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Tips For Beautiful Maternity Photography

Tips For Beautiful Maternity Photography

Recently my husband and I were approached by friends, family and strangers (!) for some tips on shooting maternity sessions. This shoot at 37 weeks was my last one and little did we know how much stir it would create! My husband and I both love photography and we always viewed What Would V Wear® as an online destination, not only for fashion inspiration, but also a place to learn—hence we decided to spill the beans on how to shoot beautiful maternity sessions.

Posing and Angles

This is probably the most important when shooting an expectant mama-to-be. It’s all about finding the right pose and angles. You want to accentuate her growing baby bump without making her feel uncomfortable (believe me there were plenty of shots of me where I felt anything but attractive!). Hence we always try and focus on the bump + we’ve learned that side profiles typically work best. But keep in mind that there are all types of body types, which means there are countless ways women can carry a baby so, you need treat each individual differently.

Keep It Natural

Sometimes posing in front of a camera can be very imitating and it feels unnatural. It’s important that when you look down at your belly that your head isn’t completely tilted at a weird angle…it can look unnatural and create a double chin. I personally like to fixate slightly away from my bump, and don’t forget to smile! A beautiful smile always creates the best pictures!

Composition

It’s all about composition and I cannot stress this enough. It’s all about being creative and finding the right mood, i.e. setting. I think of a theme first, followed by color, angles and breaking rules. I’ve always loved maternity shoots by the beach…It’s calming and soothing. And last but not least: Just have fun! It’s a celebration hence maternity shoots should never be stressful.

How about you?! Do you have any photography tips? If so, leave us a comment below! We would love to hear from you!

XOXO

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57 Comments

  2. GlossyU
    March 27, 2017 / 1:32 AM

    In my opinion, pregnant women look gorgeous. 🙂 These photos are great and the tips are interesting. Love the dress.

    Xo, Adriana

    http://glossyu.com

    Reply
  5. Jasna Zellerhoff
    March 27, 2017 / 5:02 AM

    You look absolutely amazing hun! Great tips, hope you have a lovely Monday xx

    Reply
  7. Andrea Nine
    March 27, 2017 / 5:44 AM

    Great tips, GORGEOUS you!!!! Happy Monday darling!! xoxoxox

    Reply
  8. Rach
    March 27, 2017 / 6:32 AM

    You look so beautiful!! I love that white dress! These are great tips and hopefully I can use them one day 🙂 I hope you are doing well love!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
  10. Cora
    March 27, 2017 / 8:06 AM

    Beautiful photos….love it…
    Have a nice start in a week…

    Reply
  15. Tamara
    March 27, 2017 / 11:11 AM

    Your maternity photos have been so beautiful Vanessa!

    XoXo,

    Tamara – LoveofMode.com

    Reply
  18. katelynchef
    March 27, 2017 / 12:04 PM

    pregnant or not–I agree about the right angles–you always have amazing pictures–did you have baby J yet?

    Cheers,

    Katelyn/www.theyellowspectacles.com

    Reply
  20. Sydney Power
    March 27, 2017 / 12:29 PM

    You and your husband make an amazing team! I love these photos <3 know what angles to use to look flattering is so important! Hope you are feeling lovely <3

    lots of love… Sydney
    http://styledbys.ca

    Reply
  22. Saida - She talks Glam
    March 27, 2017 / 1:37 PM

    You look amazing, dear! Thank you for those tips. I am still finding my way before the camera but definitely keeping it natural and smiling can take you a long way 😉

    Happy Monday, lovely Vanessa! Xx

    Saida | She talks Glam

    Reply
  23. Beth
    March 27, 2017 / 1:39 PM

    This white dress is adorable/amazing on you! I wish you the best of luck with this little bundle of joy coming your way!

    xoxo…Beth
    http://www.settlingsouthern.com

    Reply
  24. Amy Arnold
    March 27, 2017 / 1:54 PM

    Good tips! I definitely like I was in a whole new blogging world while pregnant. There is so much to learn. You seem to have mastered it for sure. I always laugh thinking about have many bad pictures no one sees. 😉 Hope you are doing well!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

    Reply
  28. The Style Contour
    March 27, 2017 / 3:21 PM

    You look absolutely gorgeous in this dress and I LOVE how it shows off that beautiful baby bump, you’re almost there!!!! These photos are so beautiful, you and the hubby are such a great team. Thanks for sharing these tips with us, they make perfect sense. I hope you’re having the best day so far and getting plenty of rest waiting for Baby J’s arrival any day now!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    http://www.thestylecontour.com

