15 Tips to Help You Pick the Perfect Maternity Photoshoot Gowns
Becoming a mother is an exciting experience. It’s a journey that deserves to be captured on film, whether it’s your first baby or third. But your excitement can get dampened by your changed appearance, which becomes evident every time you look in the mirror. Your body is changing in so many ways that while you may want to flaunt that baby bump, you could be concerned about revealing those swollen ankles. This is one reason why picking proper maternity photoshoot gowns is crucial. Look for a gown that makes you feel beautiful and looks good on film. Here are a few tips that can help.
15 Tips to Pick the Perfect Maternity Photoshoot Gowns
Stay true to your style
Your maternity shoot should make you feel confident and happy. So, when choosing an outfit, ensure it reflects your true personality. A gown is a popular choice but only one of many options. You can just as easily pick a form-fitted short dress if you feel more comfortable. You can even slip into jeans and an oversized shirt if that aligns with your vibe. Or try on a knotted shirt and a maxi skirt. Of course, make sure what you wear accentuates your baby bump. Some expectant mothers may even choose a body suit or drape satiny fabric around them for a shoot.
Create long lines
A maxi dress or a flowy mid-length dress is an excellent option for maternity photoshoot gowns. Look for dresses with lots of fabric that can be draped to flatter your silhouette. It gives you height in the photograph and creates a sense of motion. These dresses are also ideal for concealing parts of your body you’d prefer not to show. Moreover, wearing a long dress hides your footwear – you can get away with comfortable flip-flops!
Prioritise fits
When picking gowns for maternity photoshoot, ensure the dress fits perfectly. A form-fitted dress shows off your baby bump beautifully. It’s the perfect way to embrace your curves. Avoid A-line dresses that prevent you from showing off your bump. Conversely, consider a corded belt to accentuate the bump.
If you’re not confident about carrying off a fitted dress, you could look at layered clothing. Choose one with a fitted underlayer and a sheer flowy outer layer.
Choose the right colour
When choosing maternity photoshoot gowns, look at how the colour complements your skin tone and how well it suits the setting for your photographs. Your gown’s colour should make you stand out. Hence, don’t pick a green maternity gown if you shoot pictures in the garden. For such a backdrop, a burgundy would look much better. Jewel-toned gowns are good choices. Also, think about the season. While rust is excellent for autumn, yellow suits summer photoshoots. Contrary to what you might think, black doesn’t always work for these shoots. It does make you look slimmer, but it may also reduce the impact of your baby bump.
Keep it simple
Avoid printed gowns for a maternity photoshoot. While they may look good on you, bold dresses with busy patterns can take the focus away from the wearer in a photoshoot. Instead, choose maternity photoshoot gowns of a solid colour. This minimises distractions in the frame. If you must have a pattern, look for small patterns with a subtle impact. Avoid colour-blocked gowns as they can distract from your baby bump.
Pay attention to the neckline
Pregnancy induces changes in your body in many ways. A plunging neckline may have appeared flattering before you got pregnant, but now, it may be a little too flashy. If you’re taking photographs with a toddler in the frame, too, you should also know that they may pull down your neckline and put you in an embarrassing spot. So, look for a gown with a higher neckline. Off-shoulder dresses are popular choices. They let you show off your shoulders and feel confident while upholding your modesty.
Bring in some texture
A gown in a solid colour doesn’t have to be plain. Look for ways to add texture to your outfit. A lace dress is the easiest solution. Or, look at a gown with modern accordion pleats. A knitted dress is another alternative. Or, drape a crocheted shawl over your gown to give yourself that vintage look.
Layer it up
Keep accessories in mind when you’re looking for gowns for maternity photoshoots. Look at ways to create layers with your look. For example, you might want to drape a shawl over your shoulders. If you’re not comfortable baring your arms, this might be a nifty trick. Adding an open cardigan or a long jacket can also help add texture to your frame.
Dress for the season
A maternity shoot is intended to be glamorous, but that isn’t reason enough to pretend you’re on a movie set. Wearing a chiffon saree on a snowy hilltop isn’t practical. The outfit you pick must make you feel beautiful and fit for the season and location. It’s simple: If you’re shooting in a cold location, wear inners under your gown and drape a long open cardigan over your dress. Similarly, if you’re taking pictures outdoors, ensure your shoes are comfortable for walking.
Wear the right undergarments
While not visible in the picture, picking the proper undergarments is as essential as picking the suitable maternity photoshoot gowns. First, if you’re choosing a light colour or a sheer fabric, pick undergarments in the same colour or a nude shade. Next, make sure they fit well. You need to ensure they don’t create any unnecessary bumps or lumps under your outfit. While you might rent maternity gowns for photoshoots at the last minute, buy your undergarments in advance. Give yourself time to get used to wearing them so that you’re not pulling straps or feeling uncomfortable during the photoshoot.
Coordinate with your partner
Mothers are the stars of a maternity photoshoot. But you should also include your partner. While picking your outfit, choose an outfit for your partner that compliments your look. The easiest way to pick coordinated outfits is to pick clothes in the same colour. Or by following a theme. You could wear the Western watch or create a beachy vibe with swimwear.
Explore a traditional look
There’s no doubt about this—gowns are elegant and make a dramatic style statement. But, your choice isn’t limited to just photoshoot gowns. Maternity pictures can be taken with traditional outfits too. Try on a saree. It fits you beautifully and shows off your baby bump while maintaining decency. You could choose a solid pastel-hued silk saree or a chiffon saree for a more flowy look. Accessorise your look with lots of flowers and traditional jewellery.
Make sure you’re comfortable
Candid photographs are great but you probably also want a few styled photographs in the photoshoot. While posing may not come naturally, you must ensure to dress in an outfit you feel comfortable in. Here’s where you need to pay attention to the fabric too by ensuring it feels soft against your skin. Remember, it is only when you feel comfortable that you can be confident. And confidence is visible in a photograph. Picking an outfit you feel comfortable in also ensures the ease of your movements.
Bring more than 1 outfit
Choose at least two dresses for your maternity shoot. Think of it as a backup rather than an alternative. If you’re clicking pictures in a studio or at home, you could change outfits and take photographs in two looks. If you’re shooting with a professional photographer, you can also ask the photographer if they have a maternity closet.
Pick complimentary props
For the perfect maternity photoshoot, you need props that complement your outfit. Adding smoke, ribbons or balloons is a great choice. And, as they are available in a range of colours, you’re sure to find some that match your outfit. Or, you could use flowers. Baby clothing or a pair of tiny shoes also look cute in maternity photographs.
Summing it up
For the perfect photographs, you need the right photoshoot gowns. Maternity shoots are where you should feel like a star. So, pick an outfit you love, a location you have a sentimental attachment to, and schedule a photoshoot. With today’s cell phones being marketed more for their camera lenses than anything else, anyone can take a photograph for your special day. But to make it even more special, hire a professional photographer for the day. This way, you’re sure to get clear photographs that put you in the best light. What’s more, they can edit the photographs after the shoot and add a few special effects if you like. So, are you ready to start clicking?
