Mama, there are so many fun wardrobe options for your maternity photoshoot. But finding clothes to wear during pregnancy can be frustrating enough, much less trying to find an outfit (or two) for your maternity photos! You want to look beautiful while also feeling comfortable. Plus, you don’t want to buy tons of maternity clothes since you’ll only wear them for a short period of time.
I’m here to help you figure out what to wear for your studio maternity photoshoot. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the perfect outfit.
What to Wear for Your Maternity Photos
Color – I love dressing my mamas in soft and even neutral tones for their sessions. So, light pink, creams, light blues, light greens, etc. I highly recommend avoiding black or dark colors as we want to show off your beautiful bump, not hide it!
Styles – I’m ALL about comfort and style. I love long, flowy dresses on my expecting mamas. But not form-fitting dresses like this. Why?? I love that flowy dresses are so comfortable, pretty, and you can hold the bump in your portrait.
Patterns – I tend to avoid patterns because they can be distracting from the bump. However, a light pattern might work well.
Fabrics – So, you might be thinking that a stretchy, form-fitting cotton dress is best. Well, those dresses tend to show EVERYTHING. Like, bra straps and any other little bump. Choose a dress made from polyester or rayon, with a nice flow.
Other Styles – Not a dress person? That’s okay! You can wear jeans with a top that follows the same ideas.
Why Choose a Full-Service Studio Maternity Photographer
As a full-service studio maternity photographer, I have big news for you! With me, you don’t even have to shop for outfits! Well, you’ll come to the studio during our session planning and shop my CLIENT WARDROBE. My growing studio wardrobe has dresses for every mama with styles, colors, and sizes for every expecting mama. Let me do the shopping while you get to save time AND money for your maternity session. BONUS: All dresses in the client closet are great for postpartum at your newborn session too.
Seacoast Maternity Photographer
Pregnancy is such a beautiful time. I want to help my mamas feel as beautiful as they truly are while taking the stress out of planning a session off their plates. I love shopping for the White Wave Photography wardrobe and am always adding new pieces. My full-service process handles every detail for you, so all you have to do is enjoy your session day and celebrate your sweet baby! Feel free to message me with questions or book your maternity session.
I’ll never forget the first year with my oldest son. I feel like I would blink, and he would grow. The truth is that your baby’s first year goes by way too fast. You want to be able to soak it all in throughout that first year. From their first smile to sitting up to crawling and even taking their first steps, there are so many changes!
Honestly, I wish I had professional photos of my children during their first years. I don’t have very many. And you can’t just go back in time to take them now.
THIS is why I created the White Wave Photography’s First Year Collective. It’s an all-in-one milestone photography package designed to help you document and preserve each important milestone during the baby’s first year.
What is a First Year Collective?
The First Year Collective includes 3-4 portrait sessions over the first 18 months of your baby’s life to ensure you can document every meaningful moment. Once you’re booked with me, I will guide you through each step of the process. Instead of worrying about when to schedule your next session, I’ll be staying in touch with you to check in on your baby’s next milestone. Below are some samples of different ways to use the collective.
First Year Collective Maternity Newborn 6 Months (sitter) One Year
Family Collective 6 Months (sitter) One Year BONUS Family Session within 18 Months
Each portrait session includes our signature full-service process, which includes wardrobe access, hair and makeup, along with artwork design and installation. By booking the First Year Collective, you’ll receive savings on the session fees plus priority booking, all while knowing your baby’s important milestones will be documented and preserved. Each session includes a product credit to go towards your dream album or portrait artwork to hang on the walls!
Why a First Year Collective?
As I said above, you don’t get to go back in time to take these photos (sorry! I wish). With the First Year Collective, you book once, and then you’re done. I’ll be there for every important milestone.
Benefits –
Build a relationship with your photographer
Cohesive and matching portrait artwork
Priority Booking
25 Complimentary Birth Announcements or Holiday Cards
100 Product credit to be used at each ordering appointment
Imagine creating a custom album for your child that tells the story of their first year! It’s something you and your child will treasure for many years.
