Hi, There! I’m Alli from Mom Smart Not Hard. A blog dedicated to the journey through motherhood from bump to baby. Our goals and passions are to support expecting and new moms through this special, yet challenging, time in life. We know that together we can all Mom Smart. Today I’m excited to share a post here all about how to have your own DIY Maternity Shoot. Trina and I do all of our photography for the blog and have learned quite a few tips and tricks along the way.
If you plan to go the professional route for maternity or newborn photos, don’t do any booking without first checking out our guide to maternity and newborn photography.
And even if you do go the professional route, why not nail your own fabulous photos at home too?!
Let’s dive into my 5 tips for an amazing DIY maternity shoot.
1. Location
There’s something so wonderfully intimate about choosing to do a maternity shoot in your home. Using your own space is sure to leave you with fabulous photos. You also don’t have to worry about packing things for a shoot away from the house.
Your home is the nest that you have been carefully preparing for that bundle of joy. Photos taken in your own living room or bedroom have a cozy and loving feel.
2. Natural Light
Nothing makes for a dreamier maternity photo than beautiful light flooding in.
Shooting in front of a bright and sunny window is a fool-proof way to get a fabulous shot. The backlight will perfectly illuminate your glowing face and baby bump.
3. Involve your husband and other littles
This is a special time for the entire family and you want to capture the love.
Always use mom and dad’s hands to help accentuate the belly. I love shots where one or both parents are looking at bump.
Candid shots that really capture the joy of this special time for a couple or family will be treasured forever.
4. Clothing that accentuates the bump
You want to choose tight-fitting clothes, or shirts and dresses that cinch above the belly.
Treat yourself to some maternity clothes that will look awesome in your shoot and build your day to day wardrobe with this maternity clothing guide.
5. Get Creative
Try different angles. I love to shoot up at a bump to really emphasize the beautiful curves, or get high and shoot down for the same reason.
Utilize props like books or baby accessories and let the bump be the background for some amazing detail shots.
And when in doubt…just look lovingly at the bump :)
Most importantly, have fun and don’t over think it. Let your face show the love and connection you already feel for your growing baby. The best way to get shots you love is to just try, try and try some more, but these tips should take a lot of the guess work out of where to begin.
Happy photographing <3