When the idea of having a baby ever crossed my mind, I started looking on Pinterest not only for baby clothes and nursery ideas but also everything else maternity related. Maternity photos being one of them.

Yes, I am the type that plans way ahead, especially for a special occasion like a maternity shoot. I’m a firm believer that the more you do prior research, plan out and envision how your photos will look like, you will more likely to achieve that look you’ve always dreamed about.

So here are a couple of tips I found useful on how to plan for your dream maternity session.

Outfit(s)

A maternity shoot is to show off the bump and to celebrate motherhood. For those reasons, maternity photos are most beautiful with a flowy maxi dress, sometimes with an opening to reveal the bump. Those dresses could be found all over Etsy and Instagram boutiques. My peach color sequin maxi dress was purchased here.

If you have an opportunity to photograph with more than one dress, then feel free to vary the styles. I picked a similar but shorter sequin dress and paired it with sneakers for a different feel. For my third outfit, I chose a bodycon maternity dress to show off the bump even more.

If you decide to include your partner in the photos, choosing his outfit is also important (but obviously not as important as choosing yours). My tips on this is pick something simple for him. The focus is on you and the bump. A white button up over some dress pants will do for him.

Photographer

Now this I think is the most important factor to determine how your photos will turn out. Do your research and book way in advance!

One advice I have is when you find a photographer, make sure to look at their portfolio. Different photographers shoot and edit photos differently. Some like it dark and moody, some like it very light and airy. What do you like? If you don’t like their sample work, chances are you will not like how they shoot and edit your photos. Some can actually change their shooting and editing style to fit your needs and what you like. So shoot them a message to work it out before hand. But make sure you at least have seen their work and have an understanding of what you’re getting.

For my maternity session, I worked with Walnut Street Photography. Noah Berg has taken plenty of my blog photos before so obviously I love his shooting and editing style. At the same time, he’s such a talented and experienced photographer that he knows all the right angles and poses. His way of working with lights and textures is also amazing. If you’re in Denver, looking for family, new born or maternity session, contact Walnut Street Photography and mention me!

Inspiration

Do you know where you’d like your photos taken, and how you would look in the shots? If you don’t, head to Instagram and Pinterest after dinner tonight. Search for “maternity photos“, and spend some time to look for inspiration. Not just inspiration for a location to be your background, but also for poses (how you would stand, hold your beautiful belly etc.).

Then save those inspiration photos to your phone, and share with your photographer before or at the beginning of the session. They will be so happy to recreate those shots with you. And don’t worry, no one will be offended.

It also depends on where you live, you can take advantage of local attractions. Mountains, beach, city scenes, sky scraper, etc. Chances are if the photographer is local, he has the experience of taking photos at those places before. So do your own research, then confirm with him/her for the specifics. Your photographer will be happy to suggest locations that have worked well in the past as well for the type of shoot you’re doing.

For me, I always knew the photo that I will frame to put in our baby’s nursery will be on top of a mountain since we’re in Colorado. So when the topic of location came up, and Noah suggested Chatauqua Park, I agreed 100%. We started at the bottom of the park. Then for each outfit change, moved to a different spot and worked our way up to the peak where we took those shots at the top. I loved the variation of the backgrounds for my shoot and I loved how it all worked out well.

You can click here to shop my outfits:

I hope my tips on outfits, photographer and where to find inspiration help you plan for an epic maternity shoot, one that you’ve always wanted. Every pregnant woman is glowing with beauty from inside out. And it is such a beautiful time in your life it’s necessary to embrace and capture the moment. Again, I hope you enjoy the post and good luck with your maternity shoot.

If you’re in Denver, checkout Walnut Street Photography for your session and I’d love to see your photos on their website some day!

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