1. RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!
I cannot stress this enough! There are so many great photographers out there and narrowing it down to one can be difficult. I'm sure you've already been looking at photos on Pinterest, Google, and Instagram to get ideas, so you already have an idea of what vibe you are wanting.
Once you have decided on the style, search for a photographer that specializes in that style. This will ensure that you will get what you've already got your heart set on. Once I had an idea of what I wanted, I asked for recommendations on a local mom’s Facebook page. I got an abundance of recommendations with tags to their page for me to look at. It helped to really narrow it down when the same people kept getting recommended.
2. HAVE EXAMPLES OF OTHER MATERNITY PHOTOS
I have been a cosmetologist for the last 14 years, and one thing that happens all the time is an issue with communication. A lot of times people have an idea in their head of what they want, but they don’t know how to verbalize that out loud. This is why pictures are so important.
If you have a picture or really several pictures, we have a starting point. Most pictures depend on lighting. I ran into the issue that some of the photos I liked were done in a furnished studio, and others needed a backdrop, so I had to choose. Some people may have a studio that has both options. I liked dark and moody, light, casual and airy, fabric draping, and tasteful nudes that really didn't show anything I was uncomfortable with.
The nude photos that we wanted to recreate actually required some pieces of equipment she didn't have and would need to purchase. This leads to my next tip! These photos are below.
3. PRE-PLANNING
Most maternity photographers will suggest booking your session between 28-33 weeks pregnant. Though everyone’s pregnancy experiences are totally different this is the perfect time due to the roundness of the belly, before the last of the weight gain, and before the swelling comes into play. This will make it hard to stand for so long during your shoot. (Trust me, I know!)
You will also need to book your session as early as possible. Most are saying at least 2 months. You want to have enough time to work out your concepts, shop for your outfits, and return or exchange them if they don’t fit. I really wish I would have done this. I booked out my session in plenty of time but procrastinated on buying the outfits.
I ended up not being able to get the body suit I wanted because I waited too long. I could only find one with spaghetti straps instead of long sleeves, and believe me, it was not cute. The sleeves are really important because they slim your arms out.
A lot of photographers now have client closets to choose from, which is totally awesome! This could help save a little money and get a beautiful outfit or fabric draping.
4. HAVE A PRO DO YOUR HAIR AND MAKEUP
I would highly suggest having your hair and makeup done by a professional. I say this with all the love, because I am a hair, skin, and makeup professional, and I still had someone else do mine. I know I am fully capable of doing my own, and honestly thought I would probably do a better job, but I did it for the experience, and to take any unnecessary stress off of my shoulders.
We were already traveling 2 hours away for the photo shoot and was stressed enough that I would forget something important. Your makeup artist is going to do your makeup specifically for a photoshoot. When I saw my face when she was done, I honestly didn’t like it, though I am too nice to ever say so. I turned to Randy and said, “It’s too much isn’t it?” “It feels too heavy.” He told me he thought it looked great and reminded me that it was not a normal day, it was for professional pictures. He was right. When I saw the pictures for the first time I was in awe. I felt so beautiful!
P.S. Don’t skimp on the lashes! They make all the difference!
5. THE DAY BEFORE
There are definitely a few things you are going to want to do the day or night before. You’re going to want to make sure that your hair is washed and dried ahead of time. This cuts out a lot of unnecessary time used on this the next day. It will also give your stylist more time to work on you.
You’re going to want to shave and moisturize heavily. Do not use anything that has shimmer, oil, or bronzer in it, as it can damage the backdrop and show up on the photos.
I would make a list of everything you need and get it packed. This will ensure you don’t forget anything and don’t have to worry about it the next day.
6. SKIP THE TAN
The biggest pet peeve from maternity photographers is fake tanner or spray tan. Crease areas like hands, feet, and underarms are always messed up or visibly noticed. Most maternity photos show more skin than normal, and these areas become very difficult, if not impossible to edit. Good photographers are going to professionally edit your pictures, and make you look your best!
7. DITCH THE SALT
One thing I didn’t foresee was the onslaught of feet swelling. I hadn’t experienced any swelling in my pregnancy thus far. I eat and exercise daily, so I didn’t even think about it. I started feeling it during our drive there, and it was more pronounced by the time my hair and makeup were done.
About halfway through the photoshoot, It was getting more and more difficult to stand and I had to take a few breaks. I am one of those people who eat very limited salt. If I do, it is pink Himalayan salt or sometimes a little garlic salt. Next time around, I will make sure to be more mindful of this and keep my feet up the week leading up to the shoot.
8. EAT AND DRINK UP!
Like being mindful of your sodium intake, be aware of your hydration. This really matters the day beforehand and the day of. I always advocate drinking a ton of water, but especially mountain spring water. The last thing you want to do is pass out during your session. Modeling and posing can be exhausting, especially pregnant! Make sure you’ve had plenty to eat and drink beforehand, you will be so glad you did.
I hope that this tip list has been helpful! Here is the link to my photographs TIA DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY. She is the absolute best! She has also done headshots for Randy for social media, and the cover of one of his books. You can also find that book HERE if you're interested in taking a closer look.
-Amia
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