Wondering what to wear for a maternity photo session? Choosing what to wear for a photoshoot can be tricky. Add that to the fact that you’re expecting, and possibly not feeling the most photogenic in your current state, and deciding what to wear for maternity photos can be challenging to say the least! Today I’m sharing my top tips for choosing what to wear to for a maternity photo session to look and feel great.
Table of Contents
1. Choose Something that You Feel Great In
First and foremost, wear something that you feel great in! Flowy dresses are a great option in this regard. They’re comfortable, classic, and create a flattering silhouette for your maternity photos.
2. Keep the Color Palette Simple
Neutrals, whites, and pastels are the best choices in my opinion. The focus of this session will be on your cute baby bump, and these colors will help to show it off. It’s also a good idea to be careful with patterns. Heavy patterns can be distracting and draw the eye away from the focus of the image.
3. Dress for the Season
Be sure to consider the weather when deciding what to wear for a maternity photo session. If you’re pregnant during the warmer spring and summer months choose a lighter and more breathable fabric. If your session will take place in the fall or winter, warmer fabrics and textures are a great choice. You might want to consider layering a scarf or chunky knit cardigan over a dress. Fall sessions also allow for warmer colors and jewel tones as an option.
4. Coordinate Colors with Your Spouse and Older Children
If your spouse and/or older children will be participating in your maternity session it’s a good idea to choose your outfit first and theirs second to compliment your color palette. The trick here is to wear complimentary colors, but not be too ‘matchy-matchy’. Choose colors compliment each other, rather than match exactly, to create a well rounded and cohesive look.
5. Maternity Boudoir Suggestions
Boudoir style maternity sessions are a great option if you’d like to show a little skin, and have a beautiful keepsake of your pre-kiddo body. My gorgeous cottage studio is the perfect location! Lingerie that flatters your figure and shows off your bump is the best option for these sessions. A simple bra & panty set, a split-front baby doll length negligee, or a beautiful lace robe are all great choices.
6. Go Timeless Over Trendy
When deciding what to wear for a maternity photo session, this is the time to stay away from trends. Fads in clothing and hair & makeup will date your images. Keep things simple and classic. You’ll look back at these images for decades to come and this is definitely one situation where timeless is best!
7. Consider Having Your Hair & Makeup Done
A professional hair and makeup artist will know exactly how to make your look your best in photos! It’s also one less thing you’ll have to worry about, and pregnancy is good time to get a little extra pampering in. I’m happy to provide artist recommendations, so if you’re considering having your hair & makeup done please ask and I’d be happy to send their info your way.
8. Get a Mani!
Your hands (and your partner’s) will definitely make an appearance in your maternity photos. Men should trim their nails and make sure that their hands look clean and tidy. For the mom-to-be this is a great excuse to splurge on a manicure! Light pinks and neutral colors photograph best, so choose those to compliment what to wear for a maternity photo session.
Where to shop for my favorite maternity dresses…
If you’re looking to reserve a Santa Barbara maternity photography session, or a maternity session in the Ventura County or Malibu areas, I’d love to chat! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch so that we can capture this beautiful and fleeting time in your life.
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