Maternity Session Style Guide

Hi friend! So glad to have you here!

Dressing for a maternity session can be something that is stressful when you don't know what will look the best on camera. I have some tips for you that will hopefully make the process of looking amazing a little more clear. Don't forget you can always email me and ask for help with your session. I want you to feel secure in how AMAZING you will look in your family photos.

Love, Sarah

Quick Overview

I will go more indepth on these pointers below, but if you keep in mind the following you can't go wrong:

• SOLID COLORS
• NEUTRAL COLORS
• LIGHTER COLORS
• MINIMAL PATTERNS
• GOOD FIT
• COMFORTABLE FOR MOVEMENT
• COMPLIMENTARY, NOT COPY-CAT
• IT'S OKAY TO GO GLAM!

Colors

I recommend the following for your family session attire:

LIGHT NEUTRALS:

BLUSH

TANS

LIGHT PINKS

LIGHT BLUES AND TEALS

CREAMS

GRAYS

WHITES

DARK NEUTRALS:

NAVY

RICH BLACK

RICH BROWNS

DUSTY, OR RICH GREENS

These colors will result in more of a light and airy look, and add style and class to your images.

These colors photograph soft and romantic!

Moms

- If you’re looking for a soft, feminine look, I recommend a flowing, maxi-length dress or skirt! The movement of this type of fabric photographs beautifully!

- If you're looking for a more casual look, but still want to look amazing, pair good jeans with cute new shoes, and a nice solid button-up or sweater.

- I love a good formal dress and tux combo! Don't be afraid of being "too formal"! Go big and wear something that makes you feel like royalty.

- I highly recommend getting your hair and makeup professionally done so you get some time alone before the craziness of photos and so you can feel your best. If you can't, here are some tips to remember:

1. I recommend having your hair down and adding some volume-enhancer by teasing it or adding curls.

2. Wear your makeup a little bolder than usual especially your lip color.

3. Don't be afraid to add some extensions or lashes. Enhance what makes you feel beautiful!

Where to purchase Mom's outfit

There are so many great stores to choose from for your maternity photoshoot! Below are some of my favorite options! have come from these stores:

Seila Art Dresses $$$

BalticBorn $$

PinkBlushMaternity $

Need a dress fast?

Amazon has some good options. You can see a list of dresses I recommend by clicking here.

Want to rent a high-fashion gown?

As a locally based company, you can expect to receive these dresses in a timely fashion:

Mom2B $$

Dads

- In general, I would suggest wearing pants, not jeans unless they are a dark-wash. Wear complimentary clothes to your partner. If they wear light, you go dark, etc.

- Layers are great for creating visual interest, so a sweater over a solid colored shirt looks great, or a simple bomber or barn jacket over a solid colored sweater. Stay away from logos and shirts with large attention-grabbing images.

- I love more formal wear! Break out that suit coat! Don't be afraid of being "too formal"! Go big and wear something that makes you feel like royalty, or like James Bond.

- Also, put a little extra care into your grooming today. Make sure your beard lines are crisp, hair is combed (no hats today, unless that's part of your photoshoot wardrobe), and that you've gone over your clothes with a lint brush and an iron, etc.

When in doubt do a quick turn-around for your partner so they can let you know if anything is amiss BEFORE hopping in the car.

Shopping for Dad's Clothes

While this photoshoot is definitely about Mom, it is also a nice opportunity to upgrade your Dad's wardrobe too! Some of my favorite male outfit pieces have come from these stores:

Nordstrom $$$ J Crew $$ &Collar $$ Old Navy $

Kids

- If mom's outfit is the one that everyone's clothes are tied into, then choose 1-2 colors that your children's clothes can tie into. Remember, we are not looking for everyone wearing matching outfits, but COORDINATED ones.

- We will capture a LOT more natural movement if your kids are dressed in layers. Sweaters, cardigans, blazers, ties or bows are a great way to add more visual appeal to your child's outfit. Just make sure to stay away from logos and shirts with large attention-grabbing images.

- Have your kids try on the clothes before the photoshoot. Neither you, nor I want to go through an entire session hearing how 'itchy' or hot something is so do a test run to make sure they will feel comfortable in their clothes. Remind them we want them to feel comfortable and confident, but this is also a special occasion.

- Set aside more time than usual for your little one's grooming today. If you need to bribe your kids for this one -- DO IT! You will be so much happier with your pictures afterward if you pull out all the stops beforehand.

Shopping for the Kid's Clothes

Check out these great stores if you plan on taking this photoshoot as an opportunity to add to your child's wardrobe! Some of my favorite outfits have come from these stores:

Alice + Ames $$ H&M $$ Cotton On: Kids $$ Shein $

*Important Tip* - Consider the weather when planning your family's outfits. Since you will be outside between 30-60 minutes make sure you bring a coat or blanket to wrap around you in between photos.

Lastly, when putting together your outfit, don't forget your shoes! Cute boots, flats or wedges really complete your outfit, so don't forget to think about them! If you want to wear heels, look for ones with a wide heel since we will be on/off paved areas (i.e. no stilettos). Also, this should go without saying, but don't wear your old (or dirty) tennis shoes. Any shoes you are wearing should be wiped down or shined before you bring them to the photoshoot - no scuff marks.

Other Things to Note

Avoid all of you wearing white. White is fine as long as only 1-2 of you is wearing it.
Avoid wearing patterns. If Dad wants to wear a pinstripe shirt underneath his sweater that is fine, but anything larger will distract from the baby bump.
When coordinating the color of your clothes don't forget the tone (light vs dark). Try to create a variety of tones in your outfit choices; i.e. make sure you & your partner are wearing different tones
Look for clothes & accessories with rich, simple detailing (i.e. embroidery, tweed, ribbons, etc) or layer pieces to add dimension and texture.
Avoid neon colors, and be very careful with red, orange, yellow, and bright blue tones as these colors can will quickly change the mood of your photos from romantic & sweet to time to party at the roller rink.
Ill fitting clothing will not photograph well! More on this below...
Also, don’t forget to iron or steam your clothes, because, you guessed it, wrinkles are distracting.

Final Thoughts

Lastly, I recommend that you wear something that flatters the parts of you that you love the most and also allows you to be extremely confident!

If you are uncomfortable when you look in the mirror (having to suck in and only like the way you look from one angle, or needing to constantly adjust), then that probably isn’t the best outfit choice for you.

I want you to be really confident in your outfit, because I know that you will love your portraits so much more if you’re not worrying about how your clothes fit!

I'm so excited to photograph you at our session! I hope you are getting excited too.

xoxo,

Sarah Mae