Woodbridge Maternity Photographers – A Fellow Photographer’s Maternity shoot

As Woodbridge maternity photographers, it’s always fun to think back on your firsts. Right?! Well sometimes. For us, there was nothing scarier than shooting our first maternity shoot for a fellow photographer that you look up to. 

She allowed us to use her studio and we had the task of choosing the poses and making sure the lighting was as close to perfect as much as possible. 

We did four looks for her, one of which we styled on her with grey fabric to show her pretty baby bump. We told jokes to get her to loosen up because even though she’s a photographer, just like our other clients; she didn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera. 

What we learned from doing the shoot that we think will help soon-to-be moms for their maternity shoot.

When to Schedule Your Maternity Photoshoot

As maternity photographers, we suggest you schedule your photoshoot when you’re around 32-38 weeks. By this time your beautiful bump should be well-formed. If planning to do them outside, golden hour is always best. If indoors, pick a studio that has natural light or plenty of artificial lighting. Don’t worry, we will ask you questions to figure out what is the best option for you.

What to wear

We suggest you choose outfits that you love and are comfortable in. Don’t be afraid to go bold. These images are a way for you to remember this special time in your life. Go ahead and choose your favorite color. If you don’t like heels, go barefoot. These sessions are usually an hour or can be longer depending upon your outfit changes. Again, be comfortable but you can have your heels nearby if you want to do a few boudoir-style shots.

Solo or Family Shoot?

For the most part, this is the last time that you will be the center of attention without someone asking to see pictures of your little one. Why not focus on yourself? You can also include your significant other and future siblings in some of the photos. But if you plan to include little children, we suggest getting the poses with them out of the way first. Their attention span starts to dwindle if the shoot goes too long. 

If you’re looking for experienced maternity photographers in DC, Maryland, Virginia or beyond, fill out our contact form. You can also learn more about us or check out our portrait experience page.