Preparing for your studio photography maternity session is a fun step in celebrating your pregnancy. To make sure everything goes smoothly and that you feel confident and comfortable, there are a few ways to help prepare for your session. At Stacey Gillin Photography, I aim to make your maternity session as relaxed and enjoyable as possible, whether you’re local or driving from Harrisburg or Baltimore. Here’s a list of essentials to pack for your session, from undergarments to touch-up tools.
Choose the Right Undergarments
The type of undergarments you wear can make a big difference in how your maternity photos turn out, especially when wearing tighter dresses or gowns. Seamless undergarments are usually a great choice because they reduce the chances of visible panty lines. For form-fitting maternity dresses, some clients opt to go without undergarments to avoid any distractions in the photos.
It’s all about what makes you feel comfortable and confident. If you prefer to wear undergarments, seamless options in neutral tones that match your skin or outfit are ideal. You can also bring a couple of different styles to see what works best with your wardrobe choices.
Make-Up and Hair Tools for Quick Touch-Ups
While your makeup and hair may look great when you arrive, having a few items on hand for touch-ups can help keep everything looking great through the end of the session. Lip gloss or balm, curling iron or flat iron, and a brush or comb are all great items to bring along.
If you tend to have flyaway hair, hairspray or smoothing oil can help tame any stray hairs. These touch-ups don’t take long but can make a big difference in your final images.
Bring the Right Shoes
The bulk of the photos will focus on your bump and upper body during a maternity session, but don’t forget about your feet! You will be standing for most of the poses, so keep that in mind when choosing what shoes to (or not to) wear. Feel free to bring the 4 inch heels if you’re still used to wearing them to work everyday. If you aren’t, keep in mind that you may feel off balance. While all poses are safe, just “popping that knee out” (like I’ll ask you to do countless times), can throw you off center a little.
If you prefer not to wear shoes, that is perfectly ok as well. Your feet may not even be visible, depending on which of my gowns you choose to wear.
You might also want to bring a pair of comfortable slip on shoes or slippers to wear during outfit and backdrop changes.
Personal Accessories and Props
If there are any personal items you’d like to include in your maternity photos, such as a family heirloom or ultrasound photo, feel free to bring them along.
Accessories are great as well. Jewelry like a statement necklace or dangly earrings add a finishing touch to a simple gown or outfit. If you are wearing your hair down for your session, don’t be afraid to bring a clip to throw it up in for a few shots to add some variety.
FAQs About What to Bring to Your Studio Maternity Session
1. Can I bring multiple outfit options for my maternity session?
Yes! Bringing a couple of different outfit choices can give you variety in your photos. You can choose up to two maternity gowns from my wardrobe, and you might also want to bring a couple of casual options if you want a more relaxed look for part of the session. A pair of jeans unbuttoned and paired with a cropped top work very well. Implied nude poses are also an option, and I have beautiful sheer “draping” fabric in the studio that can be used.
2. What kind of makeup should I wear for a maternity session?
Keep your makeup true to your everyday style, but feel free to accentuate your favorite features. You can use a little extra blush, and if you wear lipstick every day, wear the color that looks best on you. Don’t worry so much about it matching your lips to what you wear, and if you plan on doing looks with and without lip color, start out without. Bring along any lip or cheek products for touch ups.
3. Are there any specific undergarments I should wear?
Preparing for your studio maternity session should start a week or two before your session so ensure that you have all undergarments that you need. Seamless, neutral colored undergarments are a great option, especially for some of the form fitting dresses that I have. Some clients choose to go without undergarments to avoid panty lines in tight gowns, which is also perfectly fine. These hipster panties from Jockey are soft and seamless, and don’t go over your belly. The Smoothez collection from Aerie is a favorite non-maternity option. If your wardrobe choices are strapless or off the shoulder, make sure that your strapless bra still fits. We all know the areas of our bodies that tend to “swell” the most!
I don’t recommend wearing shapewear under tight gowns, as there is almost always a line or indent that can be seen on the legs or around the waist. If you think you need to wear your maternity Spanx because you have worries about what you will look like in photos, don’t be afraid to ask me what the alternative is. I’m always happy to do minor retouching if requested- but I do keep it reasonable and natural looking. I was not immune to carrying plenty of extra water weight during my pregnancies. I cannot say I wouldn’t have asked my maternity photographer to help me look a little less puffy!
The most important key is to wear what makes you feel comfortable.
4. Can I bring a snack in case I get hungry or thirsty during the session?
Please do! I recommend drinking water throughout your session. Adding electrolytes is even better. Snacking can also help to keep yourself feeling energized. You are welcome to the snacks, water, and Liquid IV packets I keep on hand. Don’t be afraid to grab anything you see in the lounge.
I want your maternity session to be as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, and for you to feel beautiful in your photos. By preparing ahead of time for your studio maternity photoshoot, you’ll feel ready to relax in front of the camera. If you have any other questions or want to book your session, don’t hesitate to reach out!
