Maternity Client Guide
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SESSION
During our time together, your main priority is to have fun and relax as much as possible (easier said than done sometimes I know). I know the idea of posing can seem really daunting. I'm here to make it feel effortless and fun.
If there is a pose on my insta grid that you think captures the vibe you want to achieve, please send it to me via dm. We can have a few reference photos for inspo throughout our session.
If your partner is anything like mine (not stoked to be in front of the camera), I know how you feel and I've got you. I take all the pressure out of posing by keeping things as candid as possible.
I talk about this more in my Style Guide Section, but I think it’s particularly important for you to feel comfortable and beautiful during your maternity shoot.
This means selecting an outfit that highlights your beautiful bump and minimises the areas you may feel a bit self-conscious about (for me, that’s my upper arms and thighs).
Leading up to your shoot, please take it easy and prioritise rest, even if it’s a lazy day around home or an afternoon nap on the couch. Also please ensure you’ve had something to eat and are well hydrated - bring snacks and a water bottle if needed.
Maternity sessions are held outdoors during golden hour (the hour or so around sunrise or before sunset). During this time the light is softer, more flattering and has a golden glow - hence the name ‘golden hour’.
A maternity session is a wonderful chance slow down and connect with your little one and create some beautiful images to share with them in years to come.
Not your first pregnancy? Siblings, partners and fur babies are all welcome, or you can go solo for an intimate one-on-one session to celebrate you and your body.
Pregnancy is hard, even if your journey has been relatively simple and low risk. By 32+ weeks, you’re likely tired, sore and maybe even a bit over it!
I get it - but trust me, it’s better to have these photos and not do anything with them, then regret not having them at all.
STYLE GUIDE
I have a confession to make... I used to underestimate the importance of choosing the right outfit for photoshoots.
Now don't get me wrong, I will capture beautiful photos regardless of what you're wearing, But I've come to realise that the right outfit choice can really enhance the overall look and feel of your images.
Styling helps to tell your story. The right styling can make you feel beautiful and comfortable in front of the camera. But knowing what to wear isn't always easy, so I've created style guide to give you a little inspiration and help you select the right outfits that make you feel amazing.
If you need a new outfit, but don’t necessarily want to buy something that you may not wear again? Mama Rentals is an amazing Australian outfit hire option for photoshoots. I’m very proud to offer my clients a 15% discount with Mama Rentals, simply use the code “meeganwilmotphotography” at checkout.
They have a wide range of pregnancy and post-natal outfits that you can hire specifically for photoshoots, events or baby showers. My favourite pieces include the We Are Reclamation Chiffon Delight Gown, the Coven & Co Raven Lace Robe, the Co & Ry Audrey Dress, or the Petal and Pup Bambina Knit Dress (for the cooler months).
Alternatively, you’re welcome to use items from my Client Closet and build your family’s outfit around them.
I'm also always here to help, so if you're a little unsure, please reach out via email or text message.
ACCENTUATE YOUR BUMP
Accentuate your bump with beautiful flowy dresses / skirts or get your belly out for some tasteful semi-nude shots. A flowy style of outfit will fall nicely over your bump and allow us to create movement during our session.
In my opinion, neutrals paired with soft / muted colours are timeless and age well. Try to avoid blacks, super bright colours and overly busy prints.
When it comes to picking your colour palette, start by selecting one or two base colours that complement each other to build the rest of your outfit choices around them.
Don’t be afraid to add in some texture - adding layers, simple patterns, textures and accessories to your outfits will help create depth and interest in your images.
I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again… the most important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in what you’re wearing.
CONSIDER LOCATION & WEATHER
When planning your outfit choices, it's important to keep the location of your photoshoot in mind. For example, if your shoot is in a beautiful green park, it would be best to avoid green tones so that you don't fade into the background.
The location of your shoot can also impact the style of clothing and shoes you may choose to wear (for example, you probably wouldn’t wear a super formal dress to the beach!).
AVOID LOGOS, STRIPES, & DARK COLOURS
Logos, text and characters on the front or back of t-shirts and jumpers can draw the eye and be very distracting in photos. It's best to avoid them all together and opt for plain choices instead - fellas, I'm looking at you!
I would also recommend avoiding dark colours (aside from dark underwear if going semi-nude) as this can disguise your bump.
HAIR & MAKEUP
I recommend wearing your hair out or at least partially out during the session as you'll often be posed looking down at your bump with your hair falling past your cheek. For this reason, I also recommend freshly washed hair as un-washed hair can be very noticeable and difficult to edit.
Tidy fingernails are also a must, for you and your partner as we’ll capture some close ups of hands on your bump.
Like clothing, makeup is also best kept fairly natural and neutral. Read my blog article 5 camera-friendly makeup tips for more suggestions.
Please mindful that fake tans and some foundations can throw orange tones. On the topic of tan lines, it's common to naturally develop tan lines over the warmer months, so it's best to keep that in mind when selecting outfit choices.