Tips To Planning A DIY Maternity Shoot
1) Figure out your theme — Whether it’s a tasteful black and white nude, a chiffon dreamscape or a floral milk bath, pick a theme that is doable for you and can be achieved on whatever budget you have to work on.
2) Make a shot list! — Organization is key. Just like any photographer, you want to be able to get a good mix of full body, mid’s and close up’s for variety.
3) Plan your outfit(s) — Now that you’ve picked your theme, you can refer to it while making wardrobe decisions. I suggest having between 2-3 options that you can change into during the shoot. And who knows, you might wake up not feeling the outfit you picked the night before and will be grateful you have others prepped to choose from. Also pro tip: You might not be comfortable exposing your skin to the whole world and that’s totally okay! Just pick something thats formfitting to show off that gorgeous bump and the rest of your body can be wrapped in something flowy.
4) Pick a date — Somewhere around 32-35 weeks is great; you’re at “full bloom” but not likely to rush to the hospital or wherever you’re choosing to birth.
5) Whose on the invite list — think about whether you’d like your partner in the photos, kids, dogs or parents involved or solo time for you and baby.
6) Play with your lighting — If you’re doing something like a chiffon shoot/behind a chiffon curtain or in a flowing dress, you’ll want to consider light from behind to see that bump/body shape in an artful way.
7) Take the time to connect with baby — it can be easy to get lost in wanting a perfect picture, but if you take that time during your shoot to connect mindfully with baby, it’ll come across in your face and the outcome will be that much sweeter.
xoxo,
Christianne AKA MiLOWE Mom
