With my first pregnancy with Isabella I did not have a maternity photoshoot. It was the beginning of COVID, and, to be honest, I was not so aware of maternity photoshoots. However, in the time between my first pregnancy and second, I realized that I really wanted maternity photos professionally taken. This is our last pregnancy (so we say), and therefore, it was my last opportunity to capture this unique time in our lives and my growing baby belly. Read below for how to plan your own maternity photoshoot, including: the best timing during pregnancy, where to do the shoot and more.
How to Plan Your Maternity Photoshoot – When to Have One
The best time to have your maternity photoshoot is usually sometime after 30 weeks and not later than 36 weeks pregnant. That being said, you should choose a date that works with your schedule and growing belly. I did two maternity photoshoots (more on that later): one at the end of my 31st week and the other at the end of my 33rd week. I wouldn’t say that I notice a difference in my belly between the two shoots. It’s best not to schedule the photoshoot too late in your pregnancy because many women feel uncomfortable in the last weeks, and you never know when your maternity photoshoot may unexpectedly turn into a newborn photoshoot, especially if you wait too long.
Deciding the Style of your Maternity Photoshoot
When planning for our maternity photoshoot, I looked at example photos specifically on Pinterest and Instagram to get an idea of the style I was looking for. Just like our newborn photoshoot I was drawn to more natural lifestyle photos as opposed to highly posed ones. I created a Pinterest board with examples of photos I liked. Of course, not everyone wants natural lifestyle photos; some are more drawn to highly glamorous photos in gowns meant to show off their belly like these. Another trend is maternity photos done in a milk bath. Some women opt to go the boudoir route, with nude or semi-nude maternity photos. Choose a style that you like best and then search for photographers whose style matches your vision for the shoot.
Where to Have your Maternity Photoshoot?
Based on the style of photos you are after, you can then choose the location of your shoot. My vision was natural lifestyle photos at home, so it was clear that we would do the shoot in our apartment. We also did the photoshoot in March in Berlin, so outside photos were not an option. However, if the timing and weather is right, outdoor maternity photos can also be beautiful and natural. If you want an indoor photoshoot, but do not want to do it in your own home, a studio photoshoot can also be an option with some photographers.
Finding a Photographer for your Maternity Photoshoot
When looking for a photographer, I first asked our previous newborn photographer. Unfortunately, her prices had more than doubled, so it wasn’t an option for us. I then wrote a post on Facebook on the International Families Berlin group page asking for recommendations. I received A LOT of names and offers and after reviewing them with my husband, we made a decision to work with Rasa. Her offer was 250 EUR for 30 edited photos. I was able to get the price to 220 EUR with our permission to use our photos for promotional purposes. This was the same price we paid in 2020 for Isabella’s newborn photos; however, for our newborn shoot we only received 15 edited photos. My advice would be to shop around, use Facebook and you will find someone who fits your budget.
What to Wear for a Maternity Photoshoot
Like with newborn photoshoots, maternity photoshoots are best in light, neutral colors. Also, you need to be able to show off that belly! For our shoot, I wore a white dress from the brand Sleeper with buttons down the front. I also bought a new lingerie set from Intimissimi in satin off-white. I wanted to be sure that I would feel comfortable showing the photos to my family. It was important for me to choose lingerie that was not too revealing or overly sexy. I topped the lingerie set with an oversized white shirt of my husband’s. My husband wore a cream turtleneck sweater and Levi’s jeans. My daughter wore a ruffled white dress from the Simone Rocha x H&M collection.
Why Did We Have Two Maternity Photoshoots?
I mentioned at the beginning of this post that we had two maternity photoshoots. Why? Well, we booked our first photoshoot with Rasa, and then, some weeks later, my husband saw a post on Facebook International Families of a photographer looking for couples for a free photoshoot to build her portfolio. I wrote Melissa and told her of the idea of an at-home maternity shoot and we quickly scheduled a date. Both photographers were absolutely amazing and I am so happy how many beautiful photos we now have from this pregnancy and of my daughter, Isabella. My advice would be that if a professional photoshoot seems out of reach financially, look for student photographers or photographers just getting started with their career. If you allow them to use your photos for promotion you could get a great deal as we did!
Below, see some of my favorite photos from our two photoshoots, the first with @rasele_photography and the second with @melissaabdophotography
And now your turn! Show me your maternity photos, I would love to see them!
