Tips for a Successful Maternity Photoshoot | St. Louis Maternity Photographer

Today I am going to provide you with my best tips for a successful Maternity Photoshoot! Pregnancy is a beautiful and transformative time in a woman’s life, and capturing those precious moments through a maternity photoshoot with a Saint Louis Maternity Photographer can create lasting memories. Whether you’re a mom-to-be planning a photo shoot or a photographer looking to capture the essence of pregnancy, these top tips will help ensure a successful and memorable maternity photoshoot.

1. Timing is Key:

First, Schedule your maternity photoshoot between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this period, your preggo belly is usually round and prominent, and you’ll likely have enough energy to pose comfortably. However, every pregnancy is different, so choose a time that makes you feel most confident and comfortable. Your maternity photos need to be reflective of you and the most beautiful moments of your pregnancy journey.

2. Choose the Right Location:

Secondly, select a location that resonates with you and reflects your personality. Popular options include natural settings like parks, gardens, or beaches, or you can opt for a cozy indoor setting like your home. The location should complement your vision and make you feel relaxed and at ease. Here at Love to the Moon Photography, we work with our clients to select the perfect place. We do have a photo studio in Hillsboro, Missouri where we do intimate and also casual photo sessions. Our Maternity sessions also take place in Saint Louis area parks, fields, and other beautiful photo locations in and around St. Louis.

3. Wardrobe Selection:

Meanwhile, Choose outfits that highlight and accentuate your baby bump. Flowing dresses, fitted tops, or form-fitting gowns can beautifully showcase your pregnancy curves.. Consider bringing multiple outfit options to add variety to your photos.  A perk of booking a St. Louis Maternity photo session with Love to the Moon Photography is our client closet! Our photography clients have access to a very comprehensive client closet. Designer gowns, casual outfits, outfits for your family members who take part in the maternity photos- everything comes together so perfectly.

4. Embrace Natural Lighting:

Natural light lends a soft and flattering glow to maternity photographs. If shooting outdoors, plan your session during the golden hour, which is the hour before sunset or after sunrise when the light is warm and magical. If shooting indoors, position yourself near large windows to make the most of the natural light. Here in St. Louis, we get some gorgeous sunsets which will help us create the most magical golden hour maternity photos you can imagine!

5. Include Your Partner and Family:

Incorporate your partner and other children into the photo shoot to capture the joy and love that surrounds your growing family. Including loved ones not only adds depth to the images but also makes the experience more meaningful for everyone involved. Coordinate outfits to ensure visual harmony and give everyone a chance to express their personalities. When I say coordinate outfits I do not mean matching each other. I am happy to help plan this detail, and I also work with a personal stylist who all of my clients have access to as well. Outfits are such an important element of your maternity photos.

6. Capture Candid Moments:

While posed shots are lovely, candid moments can evoke genuine emotions and tell a more authentic story. Laughing, embracing, or capturing quiet moments of reflection can add a unique touch to your maternity photos. Relax, be yourself, and let the photographer capture the natural beauty of your pregnancy journey. Love to the Moon Photography emphasizes candid and emotive storytelling over posed photos.

7. Props and Personal Touches:

Consider incorporating props or personal items that hold special meaning to you and your family. Ultrasound photos, baby shoes, or a cherished stuffed animal can add a personal touch to the images. Balloons, flower crowns, or signs with the baby’s name or due date can also make for adorable and memorable props. Here at Love to the Moon Photography, we do not use many props but these ideas do help add a special touch to a couple of the images.

8. Hire a Professional Photographer:

Furthermore, while it’s possible to take maternity photos yourself or have a friend or family member capture them, hiring a professional photographer with experience in maternity photography

can make a significant difference. A skilled photographer will know how to pose you, use lighting effectively, and capture the beauty and emotion of this special time. My clients love the outcome of their images and say it’s some of the best money they have spent. I assure you that you will love your maternity photo session with Love to the Moon Photography.

A maternity photoshoot is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the miracle of pregnancy and capture the anticipation and love surrounding the arrival of your little one. By following these top tips, you can ensure a successful and memorable photoshoot that beautifully captures the essence of this precious chapter in your life. Embrace the experience, relax, and let your radiant glow shine through the lens!

Contact me to book your photo session! Check out more of my work here on my blog, and galleries https://lovetothemoonphotography.com/st-louis-area-maternity-photographer/

Wishing you the best Pregnancy and Delivery!