Maternity session guide
A very warm welcome and congratulations on your pregnancy! Thank you for choosing Seeds Photography to capture this most special and exciting time in your life. The following information is provided as a guide to assist you in preparing for your maternity session. My aim is to make you feel very comfortable, relaxed and beautiful during your shoot. This is a time to enjoy yourself and have fun!
Preparing for your maternity session
Your maternity session will last approximately an hour to an hour and a half. On the morning of your maternity session it is best to wear looser fitting clothing, keeping elastic and other tight items from leaving marks on your belly. Also loosen bras, particularly the shoulder straps to prevent marks being left on your skin.
Your hands will feature a great deal in your photos, so nails should be nice and clean (includes husband/partner too!). Nail polish in soft natural or pastel colours look best - french polish is perfect.
Even though you may want to look more tanned for your session I highly recommend that you avoid fake/spray tanning (I do love an Oompa Loompa but only when watching Charlie and The Chocolate Factory!)
What to wear
This session is all about you and your gorgeous bump, so with this in mind I find it is best to keep your styling simple and feminine. You will have access to my range of maternity gowns and wraps should you wish to wear them. If you prefer to wear your own clothing that is also perfectly fine! Below are some helpful tips for you to consider when choosing -
Avoid shapeless, baggy clothing - wear things that show off your belly not hide it. Longer, flowing boho/maxi dresses that hug your belly are soft and feminine. Tighter fitting dresses and tops will show off your killer curves! If you’re not a ‘dressy’ girl then pre-pregnancy jeans that still pull up over your backside look great teamed with a sexy, feminine tank. Have a look through your wardrobe and bring a few different things, I can certainly help you choose.
I like to play with different fabrics, some of them sheer, so please wear or bring with you skin coloured underwear (including strapless bras).
Limit jewellery to essential pieces. While it’s nice to include special or important jewellery in your portraits, too much jewellery can be distracting. Wristwatches are always best left off.
I always find that softer, neutral colours work best for indoor portrait sessions. For a detailed look on suggested colour choices please read my article HERE.
Hair & makeup
On the morning of your shoot you may wish to go and get your hair and makeup done professionally, although this is not a necessity it can do wonders for your self confidence - if you look great, you’ll also feel great and this will come across in your photos. It will also be an excellent excuse for you to go out and have a lovely dinner that evening whilst you are looking super fabulous!
Wear your makeup a little heavier than you would normally for daytime wear. Blend your foundation well, particularly underneath the jaw line to neck area, making sure you stick to a shade as close to your natural skin tone as possible. Use mascara to lengthen and define your eyes or even consider false lashes. Keep it to neutral tones for eye shadows - shades of browns and greys always look beautiful, no matter what your eye colour. Wear and bring with you some tinted lip-gloss. I recommend natural soft waves for the hair.
If you have any questions or concerns at all please feel free to discuss them with me. I look forward to meeting you soon!
Jenny x