Maternity sessions generally last between forty-five minutes to an hour, depending on the session type you’ve chosen and the number of people being photographed. During your maternity photo session you may choose to be photographed alone or with your children, husband and/or partner.
What to Wear
Clothing choice is an integral part of your final images. Choosing the right tones and fabrics helps to guarantee beautiful images! Below I’ve outlined a few things to consider when selecting outfits. In addition to these suggestions, you can find ideas on what to wear on my Pinterest boards found here and here.
When you’re a client of Kelli Dease Photography, you also have access to my studio wardrobe. Selections are available for the whole family. All of our pieces have neutral tones, and options for moms and little girls have soft, feminine details. Adult sizes range from size XS to XL. Children’s sizes start at 6 months. (Pieces for children 5 and older are a bit more limited, so be sure to review your options with the studio prior to your session.) You can take a peek at some of the options here. Keep in mind that this is not everything, and pieces are being added all the time!
Clients have the option to choose pieces the day of their session (for in-studio sessions), or set up a wardrobe consultation and come into the studio, browse through the wardrobe and try things on.
If you are being photographed with your children, spouse, or partner, consider selecting a palette of 2-3 coordinating colors and select outfits within the palette for each family member. Keep colors simple and neutral using a range of light tones.
If you are having trouble putting outfits together, I am here to help you shop! Just email the studio and I’ll put together a style/inspiration board, combining pieces available in the studio wardrobe with pieces that I find online from some of my favorite stores. I will also send you links for each piece that I find online so that you can go directly to the website and purchase them if you wish. Just be sure to plan in advance, leaving enough time for shipping and exchanges!
Prior to your session I recommend that you don’t wear anything too tight – you don’t want marks on your skin. During your session you may wear anything that you feel comfortable in, and as much or as little clothing as you like. The following suggestions are simply provided as guidelines:
- Simple and neutral colored clothing in muted tones works best: Whites, creams, soft grays, light shades of pink, rose, peach, taupe, etc.
- Bohemian or peasant style dresses with a subtle texture, such as lace.
- Cotton or lycra dresses that hug the belly.
- Any top or sweater that opens down the front.
- Fitted or stretchy tanks, or tube tops in solid colors, paired with a long, flowy skirt.
- White or off-white underwear of any form; boy shorts, thongs or bikinis.
- Scarves, shawls or wraps.
For the men:
- Men should wear chinos or other casual style bottoms, in light, muted tones.
- Solid colored tops, such as a Henley or t-shirt, in soft, neutral tones. Layers are great; wear the t-shirt under a crew- or v-neck sweater or jacket.
If you do choose to have some nude or semi-nude photographs done and would not like those images to be available for public viewing (such as on my website) I completely understand. Just let me know and I will most certainly respect your privacy.
What Not To Wear
As important as what to wear is what NOT to wear. Please avoid:
- Anything with logos, graphics, or bold patterns
- Black or darkly colored clothing
- Dark jeans
- Athletic shoes
- Wrinkled or stretched out clothing
- Tops that do not fully reach over the belly
- Maternity pants or skirts with large elastic waistbands
- (For men) Button-up dress shirts, blazers, ties or other formal styles
Remember to Bring:
- Any special items you would like included in the photo session
- A hairbrush, hairspray and make-up for touch-ups. Blotting paper, to absorb excess facial oil, are great to have on hand, too.
- Wrinkle release spray (if needed)
Outdoor Sessions and the Weather
The downside to being a natural light photographer is that I am dependent on the sun to cooperate with me and, this being New England, we all know how unreliable the weather (and the weather men) can be. So, while I will keep an eye on the weather on the days leading up to your session, unless it looks like rain is 100% guaranteed, I will not cancel until the DAY OF the session. I realize that this may be a bit inconvenient but the reason that I do it this way is because I have postponed too many times the day before a session due to predicted rain, only to wake up to sunshine and perfect weather! However, YOU can postpone at any time before the session if you would rather not take a chance on the weather or wait until the last minute.
