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Well…something…
in which you feel great!!
It sounds obvious but you need to feel at ease, comfortable and …pretty! It will boost your confidence during the session as well. This is also the reason why some Ladies decide to hire a Make-up artist and/or a hairdresser on the day.
Let’s face it. You can wear the most beautiful outfit but if it does not fit your personality and style, there is a pretty big chance you will end up with extra stress on the day.
It does not mean you cannot wear something extra fancy, sexy or even different. But rather more something in which you feel pampered, at ease and beautiful!
I know this does not help you really…so we will go into the details in a minute. Just remember these tips are general and you might want to adapt them to you. Contrasting colors are nice but if you do not vibrant colors, then choose something else!!
Stay put…there is a lot to read!
Here is my top 10 most important things to think
while choosing THE outfit(s).
Make sure your outfit will fit!
During pregnancy, your body changes tremendously to accommodate the growth of your Little One(s).
If you choose your outfit well in advance, make sure there is ROOM for an ever-changing body.
If you are tempted by buying a bigger size, choose wisely: you may not need a XXXL if you normally wear an XS.
While choosing the right dress, make sure the dress also fits your breasts area…
This is tricky especially if you buy it in advance but too much fabric in this area is a killer. You could try to see if it is possible to use clothespins at the back of the dress to stretch the extra fabric…
(ssshhhht, it is one of many secrets I use, it works most of the time, and yet nothing will be visible! 😉 )
Will the dress be suitable for the day of the shooting.
Is it a summer dress for a winter session?
Is my favourite cashmere pullover not too warm for a summer session ?
Make sure your outfit is SUITABLE FOR THE SEASON…although in the Netherlands you never know what to expect!
Is my favourite cashmere pullover not too warm for a summer session ?
Make sure your outfit is SUITABLE FOR THE SEASON…although in the Netherlands you never know what to expect!
Think about textures, softness and delicate fabrics.
It can create a nice, soft, cosy and refined atmosphere on your pictures.
So silk, wool, cashmere, gauze, chiffon…can create an evanescent, light and airy touch.
Try to choose a fabric with a SPECIAL TEXTURE & LIGHT WEIGHT.
Keep in mind, textures are visible and enhance the mood of your pictures.
Try to choose a fabric with a SPECIAL TEXTURE & LIGHT WEIGHT.
Keep in mind, textures are visible and enhance the mood of your pictures.
Fitted dresses vs Maxi dresses: what is the best for you?
Maxi dresses tend to be very flattering. While contouring your silhouette nicely and softly, it is yet very feminine and a powerful helping hand to conceal any insecurities you may have.
Maxi dresses tend to be very flattering. While contouring your silhouette nicely and softly, it is yet very feminine and a powerful helping hand to conceal any insecurities you may have.
Fitted dresses create also wonderful pictures. And no, it is not only for top model mothers! Do not worry about the contour of your silhouette as such, this is my job to choose the right angle and I know some extra tricks as well.
Both types of dresses have their advantages and cons.
If you have a very tiny belly, in this case go for fitted clothing as maxi dresses would not enhance your silhouette.
On the other side, some ladies told me they would prefer a fitted dress but fear the overall silhouette will not be pretty. As I said, I will make sure to shoot you on the right angle. Using your hair (if you have long hair!!) or some accessories (shawl, vest…) will help to gently cover an area. If you are not a fan of accessories, have a look at dresses with sleeves.
If you feel too worried, then a maxi dress might be the best choice for you.
If you have a very tiny belly, in this case go for fitted clothing as maxi dresses would not enhance your silhouette.
On the other side, some ladies told me they would prefer a fitted dress but fear the overall silhouette will not be pretty. As I said, I will make sure to shoot you on the right angle. Using your hair (if you have long hair!!) or some accessories (shawl, vest…) will help to gently cover an area. If you are not a fan of accessories, have a look at dresses with sleeves.
If you feel too worried, then a maxi dress might be the best choice for you.
In general, I would advice to go for a FLOOR LENGTH dress (you can be barefoot!): it tends to make your feminine silhouette longer and thinner.
KNEE LENGTH is also nice.
I would not recommend calf length dresses unless you are tall
as it tends to shrink the silhouette.
KNEE LENGTH is also nice.
I would not recommend calf length dresses unless you are tall
as it tends to shrink the silhouette.
Accessories are your session best friends.
Your BEST friend is your BELT.
It is a very easy way to enhance your baby bump no matter what you are wearing.
Try to find something simple, with a tinny width and cute.
