Can I tell you the question I get most from mamas before their session?
It is not about timing (it’s 28 – 32 weeks usually, by the way) or location. It is what do I wear.
And I get it. You are in a body that feels different every single week. Nothing fits the way it used to. You are beautiful and exhausted and maybe a little unsure of yourself in front of a camera. The last thing you need is one more decision to stress about.
So here is what I want you to know before we even get to the clothes. You are going to look stunning. That part is my job. Your job is just to show up.
Now let’s talk outfits.
Start with how you want to feel
Before you think about color or style, think about feeling. Do you want to feel soft and feminine? Strong and real? A little bare and brave? Casually beautiful in jeans and a white top? All of those work. All of those photograph beautifully. The best outfit for your session is the one that feels like you, not the one you think you are supposed to wear.
What actually photographs well
After twenty years of maternity sessions I have a few things I feel strongly about.
Fabric matters. Something that moves, drapes, and breathes will always outlast a trend and photograph better than something stiff or overly structured. Think linen, gauze, chiffon, soft cotton. Fabrics that have a little life to them.
Show the bump. This sounds obvious but it is worth saying. The whole point of a maternity session is to remember this season, this body, this baby. Anything that hides the bump is working against you. You do not have to show skin to show the bump. A soft fitted top, a dress that cinches above the belly, even a flowing wrap with nothing underneath can be just as striking as something more covered up.
Stay away from dark colors as a general rule. Black in particular absorbs light and can flatten the bump in portraits. That said, a black outfit for a side profile in black and white can be absolutely stunning. It is all about how we use it. When in doubt just ask me and we will figure it out together. Whites, creams, blush, warm neutrals, and muted earthy tones are always a safe and timeless choice.
Skip the trends. I mean this kindly. Whatever is popular on Pinterest right now will look dated in five years and these portraits are going to live on your walls and your memory a lot longer than that. Classic always wins.
Jeans are absolutely an option
I have mamas come in wearing a flowy gown and I have mamas come in wearing their favorite jeans unbuttoned at the top with a simple white tee. Both are gorgeous. Do not feel like you have to dress up if that is not you.
What about something more intimate?
Some of the most beautiful portraits I have ever made started with a simple bralette and nothing to hide behind.
Many mamas want to show up in jeans. Some want a flowy gown. And some want something a little closer to the skin, a simple bralette, soft underwear, maybe a lace kimono draped over their shoulders. All of it is beautiful. All of it is welcome.
This is not boudoir and it is not meant to be sexy, although if that is your vibe we can absolutely talk about it. It is more about being present in your body and honoring what it is doing right now. Soft, beautiful, and real.
It is not for everyone and it does not have to be. But if it feels like you, or even if you are just a little curious about it, let’s talk about it at your planning meeting. You might surprise yourself.
Hair and makeup
I always recommend professional hair and makeup for your maternity session and I will tell you why. Not because you need it. Because you will feel pampered, confident, and completely taken care of before you ever step in front of the camera. And that feeling shows up in every single portrait.
Here is my one rule though. Go natural. The goal is to look like the most beautiful version of yourself, not a different version of yourself. No one should look at your portraits and think wow she had her makeup done. They should just think wow she looks incredible. If you would never normally wear a smoky eye or a bold lip, today is not the day to try it. Communicate and trust your artist to enhance what is already there and leave it at that. (I have a team of trusted artists I can set up for you, too).
You will be glad you did it. Every single mama is.
You do not have to figure this out alone
I have a wardrobe closet at the studio with maternity and postpartum options ready to go. And before your session we will have a planning meeting where we talk through everything together, including what to wear. I will help you narrow it down, think through colors, and make sure you feel completely prepared before you ever show up. That is part of the process and honestly one of my favorite parts.
I recommend bringing two to three outfits. It adds variety in a really natural way and gives you options when you are choosing portraits at your ordering appointment.
The most important thing
Wear something that makes you feel stunning. If that is a flowy gown, amazing. Or a power suit with nothing underneath so only that beautiful bump shows, let’s do it. If that is jeans and your favorite top, perfect. There is no wrong answer here. The only thing that matters is that when you put it on, you feel like the incredible mama you are.
That is who I am here to photograph. And I promise you she is worth preserving.
Ready to book your maternity session in Bend? I would love to hear from you.
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