Prep Guide
Preparing for your Session Thank you for entrusting us with capturing this very special time in your life. We look forward to working with you! In an effort to make your maternity photography the best it can be, we’ve prepared this guide for you to review prior to your session.
Style and Location For your upcoming maternity session you have the option of photographing in a private location such as your home or our studio. Here you can bare as little or as much as you care to. You may also opt for a less intimate session by selecting a location and wardrobe that lets you fully express your personality. Either will provide a wonderful backdrop for the images we will create together. Once you have determined which style and location fits you best, be sure to let us know so that we may prepare for your session. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable during your shoot for the best portraits. Just prior to your session, try to avoid wearing anything tight that will leave marks or indentations on your skin. Moisturize your knees, elbows, belly and hands 2 hours before to allow plenty of time for the shine to soak in. Don’t forget to take a peek at your hands - they will be in a lot of photos. Steer clear of salt the day before and drink plenty of water. A good nights sleep will also help you to not only feel relaxed and beautiful, but will make you look that way in your portraits. Hair and makeup services are available in our studio provided by True Love Bridal Beauty for $125.
What to Wear
Empire waists, drawstrings, maxi dresses and wrap dresses are great choices to enhance your shape. A nice sundress is always complimentary and a dress paired with a belt done above your belly is a personal favorite. If wearing a print, just be sure it is not too loud or distracting. Simple is timeless and classic and we don’t want to draw the eye away from the focus of the image - you! Also try a tank, camisole or a long flowy sweater that opens just above your belly. Another look that photographs very well is a long skirt paired with a bandeau top. You can’t go wrong with jeans and a t-shirt or tank. Look for stretchy options that include a lycra blend so that they remain crisp and form flattering. For jeans and pants, try for under the belly. It doesn’t matter if you can snap them or not, an open snap will photograph far better than a large maternity panel. There is something lovely about just a plain simple button down. Classic, yet a bit intimate if unbuttoned, especially if it belongs to your partner. Simple is timeless - you want to enjoy these images forever!
Intimate Maternity For in-studio or in-home fine art portraits, I suggest using our wraps and fabrics to cover up in an elegant way that shows as much or as little of your pregnant body as you feel comfortable with. You may bring anyone you would like along to your session and there is normally a female assistant present. Personally I like to avoid “sexy” clothing; it’s not my style to mix boudoir with maternity. Simple elegance will show those wonderful curves better than clothing that brings the wrong mood to your portraits.
Siblings I absolutely welcome child/family shots during a maternity session. However, I usually do these shots at the beginning of the session so that the children can be brought home by another family member, if needed. For children, less is more. I usually recommend bringing a tight fitting t-shirt or dress in a solid, neutral color, such as brown, tan, grey, black or white. Jeans/tights work perfectly for bottoms. They’ll most likely be barefoot, so no need to look for clean shoes.
How much to bring Bring as much as you’d like to your session. The more options we have to choose from, the better the session will be. You’ll be barefoot in most of your portraits, but if you have a favorite pair of shoes bring them along as well. Sandals are also a good option for outdoor locations.
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ph: 407-719-8741
Tips to Remember Neckline Naturally, most women during pregnancy will have a bit of extra weight in the face. While you may believe that it’s best to raise your chin in order to stretch your neck. Do NOT do this! Raising your chin creates an awkward-looking angle for your neck, chin and nose in the camera. The way to look your best during our session is to stick your chin out, towards the camera, then tilt your chin down/back and your forehead forward. This is a much more flattering angle to photograph and it would be good to practice it in the mirror before our session. You’ll hear us asking you to bring your chin out and your face towards the camera. These are cues to practice this tip.
Posture Sit and stand up straight, with your shoulders back. I know this can be difficult and uncomfortable while carrying a baby but good posture is key to a flattering photograph. If you need breaks during our session, please let us know. We don’t want to rush you and we want you to look your best.
Shaping Most standing poses will look more flattering when one leg is bent at the knee and slightly angled in towards the body. It gives the body a nice feminine, hourglass shape and creates definition. The leg that is closest to the camera should always be the one that is bent.
Smile Real smiles involve your mouth AND your eyes. The easiest way to guarantee a beautiful, natural smile during your session is to get plenty of rest the day before and enjoy yourself. If you are well prepared and have nothing to worry about the day of our session, we can relax and have fun creating your images. Just be yourself and enjoy the feelings of being pregnant. We want to capture how you feel as much as how you look in these portraits.
Posing During your session we will help to pose you in positions that are flattering to the camera. We will give direction as a starting point, but it is helpful to us if you take our direction as a guide and add your own personal flair. Your natural personality is what we are looking to bring out in the best way possible. Don’t take our direction too literally and be sure to remember to interact with your surroundings and the other people you are being photographed with. We’ll let you know when we need something different.
Confidence Pregnant women often find themselves uncomfortable in their changing bodies. You may not feel that maternal glow, but your radiance cannot be denied. That glow — and the feeling of having your new baby developing inside you — shows up in the camera and in your portraits. In years to come, you will be so glad you had these photos done. And so will your baby. Relax and know we’ll make you look great!
Things to Remember Get plenty of rest! Pre-session hair & makeup Pre-session manicure/pedicure Pack at least 3-4 complete outfits Snug tank tops, flowy tops, dresses & skirts Pre-pregnancy jeans (no maternity panel) Large button down shirt Strapless or bandeau bra and panties/bottoms that can be photographed Makeup and hair products for touch ups Jewelry, shoes & accessories
info@littlemomentsportraits.com | 407-719-8741