Seacoast Milestone Photographer
As a mom of three, I’ve gone through that first year a few times. As a photographer, I want to create peace of mind for you so that you won’t have to worry about missing any important details of your baby’s first year.
Well that year flew by! 2022 was a year full of change and my first full year in my studio in Exeter, NH. I have met so many new families this year and am excited to have welcomed many new families to the WWP Family. This year we introduced the client wardrobe and hair & make-up for a full luxury photography experience for families. I attended 2 photography conferences and one retreat where I have learned so many new techniques from lighting, to posing and everything in between.
Certified Professional Photographer
My biggest accomplishment this year was becoming a Certified Professional Photographer. I earned this designation after completing an intensive program that measures my artistic and technical competence. Professional Photographers of America currently recognizes fewer than 2,500 CPPs. I have been a photographer for over 20 years after graduating from the Hallmark Institute of Photography and this was the last piece of the puzzle for me. Professional Photographers of America (PPA.com) is the leading body for certifying imaging professionals. CPPs must complete a written examination, finish an image evaluation and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Certification must be renewed on a periodic basis, ensuring continued confidence in the professionalism of Certified Professional Photographers. For more information on certification, visit PPA.com/CPP.
I am truly grateful for all of you making 2022 the best year yet and as 2023 is right around the corner, I am excited for BIG changes to bring you an even better experience. Stay tuned for all the details in the next coming weeks. Thank you so much for all of your support and I look forward to seeing you all in 2023. NOW BOOKING Spring/Summer so let’s chat!
The age-old question – mini session or full session? Both are great for different reasons; however, I wanted to share some pros and cons with you. You might think you are leaning towards one, but you might change your mind after reading this!
If you’re still not sure and want to chat, send me a message here. I’m more than happy to answer.
Pros and Cons of a Mini Session
If you really just need a nice family photo for a Christmas card or other reason, mini sessions are handy. We still have a lot of fun, and clients love what we can come up with in 15 minutes!
You might want a mini session if you…
Just need that Christmas Card Photo
Are flexible with location and date
Are fine doing all the prep on your own
Pros:
Quick – Mini Sessions are usually about 15 minutes, and we move fast! You’ll be surprised at how many photos I can take during a mini session.
Smaller Session Fee – Typically, a smaller session fee. To keep the fee smaller, mini sessions are usually held on a specific day and location.
Get The Christmas Card Photo – Usually, the goal of this session is to capture your family portrait, which is great if you just want that Christmas card photo.
Cons:
Focus is on the Family Shot – While the focus is to get the family portrait, you may miss out on capturing those precious candids or sibling shots.
Warming Up – Usually, it’s okay, but if you’re worried about your kids warming up to the camera, 15 minutes might not be enough time!
No Wardrobe Guidance – Mini sessions don’t normally include wardrobe guidance or session location choices.
Pros and Cons of a Full Session
Full sessions are how you document and display your family’s story for generations to come. We still capture that full family portrait during the session, but we capture everything in between as well. Your family will laugh and play together while I photograph every smile, laugh, and giggle.
You might want a full session if you….
Are looking to capture your family
Want all the planning and dress off your plate
Dream of seeing your beautiful family portraits every day
Pros:
Family Can Warm Up to Photographer – Your family has a dedicated session with the photographer, so there is plenty of time to warm everyone up for photos!
Candid Family Portraits – With the full session, the goal is to document your family’s love and personality. We’ll get a full family portrait as well as sibling portraits, children’s portraits, and so much more!
Pre-Session Support – I’m with you every step of the way throughout planning your full session. I’m there to offer wardrobe guidance (Client Wardrobe), tips and tricks, and anything else that you need before, during, and after your session.
Cons:
Different Session Fee – Yes, the session fee is higher, but now you can see why! Clients love my full-service experience.
Your Full-Service Photographer in Newburyport, MA
There’s a place in my heart for mini sessions and full sessions, but there’s nothing like the magic of a full-service session! That’s where I get to take everything off your plate and deliver stunning portrait artwork you can treasure forever. If you’re interested in booking a full session with me, please send me a message here.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, we have the best fall right here in the Seacoast! There is so much to see and do in our area. As a mom of three, I know that fall can quickly get busy with school, sports, and other extracurricular activities. But, I try to find fall family fun activities that my growing family can do together. As I was brainstorming activities, I realized that this would be helpful for you!
