Perfect time to take maternity photos is a question I get asked often so I thought I would write a blog for those needing to know this answer and include some extra tips surrounding your maternity session with your photographer. You want to look back at this time and see yourself glowing not puffy and tired (pregnancy right? UGH!!). Maternity photos are one of my favorite things to capture. After becoming a mama this past year too, it brings a WHOLE new meaning to these memorable pics. I want to make this blog easy for you to grab all the necessary things you need to know to make those dreamy photos come to life.

1) When is the perfect time to take your maternity photos?

This is the number one question I get asked and I totally understand why. For some, being pregnant is like this whole new glow, for others they don’t feel like themselves and don’t love this new look so it’s important we grab those photos at the perfect time. For that reason, the best time to take your maternity photos is around 28-36 weeks BUT (always a but right?) it really depends on a few factors (see below):
*Are you barely showing at 27 weeks? If you are taking longer to show, stretch it out a bit and aim for closer to 36/38 weeks
*Are you REALLY showing early on? Aim on the earlier side of the range
*If this is your first baby, you most likely will want to shoot for later on
*Try not to go past 37 weeks, the longer you wait the puffier you get and the more uncomfortable you are
*Try not to go under 28 weeks because we want to get those gorgeous images of that bump and totally flaunt it and if it’s not really making it’s debut yet, it’s better to wait a bit.

I know that seems like a lot of rules but main thing is to try and get within that 28-37 week window!

2) What should I wear?

This is a personal preference of course, but in my experience, longer flowy dresses always flatter so well. The perfect way to describe it is a flowy, romantic, soft colored dress. This dress doesn’t always have to be “maternity”- Red Dress, Anthropologie and Nothing Fits But are all amazing options! The most important thing here is to wear something that makes you feel really great and comfortable because how you feel will reflect in the images!

3) What color dresses are good for photos?

The color you wear is so important and also for any type of photoshoot you are looking to do. I always tell my clients to stay away from super bright colors like bright red, orange, yellow, anything neon because it can often reflect poorly off of the skin in photos. Instead shoot for colors like sage, beige, cream, lavender, mauve, light pinks, light blues, creamy soft tones are the best!

4) Should I get my makeup and hair done?

It depends on how well you feel you can do your own and be happy with the outcome. Some people hate getting makeup and hair done and some love it! It’s better to go for a heavier look than you normally would get when taking photos because it often shows up better in the photos. I always say yes to professional hair and makeup because why not!? However it’s totally a personal opinion.

5) Anything I should do to prepare for my session?

Try and relax :). You hired your photographer for a reason to let them guide you through your photos so let them do that for you! I always try and make my sessions light and fun so it is an experience for you and not a dreaded thing. The best compliment I get is when a husband or husband to be tells me how easy the session was and way chiller than they thought it would be! Let your photographer do that for you and your photos will turn out great.

If you are interested in booking a session with me, see below to inquire!

To see more of my photography style and look at another one of my sessions, check out this blog here!