What to Bring to Your First Maternity Shoot
Your first maternity shoot is a collection of photos that marks a very special time in your life, commemorating your pregnancy with your first child. Getting ready for this shoot can feel a little stressful if you have no idea what to expect. If you have already read my other blog on maternity shoots, you may have some ideas on what to expect and what kind of photos you want from your session.
After perusing my galleries and the many options across Pinterest, you may have found a few poses and ideas that have left you feeling inspired to wear a certain outfit or integrate props. Based on my experience as a maternity photographer and as a mom of three, I know how special it is to personalize your photos.
There are a few important pieces that you can’t forget to bring to the shoot. Of course, it’s pretty hard to misplace your bump, so that one is easy to check off your list. Otherwise, you will need to pack a bag with the clothing and props that you want to use and make sure whoever else you want to include can clear their schedule.
Clothing
Once you have determined what style of photos you want to take, it’s time to take a look in your wardrobe or at your favorite store and pick out a few outfits that make you feel beautiful. Maternity sessions love to accentuate the bump, but that is just as easily done with a flowy dress as it is in an outfit that hugs your new curves.
The goal here is to bring a few outfits that make you feel as gorgeous as you look, so try on your outfits at home beforehand and test out a few poses in your mirror.
My top recommendations are not to shop too far ahead of time since you don’t know what will fit you by the date you have your shoot, and to avoid outfits with tight elastics that might leave a mark.
I recommend mamas bring at least 2 outfits to choose between, but of course, my clients also have access to my client closet.
Props
While I normally focus on connection-based sessions with few props, some families may choose to bring a meaningful piece or object that they want to include in a few images.
Shoes, Socks, and Baby Clothes
If you have any special outfits or onesies that you can’t wait to put on your baby, or that have significance to your family, bring them! We can place them on your belly or have you hold them. These also make for great transition shots that you can re-create once the baby is there.
Toys or Blocks
Some parents like to bring toys or blocks that we can use as props throughout the shoot. Spell the baby’s name or we can place one of the baby’s future toys near the bump.
Body Art
Handprints on the belly or using body-safe paint to create any type of body art are popular choices.
Signs or Letterboards
An ‘Oh Baby’ or ‘It’s a Girl’ sign is a great way to decorate the background of your photos. We can place them between family members to hold or even put them on a nearby ledge. Some families like to bring the name sign that they have made for the child.
Books
‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’ or any other family favorite can be a wonderful addition to your photos. As they grow older, you will be able to share the same stories while looking back at the images taken before you met them.
Ultrasound
Bring your latest ultrasound image, too! This is a great touch for anyone if it is a pregnancy announcement, or if you want to share the progress of your little one.
People
One of my favorite parts of a maternity shoot is that it is a great time to celebrate you, the mama-to-be, but it can also be a special moment between a growing family. Bring your partner or any friend you may feel you want to have present with you during the shoot.
Confidence
The most important thing to bring to any session is your confidence and your gorgeous glow. Spend some time before the shoot listening to your favorite pump-up song and wear the lipstick that you love. The best results come from mamas-to-be showing off their confidence and going with the flow throughout the session. I’m there the whole time to help you guide you through poses and capture these special moments for your growing family.
Interested in booking a maternity session with me? Contact me and let’s schedule a time.