A lovely ribbon can also work.
A belly sash as well.
A contrasting colour/texture can be a good idea.
Your BEST friend is your BELT.
It is a very easy way to enhance your baby bump no matter what you are wearing.
Try to find something simple, with a tinny width and cute.
A lovely ribbon can also work.
A belly sash as well.
A contrasting colour/texture can be a good idea.
Accessories such as jewelleries (long necklaces anyone?), flower headbands, hats, scarf, shoes should be considered as well as they bring an extra feminine touch!
As said before, accessories like shawls, vests and boleros can also be used to improve the overall silhouette.
Credit to Jennifer Simpson Photography
Patterns or no patterns…that is the question!
This is a tricky one…as it depends on the so-called pattern! I know this is super helpful right? 😀
What I mean is that if you are big patterns fan, you need to choose the right one.
Try to go for something classical and not what is the pattern of the year (few years ago, it was flamingo, then exotic leaves and so on…). You will keep your maternity pictures forever and you certainly want a TIMELESS PATTERN, which will not be outdated in two years.
And please no tiny stripes!
This is a tricky one…as it depends on the so-called pattern! I know this is super helpful right? 😀
What I mean is that if you are big patterns fan, you need to choose the right one.
Try to go for something classical and not what is the pattern of the year (few years ago, it was flamingo, then exotic leaves and so on…). You will keep your maternity pictures forever and you certainly want a TIMELESS PATTERN, which will not be outdated in two years.
And please no tiny stripes!
A good way to avoid any mistake, is to go for solid colours.
Credit to Esmerelde Bradley Photography
Colours you said? but which ones?
SOLID COLORS (textured sometimes) stand for classy and classical timeless styles. So it is hardto get it wrong really.
The general idea is to CREATE CONTRAST with what’s around you, either with your general outfit or with you accessories for instance.
So do not wear something green if you want to sit on spring grass unless you want a where’s Wally effect! 😀
SOLID COLORS (textured sometimes) stand for classy and classical timeless styles. So it is hardto get it wrong really.
The general idea is to CREATE CONTRAST with what’s around you, either with your general outfit or with you accessories for instance.
So do not wear something green if you want to sit on spring grass unless you want a where’s Wally effect! 😀
You could also think about complementary colour: wearing red for a shoot in a green forest will make you stand out for sure and it will look great.
You could also go for seasonal colours: softer and delicate in spring, brighter in summer…
If the daddy is joining you…
Then , there is some extra things to consider to HAVE A LOVELY CONTRAST.
Try to avoid wearing the exact same colours as your partner.
Coordinating your outfits is a great idea but it should not be overdone: you do not want to blend into each other!
You could also look at these general principles:
Who said only one outfit?
If possible try to PLAN ANOTHER OUTFIT if you have the possibility to change mid-session.
This will allow more creativity, different kind of pictures and will capture your maternity in a different way.
If possible try to PLAN ANOTHER OUTFIT if you have the possibility to change mid-session.
This will allow more creativity, different kind of pictures and will capture your maternity in a different way.
What about something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT in
style: fitted instead of ample
textures: soft wool instead of cotton
clothing type: trousers instead of dresses
pictures styles: partially dressed instead of fully dressed
style: fitted instead of ample
textures: soft wool instead of cotton
clothing type: trousers instead of dresses
pictures styles: partially dressed instead of fully dressed
One of my favorite is to use one of the daddy-to-be’s shirt. In a series of pictures where it is very often all about the mom and her belly, it brings a nice paternal touch. And yeah, some clothespins might be involved as well…but sssshhhht 😉
All credits to the Fount Collective PhotographyOr you could go for an airy and dramatic dresses.
All credits to Art of You PhotographyAnd let’s not forget the shoes.
Think about COMFORT & SAFETY!
A growing belly changes the gravity centre of your body.
You need to be able to enjoy the session while wearing your shoes and avoid any accident.
They need to be comfortable for your feet and your back.
Besides, you need to be able to stand firmly!!
Finally, consider that your legs and feet might get easily swollen.
A growing belly changes the gravity centre of your body.
You need to be able to enjoy the session while wearing your shoes and avoid any accident.
They need to be comfortable for your feet and your back.
Besides, you need to be able to stand firmly!!
Finally, consider that your legs and feet might get easily swollen.
Wearing your favourite Louboutin during a forest photoshoot will surely enhance your confidence but might not be the best idea!
I hope this gives your some ideas what to look for and what to avoid.
