What to Wear for Your San Jose Maternity Photography Session

One of the first things that come to mind when you schedule San Jose maternity photography is what you’ll wear. It’s such a special time to capture, and you’ll want to make sure you look your best and showcase your beautiful bump.

Your clothing style and color have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your photographs, and I understand that this can be a difficult decision. As your San Jose maternity photographer, we’ll discuss your options more thoroughly at your planning session after you book, but here’s a guide that should help in the meantime.

What to Wear for Your San Jose Maternity Photography Session

How many outfits should you bring?

I want to maximize my time with you, so I recommend no more than two outfits. One favorite outfit usually does the trick, though. Clients tend to prefer one outfit over the other in the end, and time spent changing can disrupt the flow of your session. For outfit changes, I bring along a pop-up changing tent for privacy.

What Kinds of Outfits Work Well for Maternity Photos?

Your maternity session is all about capturing the beauty of your stunning new form, and flowy fabrics that can catch the breeze photograph beautifully. An empire waist dress can help give your body some shape while the rest of the fabric remains loose. Lace adds a lovely texture and a romantic feel. If you’re comfortable, sheer material can show off your form.

For indoor sessions, pretty lingerie with a duster is perfect for a more intimate setting.

Where to Buy Maternity Dresses for a Photo Session?

First, check with your photographer to see if they have a selection of dresses for you to choose from. Often, photographers have at least a few dresses in a client closet that they know are flattering and photograph well.

For clients who want to purchase something themselves, there are a few good options for dresses – they don’t even have to be maternity specific! Pink Blush Maternity is a favorite, as well as Baltic Born which has dresses that tie at the waist – perfect for during and after pregnancy. Some clients like to use Rent the Runway if it’s a dress they’re only planning to wear once. Nordstrom is also a good place to look.

What Colors Should You Wear for Your Maternity Photos?

When deciding on the best colors to wear, it’s important to take into account both the location of your photo session and what you plan to do with your images after your session. For instance, if you would like to hang a piece of art in your home, you’ll want to consider the colors you have in your home already.

If you’re including your partner or children in your San Jose maternity photo session, you’ll want them to coordinate with you. Choose colors that complement each other instead of everyone wearing the same color. Avoid tiny patterns, plaid, logos or bold graphics.

Your photographer should guide you in choosing colors that work well with their style. For example, for my bright and airy style, I recommend clients choose soft colors and neutrals.

Adding the Finishing Touches to Your Maternity Photo Session Look

Details matter for maternity photography. Since hands on belly is a popular pose, so you might consider a manicure prior to your session. Many clients feel most confident at their session when they have their hair and makeup professionally done. Ask your photographer if they have a list of hair and makeup artists they recommend. A flower crown or a hat can also be a nice touch.

San Jose Maternity Photographer

As a San Jose maternity photographer, I provide all of my clients with style guidance before their session, as well as an in depth planning meeting so that all the details are just right. This is a special time in your life, and you’ll want to look back on your images fondly. Contact me to find out more!

You might also like this San Jose content:

Half Moon Bay Maternity Photography Session
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy in the San Jose
San Jose Newborn Photography
San Jose Birthing Centers
San Jose Midwife | 4 Teams to Lead You Through Labor and Birth