A maternity shoot is a great way to document your pregnancy and capture the excitement of waiting for your new arrival. Whether you’re pregnant with your first child or have been through it before, a maternity shoot is a special way to commemorate this time in your life.
There are a few things to keep in mind when planning your maternity shoot. Mostly, we often neglect things that somehow affect our maternity shoot or worst produce a bad result. Read the following to avoid these mistakes.
The 10 Biggest Maternity Photography Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid
1. Not knowing your pregnant belly’s best side:
Every pregnant woman is different and so is every baby bump. There is no one “right” way to take a maternity photo, but there are some wrong ways. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is not knowing which side of your belly looks best in photos. If you’re not sure, ask your photographer or a friend with a good eye for composition to help you figure it out.
2. Wearing the wrong clothes:
Maternity photos are all about showing off that beautiful baby bump, so it’s important to choose clothing that highlights your shape in the best way possible. Stay away from anything too loose or flowy, as it will just make you look bigger than you are. Instead, opt for form-fitting or Empire-waist dresses and tops that will accentuate your curves.
3. Trying to pose like a model:
One of the worst things you can do in your maternity photos is try to pose like a model. Pregnancy is not the time to try out complicated poses or put stress on your body in any way. Stick to simple, comfortable positions and let your photographer guide you into what will look best on camera.
4. Not paying attention to the background:
The background of your maternity photos is just as important as the foreground. Make sure nothing is distracting in the frame, like power lines, cars, or other people. If you’re outdoors, pick a spot with pretty scenery or interesting architecture. Indoors, make sure the room is tidy and free of clutter.
5. Forgetting to capture the details:
It’s easy to get so focused on getting the perfect shot of your baby bump that you forget to take some photos of the little details. Be sure to snap a few pictures of your growing belly from different angles, as well as some close-ups of your hands and feet. These small details will help tell the story of your pregnancy in years to come.
6. Not having enough light:
Lighting is everything when it comes to photography, and that’s especially true for maternity photos. If you’re taking pictures indoors, make sure there’s plenty of natural light coming in from a window. If you’re outdoors, find a spot in the shade to avoid harsh shadows. And no matter where you are, avoid using flash whenever possible.
7. Not doing your research:
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when planning a maternity photoshoot is not doing your research. There are a lot of great resources out there that can help you plan the perfect shoot, but if you don’t take the time to learn about the different types of maternity photography and what to expect, you could end up being disappointed with the results.
8. Choosing the wrong photographer:
Not all photographers are created equal, and that’s especially true when it comes to maternity photography. If you want stunning photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, make sure you choose a photographer who specializes in this type of work and has plenty of experience. Ask to see examples of their previous work, and make sure you feel comfortable with their style before booking a session.
9. Not communicating with your photographer:
Another big mistake is not communicating with your photographer. Be sure to let them know what type of photos you’re hoping for and what kind of mood you want to capture. If you’re not on the same page, it will be difficult to get the results you’re looking for.
10. Last minute booking:
Finally, don’t wait until the last minute to book your session. The best photographers often book up quickly, so if you wait too long, you may not be able to get the date or time that you want.
If you avoid these mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to getting beautiful maternity photos that you’ll cherish forever.