Congratulations!

As an expecting mother, you are excited about welcoming your new angel into the family. Hence, it is just as important to have beautiful photos to serve as your memories while being pregnant.

Being pregnant is a special time in the life of every woman. I know, you will say that you don’t look or feel beautiful. But believe me, this is a wonderful moment where you are showing your natural beauty, your curves are voluptuous, and you have plump and glowing skin – all thanks to being pregnant. 😊

Hence, taking photoshoots is a great way to document your journey to motherhood. If this is your first time taking a maternity photo session, then you don’t know what the expect or how to prepare for it.

So, let me help you get an idea.

When is the best time to take a pregnancy shoot?

You might think that to take photos, you may need to have a visible baby bump to do the shoot. The truth is – it is all entirely up to YOU! You can choose to do the photoshoot at whatever time you are comfortable.

There are many ways that you can showcase your pregnancy aside from showing your baby bump. During the shoot, you can use props or bring along photos of your sonogram showing your pregnancy. Props such as baby shoes, rattles, or newborn clothing are other creative ways that represent you are waiting for the “DAY”.

Baby showers or pregnancy announcements are also great times for a pregnancy shoot because they can highlight the time you’ve spent together with your family and friends as you celebrate a momentous time in your life.

So, are you ready to take your photoshoot? Here are ways to prepare:

Find your photographer and book as early as you can

Time flies as they say and if you wait too long, you might miss the chance to do your photoshoot comfortably. As your baby bump grows, it would be best not to wait until it’s time to give birth.

The last couple of weeks can be tiring for you and you might feel uncomfortable as the swelling can get worse towards the end of your pregnancy. The risk of giving birth during your session should also be taken into consideration.

During the early weeks of your pregnancy, look for your desired photographer. That way you can plan with your chosen photographer and schedule the shoot at the most convenient time that you have.

Plan for your desired location

Location is the key to making your photoshoot a memorable one. Find a location that is meaningful for you and of course, will reflect your personality. Time of the day is also essential because you want to make sure that it fits your chosen location.

Do some ocular inspection at different times with your partner to see what it looked like in the morning and evening. If you choose an outdoor location, then it may be a good idea to do it in the morning so the lighting and temperature are just right.

Be creative in choosing – whether it is a large garden area, nature, or even parts of your home that you can set up to serve as a beautiful background will work just fine. As long as it represents you and makes you happy!

Sleep and rest well

You must have enough sleep and rest before your photoshoot. Remember that this is a very special session so you have to make sure that you are at your best during the shoot.

Drink plenty of water to ensure that you are well-hydrated. This can also help in making your skin glow and dewy which is ideal for portrait photos.

Get a good pampering

Yes, that’s right! There’s nothing wrong with having ME-time where you can have a complete spa session to take care of your skin, body, and nails. Get your nails and hair done – a simple makeup and hair session will make you look more fabulous during the shoot. Remember, this is not just an ordinary photo shoot so get that pampering before your schedule. 😊

Prepare everything to bring during the shoot

Before your photo shoot, it is best to inform your photographer beforehand what images you want to have. Let them know if you will be interested in doing partial or nude pictures so they can adjust and make the necessary preparations to make you feel comfortable.

You may want to bring your own clothes and as much as possible bring plain white, black, and nude sets of underwear to be used during the shoot. For casual maternity photos, you may bring:

• Black or white jacket
• Oversized shirt or jumper
• Regular jeans
• Bodysuits
• Coordinating outfits for you, your partner, and your kids
• Any other sentimental items that you want to include during your photoshoots such as baby’s shoes, toys, scanned photos, and the like.

Some photographers can also provide props and other outfits, so make sure to arrange and coordinate with them before your shoot.

Having your partner and kids are always welcome to be with you during the photo session. Hence, it is best to have your partner and your kids well-rested before the shoot as well. Bring some snacks and water including things that will keep them busy especially when it is not yet time for their photo to be taken.

Enjoy and don’t stress

Finally, don’t worry! Just have some fun and enjoy the photo session. Be natural and celebrate every moment of it. Your photographer knows what he or she is doing so rest assured that the outcome of the photo will be amazingly beautiful and of course, memorable!