How to Pose for Maternity Photos
Being a maternity photographer in the Twin Cities is a great experience during our beautiful summers and fall as well as indoors in my beautiful studio. Helping my clients feel comfortable and confident during their session is key for creating an experience which allows them to focus on the wonder and anticipation of welcoming baby instead of worrying about posing. I consider capturing the beauty of pregnancy through artistic photography as a gift to every mom that I serve. To help pregnant moms feel confident and relaxed during their maternity photo session, I have compiled some practical tips on how to pose in a natural way so that they can feel beautiful and confident. The end result are amazing photographs!
1. Focus on Your Bump
When clients come to their session, I want them to relax and just be themselves. I take care of all of the details for them. From providing beautiful locations for their shoot, linking them to the best hair and make-up stylists, to providing them access to a client wardrobe, I want them to feel blessed so that they can simply focus on baby. Highlighting their baby bump in a natural way can be easy if a client feels comfortable and beautiful. I will often start a session with a few traditional standing poses to allow us to focus on that baby bump. I guide them to stand or sit slightly turned to one side with their leg slightly bent and forward. I will have them gently place their hands on their belly in a relaxed way. I will tell them to breathe and just think of their little one having them look off to the side or directly at their bump. When looking down, I make sure their chin is slightly forward and tell them to look a bit over their bump so that their chins aren’t scrunched up.
2. Positioning in Beautiful Light
Soft, natural light enhances the overall feel of the photos. I will often have clients stand backlit so that a lovely glowing rim light envelops them. Or I have them stand to the side of the light so that the combination of shadows and soft light on either side of them creates beautiful dimension.
3. Different Angles
Clients need something to do in order to feel comfortable. I will have them constantly moving or doing something. At one moment they are doing standing poses, then sitting, then lying on a blanket outdoors or a bed indoors, and then walking or moving. These allows me to capture them in creative ways allowing for a diverse array of images.
4. Including Your Loved Ones
A maternity session isn’t only about momma, but dad, siblings, and even pets may be included. Feeling surrounded by those in your family circle and your soon to be baby’s circle will make your session extra special. They can gently place their hands on the bump, wrap their arms around you, or lean in for a kiss on your forehead. These intimate moments result in incredible memories.
5. Intimate Maternity Poses
Some of my favorite poses are those where momma can just relax and reflect on her baby. I will often have moms wear a two piece dress so that her bump can be exposed. When lying on a bed, make sure her head is supported. If able, she should then allow her legs to fall to one side while her head falls to the opposite direction so that her body is in a slight zig zag shape. Shooting from the side or high above her allows for beautiful angles and detailed shots. I will then have her lie with her knees up and bent. Make sure she is comfortable and that her back is supported.
You can also take images of her lying down on her side, with her head on her partner’s lap and then turning her head slightly toward them. This allows her to gaze down at her bump or looking up at her partner.
6. Natural Poses
Feeling comfortable and relaxed will greatly improve your photos. Take deep breaths and allow yourself to enjoy the moment. Walk through a field or forest and feel free to just be yourself! Laugh, dance with your partner, and just enjoy celebrating the moment! Remember that this is a joyful and exciting time in your life. Enjoy the experience, allow your personality to shine through, and have fun!
By following these tips, you can create stunning maternity photos that celebrate this incredible journey into motherhood. Embrace your beauty, and cherish the moments captured in these images for years to come.
Did you know that I offer maternity session add-ons at a special rate for any newborn session booked? A maternity session is a great way to prepare for your newborn session while preserving memories of your pregnancy providing you with incredible preserved memories for years to come!
