We’ve talked a lot about our Fine Art Studio Maternity Sessions lately, and that’s because we absolutely LOVE THEM! They’re quickly becoming one of our favorite types of sessions because of how artistic and unique these photos are. When I (Marcella) found out I was pregnant and told Tiffany and Tifanie, you know that one of the first things we did was start planning my sessions. And between Indoor and Outdoor maternity, it was a super easy decision for me! Fine Art Maternity is something I find so incredibly beautiful, and I am so excited that I actually got to see my own session come to life. I had my maternity session back in June, so I wanted to share some tips and tricks I learned along the way!

(I also shamelessly want to share the photos from my own session because I’m so incredibly in love with them, but that’s besides the point.)

At your consultation, try on dresses! This is something I’ll ALWAYS recommend. Our bodies change so much during pregnancy, and even if you’ve been pregnant before, your body can look completely different between baby 1 and baby 2. For me personally, this is my first pregnancy and even though I thought my body hadn’t changed much other than my baby bump, I was wrong! ALSO- maternity dresses aren’t like regular dresses, especially ones that are used in professional photography. From how they stretch to how they fit around your curves, they’re specifically made to work with growing and changing bodies. There’s one specific dress that I thought there was no way it would fit my chest, but I’m so happy I tried it on beforehand because I ended up LOVING it!

Additionally, there are so. many. different. styles. of outfits that it could be overwhelming to try and figure everything out the day of your session. From dresses, to robes, to silk wraps, choosing between tulle or lace (or both), how much skin do you want to show, do you want to bring your own outfit to incorporate… there’s a lot to think about. If you spend time during the session trying to make these decisions, it may end up eating into your actual photographing time! 2 hours might seem like a long time to getting your picture taken, but based on personal experience, that time really does fly quicker than you’d think. Partially because of how much fun the session is, but also because we accomplish a lot during that time.

Look at our other studio sessions for inspiration! There are so many different ways you can go during your session- big beautiful bold colors, cooler more earthy tones, bright whites and pinks and blues, nudes and boudoir-inspired, neons, casual lifestyle, there are so many options. So like when planning any session, we always recommend checking out what we’ve done in the past to see what speaks to you and feels like something that’s right for your own personal style!

That being said- don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, either. When planning my session, I told both Tiffany and Tifanie that I didn’t really want to do any nude (or implied nude) photos. I’ve never really been 100% comfortable with my body, and I just thought it would be easier to be covered and wear dresses or robes the whole time. But like what can happen with boudoir, the more fun I started having the more comfortable I got! I honestly ended up having more nude or almost nude photos than not, which I find so funny. But now looking at the photos, I am SO HAPPY I stepped out of my comfort zone and took the risk. It may have been a bit easier for me because I’ve worked for and known Tiffany and Tifanie for over two years at this point, and we’ve gotten very close over that time, so I wasn’t as nervous when it came to showing skin around them.

Stretch and drink water in the days leading up to your session! We recommend doing this to all of the ladies who come to us (Hype Girl Boudoir) for boudoir, but I’m definitely adding it to the list for studio maternity sessions as well. Stretching while pregnant can be hard, but even simple things can help prepare your body for the bit of workout you’ll get! My feet and lower back are two things I really wish I worked on beforehand, so I’d suggest starting there with easy stretches and seeing what your body can do. Of course, don’t push yourself too hard and try to do a full on pilates routine the day before (unless your body is used to that kind of workout)! I’m talking about flexing and rolling your ankles to loosen them up, and twisting and stretching at the waist to help your back not be so tight. Drinking a lot of water is already recommended during pregnancy, but it also can help keep you from cramping up!

Now don’t get me wrong- Tiffany and Tifanie both are VERY adamant about checking in and taking breaks when you need it! They’ve both been pregnant multiple times, and know how much strain simply standing up can put on your body. I can’t even count how many times they asked me if I was okay, how I was doing, and if I needed to take a break and sit for a little while. It’s so important to have someone who really cares about YOUR wellbeing, on top of creating beautiful photos!

Book the professional hair and makeup! I cannot recommend this enough! Firstly- your hair and makeup is done before your scheduled session time. You show up about an hour/hour and a half early to your session to get all done up, so it doesn’t cut into your photographing time at all! Next, I am very much a no makeup girlie in my everyday life. IF I’m dressing up, I usually stick with a little bit of blush, mascara, highlighter, and touching up my eyebrows. My hair might get brushed in the morning, and styling usually just consists of just running a straightener over to calm down the frizz- and even this is rare for me! Now, I CAN do my makeup how I like… but it’s just another thing on my list that I have to plan for. Which I was okay with doing for my maternity sessions because I knew the photos would be beautiful regardless! But I will say, having Jennifer and Alycia actually handle everything for me took a huge weight off my shoulders. I literally told Jennifer that I like curls, and Alycia that I wanted a natural look but still a bit of glam. Y’all, that is ALL of the direction I gave them! From there, all I had to do was just sit still and let them have at it and they worked literal magic. I’ve never had that “pregnancy glow” (unless you count the sheen of sweat after a bout of morning sickness), but I truly felt like I was glowing when I was done! The confidence boost I got when I saw how beautiful I looked really helped me open up more during the session, too. Getting dolled up and not having to put in any real work myself into it was so much more rewarding than I expected it to be!

I’ve had my hair and makeup done by this team before, and every single time I’m amazed at their talent, but this session was different. It’s been so hard for me to feel beautiful during my pregnancy because I’ve honestly spent 90% of it nauseous, sweaty, and just generally feeling gross. But I can truly look back at these photos and say that I really did feel beautiful this whole time, and it made the experience that much better for me!

Bring your partner in for photos! Although their body might not be changing like yours is, this is still a time of transformation for them too- even if this isn’t yours and/or their first baby! Being able to have these photos with my husband is something that’s so incredibly special to me. I’m going to be able to show our daughter these photos years from now, and she’ll be able to see the love we both had for her even before she arrived so vividly.

You can also still capture solo photos, too! It’s always an option to do a little bit of both, and even though we’d never require you to do one or the other if you don’t want to, I personally recommend bringing them in for some photos so you both can celebrate this incredible time of your lives together.

I really hope that these tips and tricks help you prepare for YOUR Fine Art Studio Maternity Session! If you’ve had one of these sessions with us and have any notes I may have left out, I’d love to hear what you think. Leave a comment below and tell me some tips YOU would give someone who has their session coming up!

And if you have questions about these sessions, ask them below or tap the button to send us a message!

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