It has been awhile since we featured a maternity session but when this pretty one from Lauren Ayres Photography popped in my inbox I knew it was time for a maternity session to grace these pages. Obviously, pregnancy is such a special time in our lives and what better way to capture it then with a photo session with a great photographer? If you are considering a maternity session Lauren offers some very helpful advice on everything from when to schedule your session to what to wear. A big thanks to Lauren for lending her expertise and gorgeous photos with us today!
From Lauren…. Lisa and Jim are just about the cutest couple you could meet. I photographed this session on their college campus in Hoboken, NJ where they first met. But these two were destined to meet. It just so happens they both grew up in Brooklyn and realized their families knew each other. In fact their grandfathers were both on the same WWII navy ship and have a photo together, so it turns out their meeting and falling in love was fate! They are welcoming their first child in October. Lisa enjoys baking and even has her own side business so we decided what better way to showcase their new daughter’s name then to display it on some home made cookies. And the cookies happen to match their outfits beautifully. These photographs were taken during the golden hour with a little bit of cloud cover that day. The light falling on them was truly perfect.
Lauren’s tips for mamas considering maternity shoots…..The best time in the pregnancy to shoot a maternity session really depends on the woman. The whole point of a maternity session is to showcase the belly. You want to have a nice full bump but not be too big to the point where you’re uncomfortable walking around and getting up and down. Generally this is around 32-36 weeks but it’s really different for every woman and how they carry. Lisa was only 30 weeks when we shot her session and she has a nice defined bump!
As for what to wear this goes without saying but you want to wear something that compliments and shows off the bump. I tend to think fitted maternity clothing is much more flattering than loose trapeze style clothes. I’m currently obsessed with fitted maxi dresses because they are easy to find, come in about every color imaginable, and can be affordable!
If your husband or significant other is going to be joining you in the session you should definitely coordinate your outfits without being matchy matchy. Create a Pinterest board or look to other boards for inspiration. Get creative and if you have a great accessory you want to wear or pair of shoes build a board around that. And of course ask your photographer for suggestions and help. I love helping my clients choose their wardrobe because it’s half the fun of creating a beautiful session.
In general no matter what you decide avoid busy obnoxious patterns and logos. Also, make sure you are both comfortable in the outfits you choose. Do they feel like you? Can you move around comfortably? Do you feel beautiful/handsome? Test out sitting on a chair, sitting on the ground, laying down, and crossing your legs. Does your outfit allow you to do these things. We want to make sure that you aren’t limited because of your outfit choice.
One last recommendation I make is for my mothers to be to have their hair and makeup done the day of our session. Honestly it’s always nice to be pampered and you want to feel and look your best when you show up to our session. Lisa had her hair cut and blown out a few hours before we met. I think for me personally having my hair and makeup done gives me a confidence boost and that’s what I want for my ladies!
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