The Ultimate Guide to DIY Maternity Photography

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend among mothers-to-be. Unlike in the past, pregnant moms celebrate their growing bellies with maternity photo shoots. They choose to have photos taken by a professional photographer before the little one arrives.

As such, they can create memories for this special moment. In the future, they share with the family and the little one once he or she grows up. It can be hard to know where to start.

Read on and learn from our ultimate guide to DIY maternity photography.

How to Do DIY Maternity Photography

When it comes to DIY maternity photography, there are a lot of things you have to keep in mind. This allows you to capture the best pictures. Remember, this is also a learning moment, and these ideas can save you money.

Pregnant mom in red blowing fabric smiles while holding her belly in maternity photography

Choose the Correct Equipment

For the perfect DIY maternity photos, you don’t need to go out and buy anything fancy. A basic point and shoot camera and a tripod will do the trick.

You can pick both of these up from a local camera store or buy it online.

Make sure that it has a timer on it since you will be taking the photo yourself. You can also try and get a remote.

Find the Right Location for DIY Maternity Photography

The best location is another factor to consider. You have two options when it comes to location – at home or outdoors. At home, you don’t have to spend a lot.

Also, it is more intimate as you will be using your own space and you don’t have to worry about packing and traveling. If you plan to take the pictures while on your babymoon, find a great location.

You have the beach, lighthouse, forest, park, botanical gardens, and historical sites.

Plan Your Poses

There are many poses to choose from. You can pose in flattering ways as this creates warmth and depth. Another pose is where you, as the mother-to-be, embrace your belly This way, you can focus on your beautiful baby bump.

It is important to vary the photos. Take up close photos, full length, and middle length. If you plan on taking photos of dad with the belly, have the dad kneel with both hands on each side of the belly or pose with you some other way.

Another option is to have him talking to the belly. If you have other little ones, don’t forget to include them too.

Father-to-be listens to baby bump while mom is in black lace dress in maternity photography

Add Visual Interest with Props

It is always a good idea to add props in your photos. By doing so, they add visual interest and help you complete your story. Prop ideas to include are books, balloons, baby clothes, baby shoes, and wooden letters.

Select the Right Wardrobe Selection and Accessories

It is important to have a wide selection of clothes before taking DIY maternity photos. Why? Because it gives you a chance to enhance the experience and capture something different. You can select shorts, body dresses and even accessorize with belts.

This helps to accentuate the bump. Also, it gives you more posing ideas and complements your shape.

Pregnant mom holds baby bump while wearing jeans and Calvin Klein in maternity photography

Know When to Hire a Pro

As a mother-to-be, you have plenty of other things to worry about like shopping for baby supplies, medical costs, and other expenses. Taking DIY maternity photos sounds like a great idea, but keep in mind it will require a lot of time, effort, and even money. You can make your maternity photos a breeze by hiring a professional. Are you in search of a full-service portrait experience? We at Portraits by Lisa Ann can help. Contact us today and create new memories.