The Time of Your Life: Getting the Most From Your Maternity Portraits

  1. Portraits should be taken around the 6th of 7th month. The belly is the optimum size during this time for portraits purposes. Earlier than that the belly may be too small. Of course, portraits can be taken up until the end of your pregnancy.
  2. Several hours before your photo shoot, you'll want to remove anything with elastic, such as tight shirt, pants underwear or bra to prevent elastic or strap marks on your skin.
  3. Tops should be very form fitting..at least around the bust line. Big shirts won't show off your form..and showing your form is the whole point. You'll want something to cover your breasts, but still expose the belly. Brining a robe is a good idea to throw on in the studio in between poses.
  4. Your hands are most likely going to show..so don't forget to have a manicure and pedicure too. Face powder is always a good idea to eliminate shiny spots.
  5. Eat a light snack before the shoot.
  6. Limit jewelry to essential pieces. While it's nice to include special or important jewelry in your portraits, too much jewelry will be distracting.
  7. Be on time for your appointment and don't schedule any appointments or activities directly after your photo shoot. Quality portraiture requires a good amount of time, you won't want to rush your session and have sub-par results.
  8. If you're planning on including your husband in your images, make sure you discuss it with your photographer so they can give you guidelines such as, you'll probably want to bring black slacks and he won't want to forget to either remove his belt. Or bring one with out a shiny belt buckle as the buckle can be a big distraction in the photograph when it catches the light.
  9. Don't shop on price alone. Find out what professional portrait prices are in your area. Make sure you are comparing store portraits prices to a fine art studio. Take a good look at their work. Is the creativity and skill level up to your expectations? Will you feel comfortable with the photographer? After you've evaluated the situation, don't hire the cheapest studio. After all, would you hire the cheapest ob/gyn?r Or the cheapest hairdresser, for that matter? The cheapest of anything can end up being the most costly; especially when the results are poor. As with weddings, there is no such thing as a re-shoot with maternity photography.