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Heather is a wedding photographer based near Redding, California, traveling world-wide.

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4 Tips for Your Maternity Photoshoot

Maternity Session in the Mountains Inspiration

Maternity sessions are incredibly special and amongst my favorite sessions to photograph. These images highlight a pivotal moment in a woman’s life – the moment where she transforms from a woman into a mother. This is such a special time and it is my belief that it is incredibly important to capture this moment so that it can be remembered for years to come. Here are four tips for your maternity photoshoot.

Timing

Maternity sessions are best when booked within a certain window of time. You want for your belly to be close to full, but not so full that you are uncomfortable or have difficulty moving around during your photo session. I generally recommend to my expecting mothers to book their session between 30-36 weeks for the best experience.

Posing

You do not need to worry about how to pose yourself during your session as this is something that I help guide all of my clients with! Maternity posing is generally very gentle and easy to navigate.

Location

Maternity photoshoots can be located anywhere and really depends on your personal preference! This session for example took place along the Trinity River in the mountains. The most important part of location is ensuring that there is optimal lighting. As a general rule the best lighting occurs within an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset.

Outfits

There are many different outfit options for maternity photoshoots – from dresses to a casual jean and t-shirt look. The most important part is making sure that you are comfortable! Choose items that you feel comfortable and confident in (don’t be afraid to bring a few options!). I recommend avoiding busy patterns, vibrant colors, and logos. Opt for texture, flowy fabric, and muted tones. Clothing with movement is always fun to play with during sessions!