What to Wear for Your Maternity Photo Session {San Antonio Maternity Photographer}

I’ve been wanting to do a “What to Wear” feature on my blog for a while now, and am excited to finally get it going! A big thank you to Bloom Maternity for letting me use images of their gorgeous maternity clothing for this post and for providing a DISCOUNT CODE* (see the bottom of the post for 10% off Bloom Maternity apparel!)  Perhaps it is a little self-serving to start this feature off with maternity information (I’m now in my third trimester, guys! CRAZY!), but here we go!

Tops:

The goal of a maternity session is to show off that lovely baby bump, so I recommend a nice, fitted top that doesn’t have a busy pattern.   The longer the sleeve, the more flattering for the arms.  A cardigan with a fitted tee shirt is another great look that can easily be manipulated to show off your bump.   Try to avoid anything voluminous or loose.  While those nice, flowing peasant tops may be comfortable, those sort of tops only show off your shape when there is movement, and are not ideal for a photograph.  (Hint: if you show up to a maternity session with me in a flowing top, I will probably clip it back.  Don’t say I didn’t warn you!)

 

Bottoms:

The key with bottoms is to make sure that they create some definition under the belly as opposed to just creating a slope.  Pants and jeans can either be flared (though not TOO flared) to help balance out your top half, or they can be a legging/skinny fit.  If going for a skinny fit, I recommend pairing it with a longer top.  If your pants happen to have a panel, we can fold it down in order to avoid having it stick out through your top.  Skirts are also a great option.  I recommend a long maxi skirt for maternity photo sessions.  Maxi skirts hug that baby bump and drape off nicely to give you a long, lean look.

Dresses:

A dress that shows off your curves is absolutely fabulous for a maternity photo session! Look for a dress that either wraps or one that has a tie/waist below the bust.  Both styles will create definition and will help you avoid the “potato sack” look.  In the summer, maxi dresses are a perfect option.  For a winter session, a sweater dress with leggings or tights creates a great look.

 

A plug for maternity photos:

I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t felt like the most gorgeous version of myself since being pregnant, and getting my picture taken sounds about as fun as a trip to the dentist.  However,  I know my daughter will one day want to see what I looked like when I was pregnant with her.  I know that because I wish I knew what my mom looked like when she was pregnant with me.  Unfortunately, my mom never took a picture during those 9 months.   When I think of the maternity photos less in terms of me and more in terms of my little girl, the concept is infinitely more appealing.

To make the session even MORE appealing, you will get your hair and makeup done professionally before the shoot.  Not only will that give you the chance to enjoy some much needed pampering before the baby comes, it will also help ensure that you look like the very best version of yourself for your photos.  If you are wondering when during the pregnancy you should plan on having your maternity session, the best time will probably be during the first half of the third trimester, (28-35 weeks) depending on how soon you start showing.  Book both a maternity and newborn session with me to receive a discount!

Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what to wear for you session, and/or are a bit more motivated to schedule one!  If you have any questions about clothing, booking a session, or just want to say hello, be sure to contact me or leave a comment!

*Enter the following discount code at checkout with Bloom Maternity: RachelMchardy

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Check out their blog: http://bloommaternity.wordpress.com