What to wear for maternity photos?
Expectant mothers often ask me about what to wear for their maternity photo shoot. Many wonder if they need to buy new clothes, if outfits are provided, and if the options are size-inclusive. It’s important to remember that you have the freedom to show as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. To help you choose the perfect outfit for your maternity photos, here’s a guide that offers a variety of options suitable for everyone.
For more information: Maternity Photographer Philadelphia
When it comes to your maternity photo shoot in Philadelphia, it’s important that the session reflects your personal preferences and style. Whether you prefer a simple or glamorous look, there are many options available for you to choose from. You may want to step out of your comfort zone and try something unique, or stick with a classic look. As a photographer, I work closely with my clients to determine the best styling options for their session. Clients can browse a wardrobe gallery or draw inspiration from my website, social media pages, or blog posts.
For more information on: Maternity and pregnancy photography techniques and tips | Maternity photoshoot Philadelphia
Here are some options that you can wear for your maternity session:
Gowns, dresses and robes
Maternity dresses and gowns are specifically designed to fit various sizes and body types, which is especially beneficial for bodies that are constantly changing during pregnancy. Flowy or ruffled gowns usually come with an elastic waist, while structured bodices or corsets often have a lace-up back. Knit gowns that hug the body more closely are typically made with a lot of stretch to fit different sizes. In the case of petite moms, we can adjust the size of dresses by clamping the back. Sheer dresses with backlighting create an ethereal effect and beautifully accentuate the curves of the mother’s body. A robe can be a fantastic choice for your maternity session as it offers flexibility and can fit a range of sizes. It can be worn open or closed depending on your preference. It is very versatile, I love to incorporate it with slip dresses or bodysuits.
Fabric
Incorporating different fabrics is a simple way to add variety to your maternity session. We can use fabrics in a dramatic toss, drape it as a dress, or wrap it around your body to showcase your baby bump. Even with just a single piece of fabric, there is a great variety of looks we can create to highlight your bump.
Bodysuit
Wearing maternity bodysuits for photos is a great option as they can accentuate and highlight the baby bump in a unique way. With various designs such as rhinestones, velvet, or sheer pieces, they add a touch of glamour and contemporary feel to the portraits.
Implied nudity
While nude maternity photography may not be for everyone, it’s still worth considering. It’s possible to be photographed tastefully in a way that showcases your bump while keeping all other parts covered.
What about sizing?
Most of the outfits in my maternity client wardrobe are designed to be very versatile in terms of sizing. The pieces I source for my clients can be adjusted to fit most moms with elastic waists, open fronts, or corset top.
How many outfits can I wear during a session?
Opting for a studio session provides greater flexibility in terms of wardrobe choices and privacy, allowing moms to feel more comfortable in wearing less or more revealing outfits. The controlled and comfortable environment also allows for more outfit changes and experimentation with unique concepts and styling. Depending on the desired combination of dresses, fabric, and bodysuits/nude looks, it is possible to achieve about 6 different looks during a studio session.
Family maternity session
When it comes to family maternity photos, it is important to coordinate the outfits of all family members to create a cohesive look. Colors and styles should complement each other, but not necessarily match completely. It’s also a good idea to avoid busy patterns and stick to solid colors or subtle prints. If you have older children, some of the maternity gowns are available in matching girl dresses.
In conclusion, there are many options available when it comes to choosing outfits for maternity photoshoots in Philadelphia. From flowy gowns and robes to bodysuits and sheer dresses, there is something for every personal preference and taste. Maternity clothing is designed to accommodate a wide range of sizes and body types, making it easy to find something that works for you. The flexibility of a studio sessions allows for a greater range of looks and styles, while outdoor sessions require consideration of location and season. Coordinating outfits for family maternity photos is also important to create a cohesive and visually pleasing image. Ultimately, the most important thing is for the mom-to-be to feel comfortable and confident in what she is wearing, as this will show through in the final photos.
