Planning Your
MATERNITY
Session
Hi there! I’m so excited to be working with your family and can’t wait to see you soon! I hope this guide will help make this as stress free as possible for you, but please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need any additional help picking out outfits. I’m more than happy to send over some links to outfits that will work for your family if you need help!
- karla
WHAT TO WEAR
Here are a few general tips to keep in mind…
01
BE PREPARED
It’s never too early to start shopping! Have outfits picked out well in advance and make sure everyone tries them on to make sure they fit. Give yourself plenty of time in case you need to exchange for a different size, etc.
COLOR palette
When you think about the color palette for everyone’s outfits, pick colors that go with the decor in your home so that when you hang the pictures on your walls it will go with your home decor. Neutrals are my favorite because they are timeless and they’ll go with anything as you change home decor in the future.
I always recommend that clients pick a color palette of either warm neutrals (light beige, white/ off white, blush pink, sage green) or cool neutrals (light gray, light blue, white). Black is also a classic neutral that photographs beautifully in the studio. Choose clothing with those colors, and it’s always nice for one person to have a subtle pattern (i.e. floral) or texture (i.e. lace) to add some interest, instead of everyone wearing solid colors.
Avoid bright colors– The light will bounce off your clothing and create color casts on your skin that are unflattering.
02
03
WHERE TO START
Once you choose your color palette, I always recommend picking mom’s outfit first and then picking out all of the other outfits to coordinate with mom’s dress.
For maternity sessions, you’re not limited to maternity dresses. Look for a maxi dress that has a defined waist (empire waist) and flowy at the bottom.
FABRIC CHOICES
Pick one outfit with a subtle pattern (think subtle floral pattern) and then all other outfits should be in neutrals and colors that go with that pattern. Choose fabrics such as cotton, linen and gauze; avoid satin and shiny or heavy fabrics.
04
MATERNITY SESSION INSPIRATION
Here are some different looks from recent maternity sessions using my studio wardrobe…
SHOW OFF YOUR BUMP..
Choose a fitted dress or wear a sports bra or crop top to show off your baby bump. Here are some inspiration pictures from a recent session…
Styling your family...
moms
Choose a flowy maxi dress or a fitted dress to show off your baby bump. Prematernity jeans with a button down shirt, sports bra or crop top is also a great choice to show off your baby bump.
Soft, neutral colors such as off white, white, light beige, light gray, blush pink and light blue are great choices. Black is also classic and photographs beautifully in the studio. Avoid busy patterns– If you want to incorporate a pattern I recommend choosing a subtle floral pattern. Lace dresses are also nice to add some texture. Otherwise, a solid colored dress works great.
dads
A neutral colored henley or lightweight sweater with khaki chinos work great for dads. Some dads prefer to wear a collared button up shirt, and that is fine too. A light gray linen button up is a great option. Khaki Chinos are recommended for dads as opposed to jeans.
girls
A dress in a lightweight fabric works great for girls. For younger girls, make sure it’s easy for them to move in (avoid a-line dresses). For toddlers, a romper also works great so you don’t have to worry about their diaper showing if they’re moving around. At the very least, make sure if little ones are wearing a dress that they’re wearing a coordinating diaper cover.
boys
Linen overalls are a favorite for young toddlers. For toddlers and older boys, a simple t-shirt or henley in a neutral color with khaki chinos works great. For toddlers and babies, avoid collared shirts since they tend to hide part of their face when they’re moving around.
client wardrobe
Click on the link below to see the dresses that are available to borrow in my Client Wardrobe. Please send me a screen shot of any of the dresses that you’d like to borrow for the session.
HAIR AND MAKE UP
I highly recommend that moms schedule hair and make up to ensure they look their best for their session.
Pink Palette Artists can come to your home before your in home session, or to my studio for a studio session. For an in home session, I recommend scheduling hair and make up at your home one hour before your photo session. If you’re doing a studio session and want to schedule hair and make up, please let me know and I’ll coordinate the timing.
Click on the link below for more information about to check availability for Pink Palette Artists. If they’re not available and you need other recommendations, please let me know!
LOCATIONS
Studio
Outdoor location #1
Outdoor location #2
Outdoor location #3
CHECKLIST
- Mom's Dress
- Outfits for Siblings
- Outfit for Dad
- Jewlery- none or minimal (nothing that draws attention)
- Shoes- neutral colored or bare foot
- Hair and make up appointment- Pink Palette Artists
- Nail appointment for Mom- light colored neutral nail polish
Thank You!
Thanks for taking the time to read through this!
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck on what to wear, please send me an e-mail. I’m happy to put together a personalized sytle board for you and your family!
BRITTANYAVENUEPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM
