Becoming a mother is a beautiful and transformative experience. As your body changes and your baby grows, it's important to capture this special time in your life. Maternity photo sessions are a wonderful way to document your pregnancy and celebrate the beauty of motherhood.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about maternity sessions, from timing and poses to what to wear and how to prepare. Let's dive in!
Timing of a Maternity Shoot
by Argentina Leyva, Art of Seduction Boudoir
The best time to schedule a maternity session is between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. At this stage, your belly is beautifully round and you're still feeling comfortable enough to move around and pose for photos.
It's important to keep in mind that every pregnancy is different, so if you're carrying multiples or have a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to schedule your session earlier. On the other hand, if you're carrying a single baby and have a smaller bump, you may want to wait until closer to 32 weeks.
Choosing a Photographer
To capture the beauty of motherhood, choose a photographer who specializes in maternity sessions and also has a style that you love. At Art of Seduction Boudoir, we have experience working with pregnant women who want to feel sexy during pregnancy. That means that posing and lighting the pregnant body in a flattering way is key.
You can start your search by asking for recommendations from friends or family members who have had maternity sessions. You can search online for local photographers and look at their portfolios to see their style and skills.
Maternity Poses
by Argentina Leyva, Art of Seduction Boudoir
During your maternity session, I will guide you through a variety of poses to capture the beauty of your pregnancy as well as your sexy side. Some popular poses include:
The classic belly cradle: This pose involves placing your hands gently on your belly, cradling your baby bump. It's a simple and elegant pose that highlights your growing belly.
The silhouette: This pose involves standing in front of a light source, such as a window or the setting sun, and having your photographer capture your silhouette. It's a beautiful way to showcase your pregnancy in a more artistic way.
The partner pose: If your partner will be joining you for the session, a very popular pose where you both stand facing each other, with your hands on your belly. This is a sweet and intimate pose that captures the love and connection between you and your partner.
The lying down pose: This pose involves lying down on your side, with your belly facing the camera. It's a comfortable and relaxed pose that can result in some beautiful and natural shots.
What to Wear for a Maternity Photo Session
by Argentina Leyva, Art of Seduction Boudoir
When it comes to choosing an outfit for your maternity session, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Here are some tips for choosing the perfect outfit:
Show off your bump: The whole point of a maternity session is to showcase your beautiful baby bump, so choose an outfit that highlights it. Flowy dresses, form-fitting tops, and maxi skirts are all great options.
Avoid busy patterns: Busy patterns can be distracting in photos, so it's best to stick to solid colors or simple patterns.
Choose soft, neutral colors: Soft, neutral colors like pastels, creams, and light greys look beautiful in maternity photos. They also have a timeless quality that will ensure your photos look great for years to come.
Professional hair and makeup: At Art of Seduction Boudoir, all our maternity photo shoots include professional hair and makeup services. This will help you look and feel beautiful and sexy in a time when you feel awkward and uncomfortable in your body.
Maternity Photo Session Prices
The cost of a maternity sessions at Art of Seduction Boudoir are $497. That includes professional hair and makeup and the use of our collection of maternity dresses.
The investment on your images comes after your session and it will vary depending on the number of images you decide to keep.
On average, you can expect to invest in 10 to 15 images that runs between $1500 and $2500. However, you can do a smaller package and invest as little as $997.
Other photography studios offer packages that include both a maternity session and a newborn session, which can save you money in the long run.
Preparing for Your Maternity Session
To ensure your maternity session goes smoothly and you get the best possible photos, it's important to prepare beforehand. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your session:
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water leading up to your session will help your skin look its best and give you a natural glow.
Get plenty of rest: Pregnancy can be exhausting, so make sure you get plenty of rest before your session. This will help you look and feel your best.
Choose your outfits in advance: Don't wait until the last minute to choose your outfits. Plan them out in advance and try them on to make sure they fit comfortably and look great. At Art of Seduction Boudoir we have few maternity dresses, shirts and sheer fabrics to create artistic images, however, you should bring your own as well.
Bring props: If you have any special items you want to include in your photos, such as a baby blanket or ultrasound photo, be sure to bring them to your session.
Maternity Sessions and Baby Showers
A maternity session can provide you with beautiful images to showcase at your baby shower.
I am particularly fond of making a large print of your favorite image to place at the gift table.
Many photographers offer packages that include both a maternity session and a baby shower session, which can be a fun and memorable way to celebrate your pregnancy with friends and family.
During your baby shower session, your photographer will capture all the special moments, from opening gifts to playing games and spending time with loved ones. It's a great way to document this special time in your life and create lasting memories.
In Conclusion
A maternity session is a wonderful way to celebrate the beauty of motherhood and document your pregnancy. By planning the best date for your photoshoot, preparing beforehand, and following these tips, you can ensure your maternity session is a success and you have beautiful photos to cherish for years to come.
To book a Maternity Photo Session in Chicago or in Austin, TX, click HERE.