5 Ways For Comfortable and Confident Maternity Portraits

Introduction

Feeling confident in maternity portraits doesn’t always come easy. Everyone says pregnancy comes with a “glow,” but when friends told me I had it in my third trimester, my honest response was, “it’s probably just sweat,” because I wasn’t feeling very glowy at all.

As a mother myself, I have learned both the beauty and pains of pregnancy. Every trimester brings a new symptom, making it hard to feel physically great and affecting your confidence. I am sure I am not the only one who feels that way, and that’s probably why you are here. As a photographer, it is my job to help you feel that pregnancy “glow” during your session. During your session, I will help guide you to ensure you are feeling confident. Here are 5 ways to help you feel comfortable and confident during your maternity session.

1. Timing Your Maternity Session

To ensure you are physically comfortable during your session, the first step is to time it in that sweet spot. We want to make sure your session happens before reaching what I like to call the “get this baby out of me” stage. Waiting until the third trimester also helps ensure your bump is fully showing, which is why I usually recommend scheduling for 30–34 weeks. During first pregnancies, bumps can sometimes take a little longer to fully show, so I wouldn’t recommend scheduling earlier than 30 weeks. If this isn’t your first pregnancy, your body often shows the bump earlier, and in that case, you can schedule closer to 30 weeks. Once you pass 36 weeks, even walking can be uncomfortable, so we want to do your session before that point. Booking once you enter your second trimester helps ensure I have availability for this ideal timing.

If you are wondering what you maternity session will look like, feel free to read my “What to expect” blog.

2. What You Wear Creates Confident Maternity Photos

Next, I want my clients to understand that confidence comes with familiarity. Lifestyle photography is focused on capturing your life and what feels true to yourself and your family. Getting dressed up is always an option. If you want to wear a dress, think about what you would normally wear: form-fitting, flowy, short sleeve, or long sleeve. If you don’t love dresses, we can create beautiful photos with a more casual look, like jeans and an open button-down. I don’t usually capture extravagant pregnancy gowns as you may have seen on Facebook or Instagram because they don’t represent most people (although they do for some!). Ultimately, only you know what is most comfortable. I’m happy to talk through wardrobe options, suggest colors and styles, help find links to purchase pieces, or offer a complimentary 10-minute consultation.

3. Choose the Right Location for Confident Maternity Portraits

Most people may not think about the location of their session mattering too much, but believe it or not, it does. Different locations offer different levels of privacy. Public lakes or beaches are much more crowded (especially during the summer) than parks or trails. I always do my best to help you warm up to the camera. I understand that for some, it can be a little intimidating to do so when you’re in public. If outdoor locations don’t sound like a great option for you, studio and in-home sessions are also beautiful choices that allow for  more privacy. They are also great options in terms of weather, especially if your session is during the rainy season. When booking with me, I will be sure to discuss different options according to your comfortability.

4. Moments, Not Poses

My lifestyle photography is focused on capturing moments rather than poses. Now don’t fret—I will help guide you to pose; however, within your pose, I will direct prompts such as, “pretend like you are massaging shampoo in your hair,” or “whisper something silly in your child’s ear” to make them laugh. These prompts help moments feel more natural and help me capture those sweet in-between moments. I also encourage you to show me things that you enjoy doing with your partner or family, such as dancing or tickling. While I do come prepared and have a session flow with many prompts, I am always capturing new moments according to what feels most natural to you and your family. My goal is to capture you in your element. As I mentioned above, comfort and confidence come with familiarity. Capturing your family in your element is always my ultimate goal.

5. Relax and Enjoy the Moment Celebrating Your Pregnancy

Lastly, I want all my clients to come to their sessions at ease. Going into sessions may feel stressful at times because you want to get that “perfect picture”. I have seen clients constantly fixing their hair, checking their makeup, or adjusting their partner’s clothes. I promise, I get it—you want to make sure that your hard-earned money is going toward frame-worthy photos. As your photographer, I will make sure to fix all those minor details in between shots. However, your job is simply to relax and make memories with your family. I promise that those natural moments, when you are worry-free and forget you are in front of a camera, are the images you will love the most. By staying present in the moment, we will capture pictures that represent this stage of your life as it is.

Conclusion

In the end, a confident maternity portrait is not necessarily about your makeup or wearing the most beautiful maternity gown. It’s about staying true to yourself and creating images that authentically reflect the unique stage of life. If you are looking for maternity portraits that are personalized, comfortable, and focused on capturing real memories, check out my page for more maternity session details.