Maternity Photo Sessions - At Home, Outdoor or Studio?

Kirsty Hall
23 hours ago
8 min read

WHY CONSIDER A MATERNITY PHOTO SESSION?

Wait, do you even need to ask yourself this question? You, yes you, are doing an incredible job growing a human being inside your tummy for 9 long months which is one of the most important jobs you'll do in life, so I think you deserve an hour with a photographer to indulge in a little self-love and appreciation. You owe it to yourself to be the centre of attention, if only for a little while.

A NOT SO EASY JOURNEY TO PARENTHOOD

Like so many, perhaps your journey to this point has been filled with challenges and heartache which has tested your patience and resolve. If that is the case, be kind to yourself. One or two hours of photographs serves as a chance to honour the struggles you have faced, and will help you find joy in the anticipation of what lies ahead.

IT'S EASY TO FORGET YOUR PREGNANCY EXPERIENCE

YES, REALLY. How can you forget something so major in your life? Very easily. I remember talking to my mum about how I was as a baby and I just couldn't believe how much she couldn't recall! 9 months is such a small snippet of your life when you think about it. Remember, this is just the very beginning of your parenthood journey. Chapter 1. Step 1. 18 years on and you'll have a very hazy memory of this time so how wonderful would it be to have something enjoyable and memorable to reflect on.

So, now we've got the 'why'out the way let's get onto the 'how'. You need to decide on where to have those photos captured. Indoors, outdoors, or in a studio setting? It all hinges on the emotion you wish those images to portray. Would you prefer to be walking hand in hand with your loved one outdoors, or opt for more intimate and personal maternity images at home? Then there's a studio which gives an entirely different look again.

There is no right or wrong and there are plus points for all, so l'm going to help you decide.

WHAT STYLE OF MATERNITY PHOTOS IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Let's start with...

MATERNITY PHOTOS AT HOME

Your home is the most special place in your world, it's where you feel most comfortable but also, it's where your journey begins for the new addition in your life whether it's your first baby or your third! Here is likely the place where they'll do many of their 'firsts'. Smiling, crawling, walking. It's that cocoon where those signature early memories are made and where they are safe and loved.

When capturing maternity photos in your own home, it's best to maximize the use of natural light from windows and avoid using flash whenever possible. This approach yields results that appear more candid and unobtrusive, creating images that suggest the photographer wasn't present at all. A little glimpse into your day, into your life as a mum to be.

All that is required is a room with an adequate sized window that lets plenty of natural light in. This will most likely be the living room or the main bedroom. Pull up any blinds fully so that the room is as light as possible and ensure the room is at a comfortable temperature. You may want to expose that belly :-)

YOUR WARDROBE IS INSTANTLY ACCESSIBLE

The great thing about choosing your home as the place you'll have your maternity photos captured is that you have your wardrobe easily accessible if you want to change outfits. Swap between a wrap dress to simple vest and yoga pants in a few moments. You could set aside your choices the night before, so that you don't need to think about it on the day and can focus on enjoying your maternity photography experience.

NO NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THE WEATHER

It also goes without saying that if it's pouring outside - you're nice and dry inside. Even on cloudy days, you'll have sufficient light in order that flash photography won't be a necessity. The natural, story teller look created with window light alone, I feel, creates more intimate, snippets-of-daily-life style images.

FAMILIAR SETTING FOR OLDER SIBLINGS

In the comforts of home, brothers and sisters will be enthusiastic to get involved too and will relish a cuddle on the bed with mum and the bump. Try and stop them! They are the perfect way to inject some natural laughter into your pregnancy images, creating that sense of anticipation and curiousity. After all if they're little they really don't quite know what's happening but they do know it's something exciting albeit unbeknown to them, life changing!

GET COMFORTABLE AT HOME

As for the photos themselves, you may have a clear idea of what you'd like but if not then you'll be given lots of ideas to create authentic images you can't help but adore. Depending on how progressed your pregnancy is, you may want to stand, sit or lie down for your photographs. At home, it will be a lot easier to get comfortable. Your photographer will give direction if needed and offer advice for which rooms are best or which backgrounds have best potential to create the most eye catching images.

INCLUDE MEANINGFUL OR NOSTALGIC ITEMS

Perhap's you're a sentimental sort and you'll want something meaningful in your photos. That could be, for example a blanket that's been handed down, or a toy you've bought for your baby. Anything goes. Many couples choose to include their baby scan picture. I remember one couple I photographed wanted to include the mickey mouse toy they had bought for their baby.

AT HOME MATERNITY PHOTO SESSIONS - The PLUS points

Everything in your wardrobe to hand.

