How to Take Your Own Maternity Photos

Click for outfit and makeup details.

Before you go out and spend a hundo (or more) hear me out. I took (actually my husband took) my own maternity photos for several reasons, and I bet they apply to you too.

You see, those precious maternity shots are something I loved and longed for and didn't get with my first pregnancy. But there is also something so precious about them that I didn't really want to print them and hang them all over the house. So I still couldn't justify spending money to have a professional photo session. That's when I decided to do a little research and planning so that we could take them ourselves.

You can too!

Follow my tips and tricks to get some great shots of you, in all your glowing glory, and save some money too!

Preparation

1. Create a maternity pinterest board to file inspiration for poses, outfits, and hair/makeup you like!
2. Determine the general look you want to go for using your favorite pins.
3. Pick out an outfit that fits that look. You can buy something new or use something you already own... that's up to you. You can find my outfit details here.
4. Practice your hair and make up ahead of time. That way you'll know what you want to do that day.

• TIP #1: In my own research I found that matte makeup is best (especially when you're not a professional) because the camera will already pick up every shine and wrinkle, and you don't want to intensify it.
• TIP #2: One area where shine is great is the hair, so spritz on some hair shine like this Shea Moisture Hold and Shine Moisture Mist I used.
• TIP #3: Make you're lips and eyes pop by over exaggerating (darker colors are great) your makeup in those areas.

Planning

1. Check the weather many times!!! Look for a day that has some overcast clouds and with temperatures that will work with what you're wearing. You will get the best results if you're not freezing your bum off or glistening with sweat. We started our chosen day with nice overcast skies but by the time we got out there it was all sunshine... however, it did make the pictures nice and vibrant.
2. Choose a location that works well for you and what you're wearing. I chose this old stone bridge because of how my dress (and any bright colors) would pop against it... because this photo shoot was all about little baby belly and me after all.
3. Gather any props that you might want: hat, sweater, I've seen gender colored (pink and blue) ribbon, or baby outfits and shoes are also popular. I just went with a simple sweater over my dress to help define my waist/belly.
4. Make sure your camera batteries are charged!!!

 

 

The Day Of

1. Take a lot of photos!!! The more you take, the more likely there will be a handful of winners!
2. Be kind to your husband and gently direct him in what you would like: wide angle, vertical, full body, close ups of belly and hands, just the face to the belly, etc.
3. Face the light so you aren't in shadows or find a shaded area so you're whole body is shaded. With the sun out, like it decided to do when we took these, I had some harsh shadows on my face, but on the other hand it helped define my belly nicely.
4. Use those poses you pinned on pinterest and just keep taking pictures.

• TIP #4: Try cradling your belly to give it shape if you're wearing a dress that hides the shape.
• TIP #5: Look down at your belly lovingly for some, but make sure you also get some of you looking up toward the camera as happy as can be too!
• TIP #6: Do some close ups of just your belly and hands.
• TIP #7: if you want your hair to look like it has tons of body, do a quick swish of it over to one side.

Last of all, crop and edit your favorites then print one or two for the nursery and as a keep sake.

I just love how all colors in the sky and bridge are reflected in my outfit. I also love my husband for putting up with so many photo shoots, he really is learning how to photograph my outfits and creations well!

So, do you think you're going to try taking your own pictures or will you hire out?