Maternity photoshoots: all you need to know
Being pregnant is a very special time in your life. As you’re reading this blog post, you may be considering getting photos taken with your growing bump.
TMM Photographer, Ania has gathered here her most important things to think about before deciding on photographer you want to go with, to make sure you’ll have the best possible experience (and photos you’ll cherish for years).
WHEN SHOULD I BOOK A MATERNITY PHOTOSHOOT?
Start looking around your 20 week scan. You should then have enough time to browse and find your perfect match The best time to have the photoshoot is between 26 and 36week - when your bump is already nice and round, but you’re not too tired yet.
WHAT TYPE OF PHOTOS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
You can choose between a photoshoot in a studio, with makeup and hair done, a really glam experience that will make you feel like a queen. Other option is to go more lifestyle, natural, focused on emotions and moments. Either in a beautiful outdoor location or in your own home. There’s no bad choice, go with what you’re more drawn into. Keep in mind that photographers usually specialise in one or another.
WHO SHOULD I TAKE ON A PHOTOSHOOT?
You can go solo, with partner, children, your sister or best friend (even the furry one). This is your photoshoot, your memories.
Think who is important to you in this journey and how you’d like to remember it.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Some photographers offer a choice of dresses that you can use, and/or will provide a styling guide to make sure the clothes you wear match the location and style of photos.
Remember to check if use of client wardrobe is included in the package they offer.
WHERE TO FIND THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
Browse Instagram, see what kind of photos you like. Search local hashtags, like #maternityphotoshootsussex to see who is around you. Ask your friends where they had their photos taken.
Remember, their perfect match doesn’t have to be yours. Take your time to find a person whose style and personality you’d like. Looking for a photographer is kinda like dating. You wouldn’t go for a coffee with the first person that you swipe right, right? :)
HOW TO KNOW IF THE PHOTOGRAPHER IS A GOOD MATCH?
It’s important to feel comfortable around the person who will take your photos. Especially if you’d like to have more intimate photoshoot, showing your bump, or artistic nudity. You need to know you can trust the photographer and simply like them as a person.
Their style is one thing, but you’re going to spend a good hour with them, being vulnerable, so better not end up with someone that didn’t click. Look at their Instagram, hop on a call, get to know them a little bit. If you feel like you could have a coffee and spend nice time with that person, then probably they are a good match.
I WANT PHOTOS, BUT I’M REALLY CAMERA SHY. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Tell your photographer! In my experience, the first 10minutes of the photoshoot can be a bit awkward, but once you get into it then the stress goes away.
Lifestyle photographers don’t work with models, but real people who don’t have to know exactly how to behave in front of the camera. They will give you direction, help you get the best pose and make sure you look and feel the best.
Pregnancy is a beautiful, raw and the most natural thing the world and definitely worth capturing. Even if you don’t feel like you’d like to hang those photos in your living room, take them. Better to have them safe in that desk drawer (or computer folder) than regret you didn’t actually decide to have that photoshoot done.
WHERE TO FIND ME
If you'd like to enquire about maternity, new-born or family shoots discover my website.
Or, check out some of my recent work on Instagram @aniahrycynaphotography
