How to make the most of your maternity shoot!

There are so many locations to choose from when deciding to do a photoshoot. Let yours be unique and embody who you are as a person.

I am new to the blogging world, but I couldn't let my maternity photo shoot go to waste. I want to brag on my photographer, Kelsey Young for always having the best locations, best poses, and best personality. It is so important to vibe with your photographer. I'll share some easy steps on how we came up with our maternity session.

Location, Location, Location

“One day you'll be staring at the blessing you have always dreamed about.” -Unknown

Location is everything, so we're told. My photographer had a list of locations that she likes to use, but she also gave us the freedom, with a fee of course, to choose where we wanted our shoot to be. It's always great to ask your photographer what your options are. After all, the shoot should embody who you are. For me personally, I felt like "mother nature" the entire time I was pregnant. I was this person growing ANOTHER person. Like wow, it is amazing that our bodies can do that. I wanted to feel powerful during our photoshoot. Originally, I wanted to shoot on a farm because I'm a southerner and that's just what we do, but when Kelsey shared with me a potential location at a greenhouse. My mind was changed. I could now see how I wanted to be represented. Me, Mother Nature, a GODDESS. Okay, I'll simmer down. haha but come on, our shoot turned out amazing and it was everything and more that I wanted. Not to mention, I felt like our location was unique and when scrolling through instagram it was rare that I came across anything like it. I love feeling unique and special so that is how I came to choose a greenhouse for my maternity photoshoot session.

Strike a Pose!

Let's be honest, you're probably not a paid model and neither am I! Good news is you don't have to be. Tell your photographer that you are awkward at poses. Tell them you have inverted elbows, I have them and I have to be very aware of them when taking pictures or else I will look very unnatural. Tell your photographer your okay with being held and jumping... or not. Get creative. The more they know about you the more fun it will be. Don't be afraid to sit down, stand up, or get on the ground. Be bold, it will pay off literally.

Wardrobe Change

“Half of you, Half of me, Together we'll always be”

Okay, so I spent a lot of time and not too much money on finding the perfect dress for my shoot. It wasn't exactly a maternity dress, but I did a lot of research and by that I mean I READ THE REVIEWS. I simply sized up and found the dress of my dreams. I shopped Vici Dolls for the pale pink dress i'm wearing in the pictures I provided. My photographer was SO sweet and brought me different dress options too! I barely fit in them because, well, I was pregnant, but it turned out so cute! So ask your photographer if she has a wardrobe you can pull from. I'm definitely balling on a budget because we are living off of one income right now, so it was such a sweet treat for me. By the way, the dress I did buy was between $50-60 which was super affordable compared to the $100-400 maternity dresses I was looking at. Either way, if you can I would suggest trying multiple outfits during your shoot. Oh & for the love of all things beautiful please pick out your partners outfit. IT MATTERS. Some men just don't have great taste or match your aesthetic so take charge and make them look nice too. Neutrals are always the way to go for men if you are stumped for inspiration.

JUST HAVE FUN

Most Importantly, have fun! Oh and for you pregnant mama's don't forget to eat before hand or take a snack. Aint nothin like a hungry mama!