Tips for a Picture Perfect Maternity Session
Mommas everywhere, repeat it with me, “I am beautiful!” Pregnancy is a time in a woman’s life where the words, “wow this is the most beautiful I’ve ever felt,” are never said. And let’s be real, there is a lot going on. Swollen ankles, crazy hormones (sorry dads) and lots of other changes that don’t make you feel your best. But that should not stop you from capturing the most bad-ass thing you will ever do with your body! You are creating life and that is beautiful and amazing. Maternity shoots should celebrate the goddess that you are.
A great maternity photography session in Chattanooga will not just produce stunning and gorgeous images, but also make you feel confident and beautiful. You are your baby’s first home. The first place they will ever live and it is truly a miracle what our bodies are able to do. Celebrate that! Love it, PHOTOGRAPH it!
When should you do your maternity photos?
For expecting mommas, a good time to do your maternity photos when you are 28 – 36 weeks along. Your belly is full but you are still comfortable to pose. For expecting mamas with twins (or more), come in earlier around 26 – 32 weeks as multiples tend to arrive much earlier.
Pamper Yourself
I highly recommend professional makeup and hair to make feel beautiful and confident at your session. However, if it’s not in the budget, your “date-night” makeup and hair is fine too. Neutral looking fake lashes can really flatter your eyes. Also, there will be a lot of focus on your hands, so a manicure can enhance your belly shots.
What type of maternity shoot is best for you?
Think about how you want to document this exciting time in your life. Do you want a beautiful flowing gown in a wildflower field at sunset (outdoor); or keep it real, chillin’ at home with a carton of ice cream snuggling in bed (lifestyle), or show out your baby bump with a sexy private boudoir shoot (studio). The type of session you envision will affect your location, posing, and outfits.
LOCATION
Indoor (ex. in the home) - Advantage in the home is comfort and connection to sentimental familiar surroundings. You don’t have to worry about the weather outside. Disadvantage, you have to clean your house so it will look good in the photos.
Studio - Perfect for a traditional session or boudoir maternity session. Advantage is convenience and control. You can shoot anytime regardless of weather.
Outdoor - The natural beauty of a pregnant woman in a beautiful outdoor backdrop is simply breathtaking! The parallel of a mother about to bring to life into the world and Mother Nature is a powerful one. Disadvantages are that the shoot is weather-dependent and shooting hours are limited to the golden hour of sunrise or sunset (when the quality of natural light is at its best). Reschedules can happen and may trigger the rescheduling of other related appointments (e.g. professional makeup and hair artist, venues, etc.) Remember your sunscreen and bug spray! Depending on the location you choose, be prepared to walk/hike to the location and change outfits outdoors.
Let’s talk posing.
Trust your photographer to direct you in posing so you can look your best. What makes maternity photos different from other portraits is that the images focus on you, your personality, feelings and the bond you have with your much-awaited baby. Many maternity poses such as hands on the belly and eyes looking down express emotions and connection to your belly. Other maternity poses empathize the beautiful curves of your body.
Displaying your Art
Our studio offers high quality fine art prints, gorgeous gallery wraps and elegant framed wall collections for a spectacular presentation of your most beautiful memories in your home. Your Maternity photos make an excellent addition to your nursery decor and show your baby how much they were loved even before they arrived.
A Chattanooga maternity photography session will not just produce stunning and gorgeous images, but also make you feel confident and beautiful.
Want to know more? Fill out this form and I would love to start planning your dream maternity session today!
Hello, I'm Brittany. I’m the camera, heart, and soul behind Life with a View Studio. My passion is to tell your story of this exciting milestone in your life by capturing those beautifully real moments of your family.
I’m a lifestyle photographer for adventurous, joyful, and fun-loving people. I'm a travel lover and adventure seeker, who strives to live everyday to the fullest. At home, I’m a wife to the love of my life, Dustin, and mother to our outgoing (wild) toddler daughter, Renlee. I'm obsessed with love stories, and have the best job in the world, because I get to bring unique love stories to life everyday.