    Reply
  29. Denise
    March 27, 2017 / 3:34 PM

    If you say so, I believe, dear V., but I cannot imagine any picture where you are not beautiful! Cause you are always so beautiful! I loved the photos and the tips, because yes, angles and composition are really so important! I am now, I am sure you more than me, in a countdown, eager to have the announcement of Baby J! Hope you have a fantastic week, dear V., hugs and kisses and really all the best for the birth!
    DenisesPlanet.com

    Reply
  30. moonstone34
    March 27, 2017 / 3:44 PM

    You look so beautiful and peaceful. You guys have mastered the art of taking maternity pictures and these are great tips! Thanks for sharing with us. I hope you’re doing well and that baby J makes his debut soon 🙂
    Hope you have a great week ahead!

    xo, Jackie
    stylemydreams.com

    Reply
  31. Rachel McCarthy
    March 27, 2017 / 3:54 PM

    What great tips for shooting maternity pictures, Vanessa! All of your photos are always gorgeous, but these are simply stunning! Your white dress, the lighting, everything is just perfect! I hope you are doing well and hanging in there! Hopefully baby boy will be making his appearance soon!!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde’s Moment

    Reply
  33. Nina
    March 27, 2017 / 4:23 PM

    These are great tips. You look amazing in this white dress. Wih you a fabulous day Vanessa. xx

    Nina’s Style Blog

    Reply
  37. Julia Mazzucato
    March 27, 2017 / 7:05 PM

    Your photos have been so gorgeous! One of the tips you gave that I noticed was that you always looked so natural and candid with your bump pics!
    Julia・Little Miss Haute Couture

    Reply
  38. Aimara
    March 27, 2017 / 8:03 PM

    This is so beautiful! You guys are such an incredible team. I love all of your photos. These ones in particular are very pretty 🙂
    Love all your tips about taking photos!
    Thanks for sharing V
    XO
    Aimara
    http://www.waysofstyle.com

    Reply
  41. Emily
    March 28, 2017 / 12:15 AM

    You guys certainly do maternity shoots well! This one is so dreamy,you look incredible, as always!! Thanks for sharing your tips babe!
    x Emily
    http://shedoes.com.au

    Reply
  45. Patricia
    March 28, 2017 / 5:32 AM

    I love your photographs my dear, the light is just amazing!
    And your tips are great 😀
    Can’t wait to see that baby in this world!
    Have a lovely day
    kisses
    xx

    https://thathappymess.com/

    Reply
  48. gracefulcoffee
    March 28, 2017 / 11:41 AM

    You look so beautiful, Vanessa! I love the background and the dress you’re wearing. It’s so flattering and is something that makes for a timeless picture <3

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.com

    Reply
  49. Pentené
    March 28, 2017 / 11:51 AM

    Great advice!!! You mastered this maternity shoot babe. Wowsers! And of course my additional tip would be wear clothing that caters to your body shape, setting, theme and baby bump. Haha! You always look so radiant and as I said before, if I EVER get pregnant again I will seek how to dress advice from you.

    Xo
    http://www.stylemefancy.com

    Reply
  53. Alyssa
    March 28, 2017 / 3:45 PM

    These are nice tips 🙂 I’ll keep this in mid for my friend’s maternity shoot. I’m styling her and out other friend will be the photographer 🙂

    ALYSSA // STYLE VANITY

    Reply
  55. My Fashion S/ash Life
    April 1, 2017 / 2:01 AM

    Awwww Vanessa, how lovely that your hubby and you have been approached to spill the beans on how you create your awesome baby bump pics! I will add to that and say you have a talent for baby rooms, I still remember your baby room reveal on Insta stories, it was so moving – how creative you were. Have a fab Sat hon. Oh und Jetzt, lerne ich Deutsch. Ich have zwei lessons in die woche. Ich liebe mein Deutch lerner. Dis Samstag, das wetter ist sehr schon weil es its warm. Hahahaha! Xx

    Reply
  56. Sharon Elleen
    May 22, 2017 / 6:06 AM

    Great article and very well explained. I believe in professionals so this is a very useful article for everyone. Many thanks for your share.

    Reply
  57. Ellie Davis
    June 25, 2018 / 7:51 PM

    Thank you for suggesting that you should try and make them natural and make sure to smile. My husband and I are expecting our first child in about 3 weeks and I am wanting to get maternity photos done as soon as possible. I’ll have to look into photographers in my area that can help me get the best pictures possible. http://bettylaurentphotography.com/galleries/maternity/

    Reply

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