography portfolio website to show off these noteworthy photographs.

Gaining new customers and expanding your business is all about having a strong online portfolio. Consider reading our thorough guide on building a portfolio site. Step-by-step instructions are provided for developing a photography website that will attract and amaze potential employers, clients or partners. It’s also important to go beyond the box, discover your creative talent, find your expression, and figure out the best approach to present your work. It’s not enough to simply display your work and photographs on a photography website. It should reflect your personality, your style, and your approach to work, as well as your vision for the future.

In order to create high-quality photography websites without requiring any programming experience you should look for a photography website builder with a wide range of features and options. An influx of creative energy can help here.

Creative professionals throughout the world trust Pixpa as a website builder platform.

Your whole online presence can be managed from a single, easy-to-use platform with Pixpa thanks to its drag-and-drop website builder, client galleries, eCommerce, and blogging features. See what makes Pixpa such an excellent choice for photographers and other creatives. For your convenience, we’ve compiled a selection of photography portfolio websites that we’ve personally reviewed and approved.

It never hurts to have a little motivation to get things done. So, we’ve compiled a few portfolios of Maternity and Family Photographers to inspire you. Using Pixpa, a simple website builder, these photographers have been able to promote their work. In order to have a better concept of how you want to display your work, you might look at the portfolios of these creative professionals.

Is 25 weeks too early for maternity pictures?

Professional maternity photos are often taken in the third trimester of pregnancy, between 30 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. When it comes to scheduling your photo session, there are no hard and fast rules, and each woman is unique.

Is 6 months too early for maternity pictures?

During your seventh or eighth month of pregnancy, or around 30 weeks, is the perfect time to take maternity photos. During the third trimester, your stomach begins to round out, making it ideal for posing for pictures.

What should I wear for a week pregnancy photos?

As a photographer, it’s important to wear clothes that fit well, so that the bump’s profile can be clearly seen and no superfluous fabric gets in the way. Stretchy t-shirts, camis, and dresses are all great options for pregnant women because they may be worn throughout the entire pregnancy.

Is it worth getting maternity photos?

Because you won’t be pregnant forever and your pregnancy will go by faster than you expected, it’s crucial to document these precious moments. As a memento of your miraculous pregnancy, having maternity images to look back on will serve as a constant source of joy and peace of mind.

Do maternity pants grow with you?

Experts, please!’ When it comes to their first pregnancy shopping trip, many women wonder, “What size do I need?” As a rule of thumb, it’s not necessary to size up when you’re pregnant. In any event, all good maternity clothing is made to accommodate your increasing belly!