How To Prepare for Your Maternity Session
Hey Friends,
I hope all is well! Once again I would like to thank you for stopping by my little corner of the internet. As a photographer in NYC, I get a lot of inquiries regarding maternity sessions. The question that I am asked most is when should I book my maternity session? Well, today friends, I’m here to answer all your questions. LOL.
Now with all my photo sessions, I make sure that my clients are comfortable in whatever setting we are in, this goes doubly with expecting mothers. The reason being is that the best time to take photos is when you are about 7-8 months pregnant. I know its late but that’s when the belly has pretty much hit is peak and is really showing.
Make sure that you inform your photographer if you have any health concerns or injuries, this way the photographer can select locations and poses that are not only aesthetically pleasing but will not put your health at risk.
Have a plan for you shoot. The best way to do this is with a mood board. Pinterest is a great way to pin your ideas and share them with your photographer. Decide if you would like for your images to be light an airy like the photo shown above or if you want something dramatic an moody. Be sure that you are selecting a photographer that shoots the style that you are looking for. If a photographer shoots dark and moody and you are asking them to shoot something light an airy that might not be in their skill set. On your mood board pin the clothes you are thinking about wearing, accessories, locations and poses. Having a guide line for your shoot will help the shoot flow seamlessly.
I also encourage my clients to bring one or two items that they have purchased for their little one. I always love to incorporate building blocks that spell the baby’s first or last name or that simply spell “baby”. If you plan on shooting outdoors and you want shots sitting down on a blanket. Please pick a blanket that doesn’t have distracting pattern. Distracting patterns will draw the attention away from you and directly to the blanket.
Another important subject that must be discussed is makeup, manicures, and lotion! LOL. A sure-fire way to delay your photographer turning your images around quickly is to show up to your shoot with chipped nail polish or wrinkled clothes. Repair chipped polish and photoshopping wrinkles out of clothes is not only time consuming but annoying, lol. If you don’t have time to get your nails done prior to a shoot press on nails work just fine. I have done several shoots with subjects wearing press on nails and you would never know just be sure to by and extra set just incase one pops off mid shoot. Lotion! Lotion is must to have in your bag during shoot whether you are shoring in the summer or winter. Sweat can dry out your skin and the cold can dry your skin as well. For some reason every guy I know seems to miss the crevice between their thumb and index finger?!? How does that happen? Lol!
Well that’s it friends here is a list of what we just discussed:
Make a mood board for your shoot.
The mood board should detail your wardrobe, poses, and location.
I didn’t mention this above but have your makeup professionally done to even out any skin discolorations and to treat yourself. Your maternity shoot is a celebration of life. Celebrate with having your makeup professionally done.
Bring one or two items that your purchased for your little one to the shoot.
If Dad doesn’t like having his photo taken get all the shots with him done at the beginning of the shoot. Also try to incorporate things that he likes in the shoot as well.
Book your maternity session for when you will hit the 7-8 month mark.
Be sure to get a manicure, bring lotion, and make sure that everyone’s outfit is ironed.
Be sure to tell your photographer if you have any physical limitations prior to the shoot .
Make sure that the photographer your select to capture your images fits the style aesthetic that you have in mind for your shoot.
Have fun.
This really is the end now lol. Until next time XOXO.
-Nic