Maternity

The number one question I get when helping clients prepare for their Virginia Beach maternity portraits is “what do we wear?”. It’s also one of the questions I love the most — styling is one of my favorite parts of the planning process! Before going full-time in Virginia Beach maternity photography, I was a fashion teacher and a lot of my background is in fashion. I know how important it is to choose outfits that will add to the final outcome of your photos, it truly makes such a big difference!

Looking for tips for your Virginia Beach maternity portrait session?

Sharing some below:

Wear something you feel great in!

This is the FIRST thing I tell all my mamas, for any of my sessions! This is especially important with maternity portraits where your body is changing and looks different than you are used to. If your maternity session will be with your spouse and/or kids, pick your outfit first and make sure that you love it and feel comfortable with it. Then coordinate all the other outfits with yours.

Choose a simple color palette, and try to stick to three colors or less.

Color is important and makes such a difference in the final outcome of your photos. I recommend sticking to neutral or pastel (light!) colors as these photograph best and keep the attention on you, your bump, and your family. This includes whites, tans, and light pinks/blues or browns. Bold, bright and neon colors can affect skin tones and tend to be very distracting in photos. It’s also important to be careful when it comes to patterns! A little bit of pattern can add some fun interest, but remember to think about three colors or less and in most cases, not to mix patterns in one outfit or within the overall family.

Show your bump.

I have had four pregnancies and I promise (even if you don’t feel like it right now!), you will miss that belly! Choose an outfit and silhouette that highlights the belly. This can be done in a variety of ways. You can choose a flowy dress that is tight up top and then more loose around the belly! You can also choose a skirt or jeans that go under the belly and can pair that with a tight shirt or a button down/shorter shirt and go bare belly. Get creative and have fun with it! 🙂

Think timeless, not trendy.

It’s best to stick to classic pieces and colors rather than following current trends or fads. These are photos that (I hope!) you will want to hang in the walls of your home and look back on for years to come, so keeping the outfits classic and timeless will ensure that the images will keep that classic feel as time goes on. One day that baby in your belly will be looking at them, and possibly even walking by them framed in his or her own home!

Coordinate (don’t exactly match!) your look with anyone else in the photos.

As shared above, pick your outfit first and then use that to build everyone else’s look. Choose colors from the same color palette and that will complement each other, and still aim to have three colors or less in the photos. The “classic dad outfit” always works (a white shirt and khakis) and neutral colors for any kids in the photos.

Consider having your hair and makeup done.

This is another tip I give to all my clients because moms deserve it. I love the idea of using a photo session as an opportunity to get pampered and really feel your best, and there is no important time for that than while you are growing a new life! When a client books a Virginia Beach maternity portrait session with me, my Session Prep Guide includes a makeup artist recommendation and contact information, to make it easy for you!

In addition to the Session Prep Guide, all clients who book a full session with me receive a link and access to my Client Closet. This is a collection of dresses and outfits that photograph beautifully and many of them are maternity/postpartum friendly. I love providing this option to make the process easy for my mamas and especially for my expecting ones, so that they don’t have to buy a dress that they may only wear one time. If you would like more information on my client closet, you can email me at ashleybricknerphoto@gmail.com.

If you prefer to explore some clothing options on your own, some of my favorite shops for maternity looks are Nothing Fits But, Worth Collective, and Baltic Born. You can also buy non-maternity looks that are stretchy and forgiving (sometimes in just a bigger size!) from places like Gap or Nordstrom.

Lastly, and most importantly, no matter what you wear – just make sure you book the photos. Expecting a baby (whether it’s your first or last!) is such a beautiful season and one that you will be so grateful that you documented. If you are interested in chatting about a session, you can email me at ashleybricknerphoto@gmail.com or inquire on my website here. I hope to get the opportunity to work with you!