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I’ve always been a sucker for maternity sessions. I just find them so precious and exciting. After experiencing my own journey of back-to-back miscarriages, I value the blessing and magic of growing a baby that much more!  Women’s bodies are just amazing to me and being able to co-create is just such a gift. This is why capturing this special time in your life is so important! 

If you’re gearing up for a maternity session in the near future, you may want a little advice to make it easy and enjoyable! For starters, to look and feel your best for your session, I compiled a list of recommendations for choosing a dress and then dressing the rest of the crew if this isn’t your first rodeo!  I’ve included several mood boards complete with complementary outfits for the whole family and links to buy what you love on Amazon. This is a great way to order a few dresses and return what doesn’t work! 

Keep in mind many of these maternity dresses come in various colors, so if you love a style but not the color, click the link and see what other options there are!

Keep Patterns Minimal

While bold patterns can be fun, they often distract and hide your baby bump! Instead of loud prints, opt for solid colors or subtle patterns. This will help draw attention to your belly, the main point of this photo shoot! Soft pastels, earthy tones, or classic neutrals can create a serene and elegant look. I’ve included a wide array of colors on the mood boards because choosing your color scheme will always be dependent on your location and possibly the season!

Embrace Texture

Adding texture to your outfit can elevate your look and add depth to your photos. Fabrics like lace, swiss-dots, or velvet not only feel luxurious but also photograph beautifully. I love a lace overlay, while velvet provides a soft, rich aesthetic. Having an interesting texture can help add an extra element to your outfit without being overly busy.

Don’t Be Afraid to Show Some Skin

Maternity shoots are all about celebrating your body and the changes it’s going through. While I know this isn’t for everyone, don’t shy away from styles that allow you to show some skin! I’d suggest a two piece outfit, such as a maxi skirt and a crop top. You can opt for a high-waisted skirt to cover your belly for most shots, but have the ability to pull it down for some bare skin belly photos too! Just remember to choose what makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Coordinate with Your Family

Whether your shoot includes just your partner or whole family, aim to be coordinated rather than matchy-matchy. Choose complementary colors or textures that harmonize without looking too similar. For example, if you’re in a flowing blush dress, your partner might wear a soft gray or olive green. This coordination adds visual interest to your photos while still keeping the focus on you and your beautiful bump.You have plenty of examples in this post to see what I mean!

Consider the Setting

Think about where your photo shoot will take place. A green dress that looks stunning in a dried grass field may not have the same impact during a spring photo shoot when the grass is super green! Take into account the colors and textures of your surroundings, and choose a dress that complements them. You don’t want to completely blend into your background, so it’s important to think about the little things while you’re narrowing outfits down.

Don’t Forget to Accessorize

While your dress is the star of the show, don’t forget about accessories! Simple jewelry can enhance your look without stealing the spotlight. Consider a statement necklace or delicate earrings that draw attention to your face. A soft shawl or wrap can also add an extra layer of texture and warmth. Even a cute hat is a welcome accessory for some shots!  I’ve included several mood boards with shoes that would go well with the maternity dress, because sometimes we forget about shoes at the last minute!

Book a Maternity Session

If you’re pregnant and hoping to book a maternity session, don’t hesitate to reach out. I hope we can connect and I’ll happily help document this beautiful season in your life!