How to prepare for your maternity photoshoot in Tampa
- Book your maternity photoshoot early
- Discuss styling and wardrobe with your photographer
- Don’t forget hair & make-up
- Consider bringing Special Items and Accessories to your maternity photoshoot
- Eat and drink before (and during) your maternity photoshoot
- Think about How you want to display your maternity pictures
- Relax and Have Fun
Maternity photoshoots are a wonderful way to capture the beauty and excitement of pregnancy. Here are a few tips to prepare for your session:
Book your maternity photoshoot early
Look for a photographer who has experience with maternity photography and who can capture the beauty and emotion of your pregnancy. Check out their portfolios to ensure you like their work and editing style.
I also highly encourage you to get in touch with the maternity photographer(s) you are interested in working with. Standing in front of a camera can be intimidating and might make you feel vulnerable, so you need a photographer that can put your mind at ease and make you feel comfortable. If you have a specific photographer in mind, you also want to ensure they are available. Maternity photoshoots for a first pregnancy are usually scheduled between 28-32 weeks. However, every pregnancy is different so you want to discuss that with your chosen maternity photographer.
Discuss styling and wardrobe for your maternity photoshoot
What you wear will be a key element in ensuring your maternity session is a success. During your initial consultation or your styling consultation, you and your maternity photographer should discuss details in regard to the clothing and styling to ensure that they match the vision you have for your images. Generally speaking, you should choose clothing that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful, as this will shine through in your images.
If your photographer offers a client closet, this is the time to look at the gowns, try them on, and pick the one you like best and that flatters you the most. In this setting, you should also discuss if specific underwear should be worn during the session. A lot of times, moms choose to do their maternity photoshoots barefoot, considering their balance is often a little off. Depending on the style and vision that shall be achieved, shoes, specifically high-heels, might be part of the look so it is definitely another item on the list that should be discussed during your styling consultation.
Don’t forget Hair & Make-Up
Just like clothing, hair and make-up are vital components of your maternity photoshoot. Make-up shows differently in photographs, especially in a studio setting. Having professional hair and make-up done not only takes some stress away and pampers you but also ensures that you feel and look your best.
Consider bringing Special Items and Accessories to your Maternity Photoshoot
Often, moms have special items that they want to include in at least some of their maternity photos. This can be anything from jewelry to ultrasound pictures or baby shoes. If you have anything you’d like to include in your pictures, be sure to mention it to your maternity photographer before the photoshoot so that they can plan accordingly if needed.
Eat and drink before (and during) your maternity photoshoot
Staying hydrated and energized is always important but especially during a pregnancy. Have a nice breakfast and plenty of fluids before arriving to your maternity photoshoot and maybe even bring a snack in case you get hungry.
Some maternity photographers, including myself, keep water and snacks in the studio for you to enjoy during the session.
Think about how you want to display your maternity pictures
It is never too early to think about what you will do with the memories you will capture. I encourage all my clients to get their favorites printed, whether that is in the form of wall art, an album, or a folio box. Holding a printed image of you (and your loved ones) has something special to it and is a beautiful heirloom to pass down to your children and grandchildren.
Relax and Have Fun
Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the experience and capture the beauty of your pregnancy. Try to relax and have fun during the photoshoot!
Looking for a maternity photographer in Tampa, Florida? Contact me to schedule your complimentary pre-session consultation! Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes footage, pictures, and more!
