If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you're expecting a baby. For all the moms-to-be, congratulations on your pregnancy! Carrying a child is a miraculous endeavor that is full of excitement and joy. Though pregnancy is all about eager anticipation for the future and having many things to do before the baby arrives, I encourage you to be present in each moment and make time to celebrate YOU during this time.
One way to celebrate YOU is to treat yourself to a professional maternity photoshoot. I offer professional maternity photoshoots to document the power, strength, and courage that all pregnant women represent while capturing the feminine radiance and beauty that pregnancy brings to the surface. Like my previous clients, you'll be glad you treated yourself to a maternity photoshoot because before you know it, these fleeting moments will become a memory.
The experience of being pregnant is different for everyone, and each trimester brings unique symptoms. Fluctuating hormones cause discomfort, and visible changes in the body's appearance will occur. Because of this, some women may be discouraged by the idea of posing for photos during their pregnancy. While I can understand these apprehensions, I'd like to remind those of you who are on the fence about this that while you are pregnant, you are your most beautiful and feminine self. Your body has more curves, your hair is thick and shiny, and your skin is glowing from within.
Reasons Why Scheduling a Maternity Photoshoot is a Good Idea
- As a professional maternity photographer, it is my job to make you look graceful and serene in your photos. I will focus on you and the life that your extraordinary body is creating. Your maternity photos will serve as a reminder of this transitional time when you were vitally alive and thoroughly a woman.
- If this is your first child, maternity photos will archive your transition into parenthood. Your child and your future self will be delighted to look back to this moment where mother and baby were one. Whether this is your first child or not, this pregnancy is a once-in-a-lifetime event that's certainly worthy of professional photography.
- A maternity photoshoot can be a perfect way to bond with your unborn baby. It's a time to slow down and savor the experience of pregnancy. If you already have children, bring them along too! Sometimes it's not easy for young siblings to be excited about the arrival of a new baby in the family. Believe it or not, your maternity photoshoot will strengthen the bonds between your unborn child and its siblings and can ease apprehensions your existing children may have about the changes to come.
- Announce the gender, name, or birth of your baby using your professionally-shot maternity photos. I offer flat and tri-fold birth announcements in addition to high-quality, gallery-wrapped canvas prints for decorating the walls of your home and coffee-table-style photo books to share with family and friends.
- Simply put, maternity photoshoots are fun.
When to Schedule a Maternity Photoshoot
For maternity photos, you'll want a defined belly to showcase. The most common time to book a maternity photoshoot is during the 7th or 8th month of pregnancy. During this time, the baby bump is the most pronounced and has a round shape. If you're carrying twins, I suggest scheduling your maternity photoshoot during the 6th or 7th month of pregnancy since labor often comes early with twins. For all my maternity clients, I recommend getting on the books well in advance of your desired photoshoot date to ensure I'm not busy with other clients. (Around the 3rd month of pregnancy.)
Where to Have a Maternity Photoshoot
With an abundance of scenic landmarks in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding areas, there's plenty of locations to choose from for beautiful maternity photos. Huntington Beach State Park is among my favorite places to shoot, having public restrooms, Atalaya Castle, wooded trails, and 3 miles of pristine beach all in one location. Another picturesque setting is The Market Common, which offers a hallmark town ambiance, a large pond, and palm tree-lined sidewalks. You may also consider the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk, a 1/2 mile boardwalk nestled in a natural saltwater estuary. The Myrtle Beach State Park, located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, offers public restrooms, wooded areas, a nature trail, and the Myrtle Beach Pier, making it another one of my favorites for the variety of backdrops that it provides. The Conway Riverwalk offers a boardwalk along the Waccamaw River, the Waccamaw River Memorial Bridge, marinas, and many trees, which all look fantastic in photos. Of course, I'm also happy to come to your home if you prefer to have your photoshoot there.
Appropriate Clothing for Maternity Photos
You may bring a variety of outfits to change into during your photoshoot. Your clothing should be comfortable and accentuate your baby bump. Stretchy fabrics and solid colors work best for maternity photos, allowing the belly to be the center of attention. Avoid wearing clothes with busy patterns and visible logos.
Floor-length dresses look elegant on pregnant women and hide the legs and feet if swelling should occur. Wearing a form-fitted tank top or t-shirt with yoga pants will allow the bare belly to be easily exposed. A lightweight skirt with an elastic or drawstring waist works well for this too. A men's button-down dress shirt and boy shorts are another option to consider. Layering a cardigan over a fitted shirt or dress will add texture to your photos. Wearing bright colors adds visual interest. If you want a more natural look, nude photos are also an option. Using specific poses, your hands, or drapery, the private areas of your body will remain hidden. If family or friends will be in attendance, coordinate the colors of their outfits to match each of yours and make sure they avoid clothes with busy patterns and visible logos.
Don't Forget the Props
Props will add variety to your collection of maternity photos. Wearing a floral crown adds femininity and symbolizes fertility. Holding a pair of tiny baby shoes or a sonogram photo in front of your belly adds a sweet touch. Use your creative flair and incorporate any item or keepsake you'd like.
Prepare for Your Maternity Photoshoot
- Before your photoshoot, let's have a short discussion about what types of photos you want so I can begin to plan shots and poses for your session. I am always open to incorporating creative input from my clients.
- One week in advance, begin to plan your outfits. Try everything on to ensure they look the way you want them to and fit well. Put some thought into what undergarments you will wear. If you plan to wear a white outfit, you don't want to wear dark undergarments. I recommend nude color undergarments or a white and black pair to mix and match your clothes. Make sure all your clothes are freshly pressed and wrinkle-free.
- Begin a body and lip moisturizing regimen a few days before your shoot to avoid dry, cracked skin and lips.
- Shaving should be done a day or two before your photoshoot to allow razor burn to heal.
- Gather everything you'll need for your photoshoot and have it packed and ready to go the night before, so you won't be rushed and stressed on the day of your shoot. (Your clothes and undergarments, shoes, a lint roller, hairbrush or comb, hairspray, a hand mirror, make-up for touch-ups, lip moisturizer, body moisturizer, and your props.)
- Go to bed at a reasonable time the night before your photoshoot. Wake up well-rested, enjoy a healthy breakfast, and drink a glass of water. To avoid dehydration, bring a water bottle to sip from during your shoot, and bring a few healthy snacks to keep your energy levels up. (Please note, restroom facilities may not be available at some public locations.)
- On the day of your shoot, avoid wearing tight elastic waistbands or anything that may leave marks on your skin, including a hair tie around your wrist, bracelets, or wristwatch.
- You don't need a professional manicure or pedicure, but your nails should be clean and free from chipped nail polish. If getting a professional mani-pedi is in your budget, go for it!
- Don't worry about stretch marks. I can easily remove them from your photos in the editing room.
- Don't stress. I will direct the photoshoot and guide you through each pose. All you need to do is be your genuine self.
What Happens After My Photoshoot?
Your photos will be ready to view approximately two weeks after your session. At that time, you will receive an email containing a link to access your photo gallery.
Closing Thoughts
You are bringing a new child into the world—and that is a big deal! I’d be delighted to document your children and your family as they evolve throughout the years. The season of childhood is short, and life’s journey is unpredictable, so make sure you preserve the charming moments of your life with high-quality, professional portraits.
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