What To Wear | 9 Professional Photographer Tips For Great Maternity Photos

What To Wear For Great Maternity Portraits | 9 Professional Photographer Tips For Your Maternity Photoshoot

Deciding what to wear for your maternity photo session can be overwhelming.

Here are 9 tips to answer photographer FAQs (frequently asked questions) for how to make the most of your maternity photoshoot and create timeless, heirloom photos to cherish for generations to come!

Change: An outfit change is always a good idea so you have a variety of images in your gallery. Think upscale, then down-home.

Choose Shapes: Choose shapes that complement you/the belly. Avoid awkward items that restrict the belly or clash with your body type.

Consider The Season: Choose season appropriate outfits and take into account the weather, temperature, and feel of the location for great maternity photos!

Consider The Setting: Make sure the location goes well with the outfit. Heading to an art museum? Best to choose an outfit that complements the high style setting. Likewise, dress a little more comfortable and casual for parks or outdoor maternity portraits.

Color: Neutrals or solids are a good choice for maternity photos as patterns can sometimes be distracting. Lighter colors such as whites, off-whites, beige, light pinks, or pastels will highlight the precious baby bump. A dramatic contrast of a black, navy, deep red, or dark green dress will provide a great silhouette of the bump - especially in a studio or indoor setting. In outdoors settings, sometimes a bright yellow or white will help create this same contrast and add a fun pop of color.

Complement: Choose colors that complement your skin tone, season, location. Pastels are gorgeous in spring while jewel tones tend to complement fall and winter.

Coordinate: Make sure Dad is dressed similarly and complementary to the star of the show - Mom! If Mom-To-Be is in a long, flow-y dress, dad’s outfit should match the vibe with maybe khakis or dressy dark jeans paired with button down.

Comfort: Long, flowy dresses for the mom-to-be are comfortable, ultra feminine, and photograph amazingly - and can add interest in movement, whimsy, elegance, and a bit of romance.