Pregnancy is such a beautiful phase and all expecting moms are excited to capture this memory in pictures. Expecting moms look forward to their maternity photoshoot and so was I. They plan to wear the most gorgeous dresses/gowns/accessories for their maternity photoshoot. This blogpost is about how to plan your maternity photoshoot in an organised way by deciding in advance on various key factors like theme, maternity gowns, location of the photoshoot, poses, apt weather, etc.
Being a portrait photographer myself, I did many maternity photoshoots for my clients. You can see some of my work here. I wanted to get my maternity photoshoot done by someone whom I know so that I can share my ideas with her thus I selected my friend Avni Bid. In this post I have also shared some of my client clicks.
I also captured almost every week of my maternity phase and I have mentioned in this blogpost.
Here is how I planned my maternity photoshoot. Even when I am photographing a maternity portrait shoot, I make sure that my clients decide on the below factors well in advance.
1. Indian or Western
Decide the theme of your maternity photoshoot. I wanted to get clicked in both.
I wanted the pictures in gown as well as saree. But most of my pictures are in gowns as the bump shows up more in a gown.
2. Color & Attire
Select the color which suits best on you. I wanted some dark gowns and one light colored gown. I bought a burgundy color body hugging gown from Amazon and a transparent white gown from Amazon. Make sure you are comfortable in your attire. Or else your discomfort will be visible in the maternity photoshoot pictures as camera doesn’t lie.
Women’s Elegant Fitted Boob Tube on Top Maternity Photography Dress Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2Ll09e0
Women’s Off Shouler Long Sleeve Maternity Dress for Photography Chiffon Maternity Gown Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2NS7fIm
Flower Wreath Headband Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2LewRk9
I also bought 2 dresses from Macy’s which are my favorite maternity gowns. One of them was also available on Amazon
Fascinator Hat Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2Lfg9Bb
Red Sandals Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2NUbnI1
Adrianna Papell High Low Ball Gown Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2LeIzvk
Golden Pearls Necklace Amazon Link: https://amzn.to/2Nok3oL
Thanks to gestational diabetes diet, I had lost lot of weight and was comfortable in the body hugging gown. The body hugging gowns are most preferred during maternity photoshoots as it makes the bump very much evident.
3. Accessories
After finalizing the attire, decide on the accessories like earrings hats, neckpieces, tiaras, rings, shoes, etc.
4. Makeup & Hairstyle
I love to keep my makeup and hairstyle minimal as I am not very comfortable with heavy makeup. I use all Artistry products. But if you have a knack of makeup go for it. Try something interesting which will make your maternity photoshoot pictures memorable.
Also make sure that you get a good night sleep for atleast 2 consecutive nights as it will help you look fresh and charged up in the pictures.
5. Color Co-ordination
If you plan to click pictures with your spouse, make sure he is color-coordinated with your attire.
6. Location
Location is one of the most important deciding factor for your maternity photoshoot. Select a location which is less crowded or in nature/park/beaches or plan to click on a weekday. The location adds character to your pictures. I did my maternity photoshoot at Legion of Honor & Bakers Beach in San Francisco. If you are doing the maternity shoot in SF make sure you are prepared for the windy weather. Again, you are being comfortable is most important.
My favorite locations are Palace of fine Arts, Sutro Baths in San Francisco, Rose Garden in San Jose, Shoreline Park in Mountain View, Sylvan Park in Mountain View, Street Art in San Francisco, San Francisco Pier, etc.
7. Time of the Day.
As a photographer, I have 2 favorite times of the day when I love clicking or being clicked…The early morning or around sunset which is also known as the golden hour. I prefer cloudy days than the sunny ones.
8. Poses
You are a photographer’s favorite if you know your poses in advance. Being a photographer myself, I had was aware about various poses and had shortlisted a few for my maternity photoshoot. This saved a lot of time.
Holding hands, Caressing the bump, Laughing, some candid shots, pecking a kiss on the pump, etc. are different poses.
9. Props
Maternity photoshoot is incomplete without props. Cute little shoes, laces, quirky quotes, photo frames, balloons, etc. Anything and everything with an emotion attached to it can be a maternity photoshoot prop. I wasn’t that keen on props and kept it very simple.
10. Time of Pregnancy
During maternity photoshoot, the time of your pregnancy is very critical i.e. you are in which trimester/month of your pregnancy. I prefer the 8th month as your bump is very much evident and you are mobile. Do not keep the photoshoot till the very last like 2 weeks away from your due date as you can be very exhausted and tired. This can be seen in pictures. Make sure you carry lots of water and snacks with you to the location. Take proper breaks and do not hurry.
11.Gear
My favorite gear is Canon 6D and my lenses Canon 24-70mm f2.8L & Canon 70-200mm L f4 for maternity photoshoot. You can also use prime lenses like Sigma 50mm Art 1.4 for beautiful bokeh.
Here is a glimpse of two of my favorite maternity shoot assignments. You can view more on www.anitamokashi.com
