How to Prepare for Your Maternity Photography Session

The birth of a family's first child is an event of such significance that most parents will want to document as much of that time as possible. Maternity photography is an ideal way to capture the magic of that momentous event. Maternity portraits are a wonderful addition to any baby album and parents should try to include at least one set in the chronicle of their first born's life. There are, however, several points to consider and keep in mind when preparing for maternity portraits.

Timing

When planning your maternity photography session, its best to try and schedule the shoot between week thirty-one and thirty-six. If this is not convenient it's wise to keep your photographer constantly updated with your plans so that you can set the shoot up at short notice. You don't want to lose the optimal window of opportunity! Maternity photography sessions are not easily re-scheduled if missed due to the nature of birth.

General Preparation

When planning maternity photography there are several points that need to be prearranged to ensure a smooth and stress free session for the best memorable maternity portraits. Many parents want at least a couple of family photos included in the maternity portrait session. Everyone involved such as grandparents and close friends need to be included in all phases of the planning to avoid any additional stress on the day of the session.

The parents and maternity photographer should discuss the overall style of the maternity portraits thoroughly in the initial stages of planning. This normally happens during your pre-consultation. Points such as photographic style, sets and props, clothing and group details should be decided on early in the process. Stress free maternity photography has been mentioned several times here and is an extremely important point. It's important that everyone be as relaxed and calm as possible to ensure a serene and relaxing ambiance for the photo session.

Maternity Photography Planning Specifics

1. Clothing

Deciding on clothing is a critical part of the maternity photography planning process. Many mothers want to pose topless or nude and they need to discuss this with the photographer early to establish their willingness to shoot a nude shoot. However, nude maternity shoots are pretty common nowadays. Clothing also plays a role in the photographer's preparation for the maternity portrait session.

2. Maternity Photography Props

With maternity photography props can be add and can add significantly to the overall feel of the results or distract. Toys, items of clothing, baby furniture and accessories all make great additions to the session. If you want more of a lifestyle session then most likely you'll forgo the usual props so that main focus is on you.

If you do decide to go with a more traditional maternity photography session, most maternity photographers usually have various maternity photography props available.

3. Maternity Photography Setting

There are usually two locations chosen for maternity photography. A studio environment or the home. Studios are usually used where a more traditional style of maternity photography is desired. The photographer is responsible for the setup for the maternity portraits and preparing the studio.

The more commonly chosen setting is the home as it lends a far more intimate and familiar feeling. Just be sure that your that the home is prepared for the upcoming shoot. Make sure the baby's room is set up as well. The photographer most likely will want to take a few shoots in the room as well as throughout the home.

The maternity photographer will likely arrive 30 minutes before the session starts to look around and find the best light in the home if they are a natural light (available light) photographer.

Maternity Photography Do's and Dont's

A good photographer will guide everyone smoothly through the maternity photography process, but here are a couple of pointers to keep in mind for the shoot.

• Try and avoid wearing clothes with elastic seams as they leave marks on the skin.
• Avoid trying any new funky hairstyles before your session.
• Avoid using oily lotions on your skin prior to the shoot. They tend to reflect flash and fill lighting and can spoil shots.
• Try and have a manicure prior to the shoot as your hands are often the focal point of many of the photos.
• Lip gloss or moisturizer makes a big difference in close up head and shoulder shots.
• Make arrangements to contain unruly pets during the shoot.
• Avoid wear distracting jewelery or clothing during the shoot.
• Get the hubby to join you in a few photos. They make for great portraits.
• Relax, have fun and trust your photographer!

This may all sound like maternity photography is a nightmare, but when you consider the value of maternity portraits the preparation is well worth it, and you'll have amazing maternity portraits to share with the new edition to the family.