Can change outfits easily.

You don't need to worry about the weather.

More suitable if there are older siblings involved.

Personal comfort.

LET'S MOVE OUTSIDE...

OUTDOOR MATERNITY PHOTO SESSIONS

If you enjoy being outdoors or feel deeply connected in nature then choosing an outside location will set the right tone for your images, no matter what the season. Yes, even in winter. I always remember the mum who stood in frosty surroundings on the coldest of days in a stunning dress and no jacket, because that's what she wanted! (Her husband was on standby in the background ready to cover her bare arms when the shot had ended.) And actually, the contrast between her stunning dress against the bitter backdrop was very impactful. There are so many stunning locations in Edinburgh city and the surrounding Lothians. City, coast, park, woodland - we've got it all!

SET THE SCENE

Being in a natural environment means that the possibilities for background choices are endless. You also have the choice of appearing further away from the camera, providing real context for that shot. For example, instead of being at the forefront of an image, appearing smaller in a landscape can add great depth to the results, whether that's a favourite place to go on walks together or a location chosen simply for it's beauty. Wide open spaces can include stunning flora and fauna, fields, gates, bridges, steps, ornate doors... you name it. There are no rules; if you love a bit of rustic texture to contrast with your smooth and rounded belly, no doubt your photographer will find it!

SEASONAL MEMORIES

Being outdoors for your mum-to-be pictures, also provides a fond link to the season your little person made an appearance. Each season brings it's own narrative. In Spring you'll have blossom and bluebells, Autumn will be low sun, earthy tones and crisp leaves. Summer, blooms, beaches and coastal locations. Winter can be just as stunning.

ACCESSORISE EASILY

You may not be able to opt for a complete change of outift but instead, bring along a variety of accessories you can easily switch between for different shots. It's called a partner with a rucksack ;-) Scarves, jewellery, hats and hair accessories can really mix things up a bit.

A CALMING ENVIRONMENT

Perhaps you generally feel calmer and more at peace when outdoors. Breathe in the smells and sounds of your surroundings and appreciate the here and now.

couple expecting baby sitting in pretty gardens

FREEDOM!

If you're wanting your pregnant belly to be photographed in the company of any older siblings, being outdoors will give them more freedom to run off energy and there will be less chance of any boredom setting in. They'll make it obvious when they want to be included and your photographer will be ready to embrace that opportunity as it happens.

OUTDOOR MATERNITY PHOTO SESSIONS - The PLUS points

Choose a location that means something to you.

Older siblings can run around more freely.

More varied backgrounds for diversity.

Outdoors allows for more photos taken from afar.

Easily accessorize your outfit.

Feeling a bit more informed? So, we've covered maternity photos at home and outdoors which is what I offer as a photographer. But what if you want very clean and polished photos with no background distractions, more of a modern feel? Last but by no means least:

STUDIO MATERNITY PHOTO SESSIONS

Studios provide a much more controlled environment with very specific lighting, depending on your requirements and a sense of minimalist chic!

Because the backdrops will be plain, all the focus is on you and your beautiful pregnant tummy. Some may think this sort of setting rather indimidating but others completely adore the whole process of getting dressed up and feeling nothing less than fabulous. It's very popular with couples experiencing their first pregnancy.

If there are any other children present, they may also find the experience like being a superstar for an hour! There's something very exciting about the anticipation of a studio shoot because it's not the kind of place you would go to normally therefore it can feel particularly special.

Most decent maternity photo studios will have a box of props and other goodies for you to use, in particular a complete wardrobe of beautiful pregnancy gowns/dresses to choose from if you really want to have that stunning, goddess mum-to-be look for your photos. Rest assured, you will be treated like a goddess too!

Some studios may also offer a make up service, so you can be truly pampered and feel fabulous.

Expect regular breaks to change outfits accompanied with a refreshing drink. You will get looked after and leave feeling incredible. Having a studio shoot is a chance to be properly fussed over so lap every second up and enjoy the experience!

And the major positive here is that you don't have the weather to contend with.

STUDIO MATERNITY PHOTO SESSIONS -The PLUS points

No need to worry about the weather.

Feel fabulous and spoilt!

A completely different experience.

More than one outfit.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Perhaps you are now moving towards the right choice for you but additionally it is equally if not more important to choose the right photographer!

Simply looking online and seeing which kind of maternity photos jump out at you can be a great place to start. Pinterest is a great resource! It can take a while. Before you book a consultation call with someone, get a good feel for their work. Look at their socials, read their blog posts and check out any videos.

Thanks for reading! I hope this insight has given you much to digest and sets you on a clearer path towards your dream maternity photo session.