Table of Contents
Essential Tips for Stunning Maternity and Baby Photoshoots
Do you dream of photos that make your heart flutter every time you see them?
72% of pregnant people believe an emotional connection is more important than posing, and let’s be honest, that sums up all there is to know about beautiful maternity and baby photoshoots.
The problem is:
Many believe great gear equals great photos. Not true. Capturing the magic of pregnancy and new parenthood is all about knowing the perfect timing, when emotions are high, and the fleeting moments that you can’t get back.
So you’ll find out about:
- When to book your shoot
- What to prepare in advance
- Location secrets
- Outfit tips
- How to work with your photographer like a pro
When To Book Your Shoot
Timing is everything in maternity and baby photography.
With maternity photos, experts agree the best time is during 28-34 weeks. Your belly is perfectly round but you are still comfortable.
Book too early and it won’t show. Book too late and you’ll be uncomfortable and fatigued.
Newborn photos are easiest during the first 5-14 days.
Babies sleep more, they are more flexible and you get that adorable baby curl that makes everyone melt. After 2 weeks, they are more alert and wriggly.
And here’s what most people don’t realize…
The maternity photography market ranges from $350 to $1,500 per session. Considering that, you only get to do it once, you realize it’s an investment in preserving a moment that can never come again.
What to Prepare in Advance
Magic doesn’t just happen. You need to be prepared.
Hydrate like your photos depend on it (because they do). Your skin will glow. When you are dehydrated, it’s obvious in photos.
Get a good night’s rest. Dark circles are difficult to remove with editing. Sleepy eyes don’t twinkle.
Before a maternity session, consider a prenatal massage. It can relieve puffiness and leave you with that natural glow photographers love.
Book hair and makeup wisely. Professional styling transforms photos, but you need to book close enough to your shoot that your hair and makeup still look fresh. Many McLean Newborn and Maternity Photography services include professional styling consultations to help you prepare perfectly for your session.
What most people forget…
Try your outfits on before you book a session. Put them on, get up and down, sit in a chair. Do you feel good? Confident? Discomfort will show in photos.
Location Secrets
The venue is key to your photoshoot.
Outdoor sessions are very popular right now and for good reason. Natural light is extremely flattering and outdoor settings offer lovely natural backdrops.
Golden hour provides a warm, romantic glow that makes everyone look like they are in a movie.
Studio sessions allow total control over lighting and are unaffected by weather. This is good if you want a clean, classic look, or if you are worried about comfort during pregnancy.
The secret most photographers won’t tell you…
The best setting is one that has meaning to you. Your home, where you met your partner, or somewhere you have happy memories of being together. An emotional connection helps produce better photos than any fancy backdrop.
Make sure it is accessible too. Pregnant women and new parents will need easy parking, toilet facilities, and somewhere comfortable to rest.
Outfit Tips
What you wear is important.
For maternity sessions, form-fitting clothes are ideal to show off your beautiful bump. Flowing fabrics such as chiffon look beautiful and create movement. Solid colors photograph better than busy patterns.
Neutral colors like cream, pale pink and sage green will look classic in ten years.
For newborn sessions, it’s all about the baby. You want the focus on your little one. Soft neutral colors are best.
And this might surprise you…
Professional maternity photographers often provide wardrobe collections with beautiful gowns specially selected to photograph beautifully.
The mistakes to avoid:
- Busy patterns that distract from your baby
- Colours that don’t suit your skin tone
- Shoes you can’t walk in
- Jewelry that jangles or snags on fabrics
Have a backup option. Weather can change, clothes get stained and comfort levels can change over the course of the day.
Here are a few other blog posts and coloring pages you’re going to love:
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Working With Your Photographer
Your photographer is your partner in creating beautiful memories.
Communication is key. Tell them your vision, show them inspiration photos, and be open about concerns or insecurities.
Trust their skills. Professional photographers have a depth of understanding of lighting, angles and timing that takes years to hone.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a break. Pregnancy and new parenthood are exhausting and a good photographer will build rest time into your shoot.
The one thing that will make the difference between amazing and average sessions…
Relaxed subjects produce better photos. If you are anxious about how you look it will show. Remember emotions and connection are more important than perfect poses.
The global photography services market was worth $37.96 billion in 2022 and it’s growing because people know how important it is to professionally document life’s biggest milestones.
Ask these questions before you book:
- Can I see full galleries, not just a highlight reel?
- What is included in the session cost?
- How long until I get my photos back?
- What if we need to reschedule?
Post-Session Success
Your photographer’s work is not over when the shutter stops clicking.
Professional editing is key. High-quality images get 94% more views than non-edited images
Discuss turnaround times early. Most professional photographers take 2-3 weeks to deliver an edited gallery.
Plan for printing and framing some of your favorites. Digital files are great, but printed photos are heirlooms.
Mastering the Investment
Beautiful photography is an investment in preserving precious memories.
The photography industry is continuing to grow because people recognize that some moments can never be recaptured. Pregnancy, baby’s first days, these come once.
Budget for the whole experience:
- Session fee
- Digital gallery or prints
- Professional hair and makeup (optional)
- Wardrobe rentals or purchases
Remember newborn photography sessions range from $320 to $650, with maternity sessions more expensive due to posing and styling.
The Bottom Line
Beautiful maternity and baby photography is not about expensive equipment or expert posing.
It’s about knowing the best time to book, the right preparation in advance and working with professionals who know how to preserve these fleeting moments.
Here’s what you can do now:
- Book your maternity session for 28-34 weeks
- Schedule newborn photos within the first two weeks
- Prepare in advance with hydration, rest and wardrobe planning
- Choose a location that has meaning
- Communicate with your photographer and share your vision
- Trust the process and focus on emotion
The memories you create during this time are irreplaceable. Invest in capturing them beautifully, because in ten years you won’t remember what you spent but you will treasure every single image that transports you back to these precious moments.
Here are some other activities that you’ll want to check out!:
Looking for even more ways to keep your kids engaged? You might be interested in our 30 FREE owl coloring pages. Just click HERE or on the image below to learn more.
If you love zentangles as much as we do, you’re going to love our zentangle pyramid activity. Click HERE to check it out or click on the images below.
If you’re looking for more activities designed to encourage mindfulness and spark creativity, check out my printable resources below or visit my shop!
Don’t forget to download our free 15 page Mindfulness coloring book to help add a few mindful moments to your child’s day. Just click here or the image below!