Your Fall Bucket List
I broke down my fall bucket list by category so that you can look for your family’s favorites. I also recommend trying something new if you’re up for it! There’s so much to explore. I hope you and your family have a great fall!
Fall Hiking in the Seacoast
A great way to see the beautiful fall colors is by hiking! Here are three parks that I highly recommend for a scenic hike.
Stratham Hill Fire Tower | Stratham, NH – This Stratham Hill Fire Tower offers one of the best views of the fall colors in our area! You can enjoy some trails around the tower and then make the trek up to enjoy the view. Visit their website here.
Pawtuckaway State Park | Nottingham, NH – We’re so lucky to have this wonderful state park close by. With lots of trails and beautiful views of the water, there’s something for everyone at this park. Visit their website here.
Winnie the Pooh Trail | Barrington, NH – Yes! You can take a stroll through the 100 Acre Wood right here in the Seacoast. This adorable trail was created with inspiration from the beloved classic children’s book by AA Milne. The trail is less than a mile, but your kids will love exploring all of the fun spots along the way. Visit their website here.
Fall Biking in the Seacoast
Of course, the second best way is to go for a bike ride to admire the fall colors! This trail is perfect for a family ride through the countryside.
Rockingham Recreational Rail Trail | Portsmouth NH – This bike trail meanders through the Seacoast with views of historic buildings, beautiful nature, and so much more! The trail is 28 miles, but you can definitely hop on and off to your ability. Visit their website here.
Seacoast Farms to Visit this Fall
Picturesque farm with delicious fresh food? Sign me up! We’re lucky to have several farms in our area to stop by and enjoy an afternoon of fall fun.
Applecrest Farm | Hampton Falls, NH – Apple picking, anyone? Applecrest Farms is one of the largest and oldest orchards in the Seacoast. You can pick your own apples or pick some up. They also have events this fall, including Harvest Fest. Visit their website here.
Cider Hill Farm | Amesbury, MA – Cider Hill Farm is another beautiful, local farm with options to pick your own apples or their farm store. They have a great calendar of events with options for everyone in your family. Visit their website here.
Coppal House Farm | Lee, NH – The Coppal House Farm’s Corn maze is SO COOL! Your kids will love it (and be busy for a while). They have a festival in mid-September that I’ve heard is a lot of fun. Visit their website here.
Fall Camping and Glamping
If you really want to get outdoors and soak in the Seacoast fall, you can’t beat camping or even glamping. We have a great campground nearby with options to suit all campers.
White Lake State Park | White Lake, NH – While White Lake State Park is known for its great swimming, it’s probably going to be too cold for swimming in the fall. However, if you’re looking for camping, this is the perfect place! I looked at the calendar, and there are a few reservations open with October 10th as the last weekend of camping. Check it out!
Museums and Libraries
If you need to find something to do that’s indoors, check out our local museums or visit the local library for a pass to these top Boston attractions.
Children’s Museum of New Hampshire | Dover, NH – This children’s museum is so much fun and will keep your kids busy and happy for a long time! They have lots of fun events for kids. There is an especially cute Halloween event called Not-So-Spooky Halloween with fun activities for kids of all ages. Visit their website for more information.
Visit Boston’s Top Attractions | Boston, MA – If you’re looking to plan a day trip to the city, don’t forget to stop by your local library to grab a pass! YES, you can save $$$ by using your local library. You can visit Boston’s top attractions such as the Boston Aquarium and the Science Museum for FREE.
Take Fall Family Portraits
The last thing on your fall bucket list is to take fall family portraits. Nothing captures the beauty of our fall more than with your family in the frame. Check out my guide with the four best fall session locations here. Once you have the perfect location in mind, plan out your family’s outfits with my guide on what to wear for fall family photos. I have limited spots available, so reach out soon to schedule your session!
