Congratulations! What an amazing time in your life! My kids are no longer babies but I remember well what it was like to have them in my belly. From feeling little flutters to jabs and kicks, there’s nothing quite like having your little one growing inside of you. Those are experiences you’ll never forget, and I can’t wait to capture this chapter in your life during your maternity shoot. To help you prepare, today I am sharing a few maternity photoshoot outfit ideas to get you ready for having me document this wonderful season.
Choose comfort.
The most important thing to remember when choosing a maternity outfit is to choose something comfortable. After all, there are plenty of discomforts during pregnancy (the cramps, the bloating, the swelling – I remember it all too well!) but clothing shouldn’t be one of them. That’s the first step in feeling beautiful for your maternity photos. A beautiful flowing dress will highlight your belly while allowing you to move comfortably during your shoot and if you choose a long one, it’ll hide your swollen ankles, too!
Keep the Location in Mind
A maternity session can take place at a location of your choice. Some favorites include a local neighborhood, wetlands, a natural field shortly before sunset, or one of the many gorgeous parks, gardens or wooded areas around our town. Once you’ve chosen a location, make sure that the clothing you choose is appropriate for the location. That includes shoes, too!
Solids Are Best
You may be able to find a pattern that flatters your body in front of the camera, but patterns can often be a huge distraction. I recommend sticking with solids. As far as specific colors, I personally LOVE pastels and whites to create more timeless images. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful!
Highlight Your Strong Suits
We really want to show off your beautiful form, so choose a couple outfits that accentuate your beautiful body! I love form fitting tops with chunky sweaters or long flowing dresses. If you’re feeling self-conscious about your arms then avoid sleeveless dresses and, instead, opt for elegant boat necks with 3/4 sleeves.
Bring a Second Outfit
Why limit yourself to one outfit? Bring a second outfit to create variety in the images you frame for your living room, bedroom, and nursery. You might consider wearing a dressy outfit first and then changing into a slightly more casual outfit.
Don’t Forget About Hubby and Older Siblings
Once you’ve selected the outfit you feel and look the most comfortable in, start thinking about what your husband and/or baby’s older siblings will wear. Make sure you choose outfits for them that coordinate with yours but don’t match exactly. Allow everyone’s personalities to shine through in their outfit selections. Think about choosing something you’d all go out to dinner in, or perhaps to church, but in the same color palette. You can’t go wrong with choosing outfits based on two or three colors at most. The only mistake you can make here would be to have everyone wear jeans or khakis and a white shirt! No one wants to look like a mirror image of another person. When it comes to patterns for hubby and kids, I find that they often complement mom’s outfit nicely. Just try to avoid patterns that are super tiny or the camera may have trouble reading them and cause moiré.
Where to Shop (or Rent!) Maternity Dresses
Here are a few of my favorite locations around the web for maternity dresses:
Inspiration
Check out this Pinterest board where I’ve highlighted several sessions from around the web where I thought the mamas made wonderful outfit choices.
And here are some of my clients in their maternity photos:
Are you looking to have your own maternity session done in Katy, TX? Click here to view more of my work: Maternity Gallery.
Located in Katy, Texas, Kelly of Lifetime of Clicks Photography specializes in Houston maternity photography. Kelly creates modern classic images of maternity, your newborns, and the families that love them. Serving Houston, Katy, Sugar Land and surrounding communities.
