Maternity is such a unique moment in a woman’s life.
Each pregnancy is just so unique in how you experience it, how fast or slow it feels and that’s why you should definitely consider having it captured by a maternity photographer in a photo studio, at home or outdoor during a maternity photoshoot.
If you are reading this right now, you most probably think that you will never ever forget what you are experiencing... but as soon as the next day of giving birth, memories will start to blend and fade in the whirlwind of life.
In a few years, you will be left wondering how it all felt and you will be yearning to experience that moment, wishing you had gotten photographs taken.
We think we will never forget things … but the truth is: we do. Look at how fun it is to open a box of old pictures and reminisce about your childhood or other moments.
In 10, 20 years looking at your maternity photos will mean the world to you.
So back to the topic of this blog post!
Once you have chosen your maternity photographer, the next question will most probably be:
WHAT OUTFITS SHOULD YOU WEAR ON YOUR PREGNANCY PHOTOS ?
Here are some visual examples & guidelines on different types of outfits for maternity portraits.
The most high-end maternity photographers do provide maternity dresses, fabrics, and other garments directly on-site in their photography studio. It’s the easiest option as buying specific maternity outfits will have you most probably never wear them again.
So feel free to ask the photographer you are booking if they also provide pregnancy outfit options for your photos on site and if they have different styles.
TIGHT TOP, DRESS OR BODYSUIT
If you want elegant maternity photos full of simplicity, a tight top, dress or bodysuit is the way to go.
As I often tell clients during pregnancy photoshoots: “Maternity portrait sessions are the only time or photoshoot you will hear me say ‘belly out’! Don’t hold it in anyway !“
So go all the way and enjoy the feeling, show your feminine curves and shapes with a tight outfit.
OVERSIZE JUMPER OR SHIRT
For pregnancy photos more on the casual side, oversize jumpers and tops are absolutely perfect and super comfortable to wear.
You can even borrow one of your husband's shirts and it will make that maternity photo even more intimate and special for you 2.
FABRIC AND WRAP
An experienced maternity photographer should have fabric and wraps at the studio to create some amazing way to capture your pregnancy photos.
Don’t feel like you have to buy fabric yourself, ask your portrait photographer.
Fabric can be in silk, in more shimmering textures, or more in neutral tones. Mixed with a perfectly managed studio lighting, you will feel at the apex of your femininity.
ROBE OR LINGERIE PIECE
There is nothing more beautiful than a woman comfortable in her own skin.
Despite what you might think, a maternity photoshoot can definitely be the occasion to unveil yourself safely & elegantly.
A seasoned maternity photographer will create the perfect environment in the photography studio to make you feel totally yourself in a non-judgment zone where you can be just YOU.
So feel free to bring any lingerie piece, robe or nightingale to wear on your pregnancy photos.
ALMOST NOTHING !
If you feel comfortable, maternity is an amazing moment to be captured in the most elegant nude. Let yourself guided safely by your photographer and you will be stunned by the results.
FLOWY MATERNITY DRESS OR GLITTERY DRESS
Flowy or maxi dresses are amazing to make you feel beautiful and super comfortable (even when you don't feel in your best shape #reallife).
Let’s be real: We all know pregnancy is a time where hormones play with your mind and creates all kinds of cravings so embrace the experience ! Wear a maxi dress that has a belt to create beautiful curves and you will feel fantastic on your maternity photos.
If your husband or loved one is coming to get photographed with you, he or she can even be the one throwing the bottom part of the dress, it always creates a super fun moment at the photography studio!
WORKING GIRL
Some of my clients really want to also show the ambitious working Madame facet of their personality to feel super empowered. YES for that !!
Being a mother doesn’t have to suppress who you are as a woman.
If you have a specific aspect of your personality or life that you want on those pictures, never hold back and bring specific pieces or accessories.
All the maternity portraits and pregnancy professional photos in this article were created by the Manhattan-based maternity & motherhood portrait photographer Alice Prenat, for the prestigious photography studio Portrait Madame - New York and Paris.