Studio or Outdoor Maternity Session? Which is best? | South Jersey Newborn and Portrait Photographer

Congrats Mama to be (or mama to be again!) I’m so happy you’re considering a maternity session! Maternity sessions are such an amazing way to capture this part of your journey and look back at how badass you truly are! (and beautiful!!!!)

Now come the hard questions - Where do I wanna do the session? When should I do the session? What style do I want? I got you girl

Lets start with when. Maternity sessions are best at the end of your 2nd trimester or the beginning of your 3rd. I always say around 28-34 weeks is best! During the planning stages, I’ll make sure I know exactly what you’re looking for and the style/look you want. But what if you’re not sure? Let’s break it down!

Studio Maternity Session

In studio sessions are classic and timeless. They are elegant and a bit more “luxurious” as I like to say. My Franklinville studio is packed with a variety of dresses, gowns, body suits, etc to use for your session. Worried about variety-I got you! There are so many ways to express yourself and there are so many different ways to customize your session in studio. Want something more casual? Let’s pull out the jeans or Calvin Kleins. Want glamour and to feel like a princess? Let’s put on a poofy dress of your favorite color! Want to feel sexy and show off that body? I’ve got tons of sheer, more skin tight dresses along with body suits and fabric. Here are a few of my favorite studio looks before we move on to the outdoor options!

Outdoor Maternity Session

If outdoor, family sessions are more you’re style-don’t worry, I still got you! Outdoor sessions are more laid back and documentary. I like to capture real life moments in a more casual setting, and capturing that golden hour sun is just absolutely my favorite! I’ve still got a variety of dresses that my clients like to use for outdoor sessions as well. Outdoor sessions allow for more options for location, and also make it a lot easier to include families and husbands (although they can absolutely be included in studio as well). Kiddos seems to do much better outdoors! If this is more your style, we’ll chat about the type of location you are envisioning (beach, tall grass, open field, etc). Here’s a few examples of what an outdoor maternity sessions can look like!

Whether to decide on studio or an outdoor location, I am here to make your vision come to life. I am here to help you see how truly beautiful you truly are! This is such an important moment in your life and I am honored that you chose me to document it! Still unsure which tyle or style is best for you? Let’s chat!

Studio Maternity Session-South Jersey Photographer

Studio Maternity Session

Tiffany came into the studio recently for her maternity session and absolutely crushed it! I love photographing women during this time in their lives because it is SO important to feel powerful/sexy/beautiful while creating and carrying life. Its important to remember these moments and look back at just how beautiful you truly are!

Tiffany LOVED this green color I had set out for her, but also wanted some neutrals and blues to represent her baby boy coming in just a few months. The best part about these sessions, is that they are completely customizable and unique to ensure you get the portraits of your dreams.

I had so much fun with Tiffany and love how these final images came out! I can’t wait to meet her baby boy soon!

Take a look at some of my favorite images from her gallery!

Are you interested in booking your own maternity session? Let's Chat!

Fun Alternatives for Displaying Your Photos

Amazing photos deserve an equally amazing display but this doesn’t mean you always have to use a traditional frame to showcase them in your home. Below is some inspiration for deciding how to display your favorite memories.

If your home décor is very contemporary you might want to consider canvas gallery wraps, image blocks or standout mounts to showcase your photos. Going frameless is also a great option if you’re looking for something truly sleek and modern.

If rustic and chic is more your style, then why not turn old pieces of wood into stained photo clipboards, using binder clips to hang the photos against the wood. Another unique option is to hang your photos on a thin cable to make it look like a clothesline. Binder clips also work perfectly for this.

If you are a fan of frames, why not buy different sizes, colors and styles and create one big photo wall that displays a variety of memories. There are so many shapes and designs that you can use to create your photo wall and really make it your own. 

Since we work with so many creative vendors who offer a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional framing and display options, we are able to help you pick a unique option that suites your home and style.

Whether it’s a traditional frame with hand-cut matting, shadow box or canvases, we will help you pick the right option for your home.  No matter which method you choose, get creative. Filling your walls with a lifetime of memories is one of the most special and visual ways to tell the story of your family, so get hanging.

10 Creative & Beautiful Maternity Photo Shoot Ideas

Congrats on your expecting baby! I can’t wait to capture this journey for you!

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If you think all maternity photos are the same, think again. Just like any other photo session, your maternity shoot should be about capturing your personality and celebrating your unique and wonderful pregnancy journey. Check out these 10 ideas for making your maternity photo shoot your own.

Go graceful with a flowing dress

If you’re looking for stunning imagery, consider wearing a flowing maternity dress with a long train. These dresses come in almost any color and look beautiful in outdoor maternity shoots when they’re caught by the wind. This simple yet beautiful shoot idea is a great way for the mom-to-be to feel beautiful in her last trimester. (And don’t worry, my studio offers a variety of dresses in our client closet open to clients who are worried about buying a dress for a one time occasion)

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Show off your silhouette

Maternity photos are all about the beauty of pregnancy, and a cool way to capture your baby bump is with photos of your silhouette. These high-contrast photos can be taken outside in front of a sunset, in a studio, or even in your home in front of a window. No matter where you choose to take your photos, the silhouette shot is a lovely way to capture the miracle of pregnancy.

Choose an unexpected location

Sometimes the best locations are the ones you wouldn’t normally think of for photos. Instead of going for a park or field, consider the natural wonders of your area, whether that’s a mountain backdrop, a gorgeous hiking trail, or a secluded spot on the beach. Talk to your photographer about their favorite less common spots for photos and be open to trying something new.

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Mix it up

When you think of maternity photos, you may think of an expectant mother holding her belly and smiling, but your session is what you make it. Don’t be afraid to try different poses, whether serious or silly. Let your personality show! After all, these photos are all about you and your pregnancy journey, which is different for every woman. Find poses, shots, and locations that are meaningful to you or help tell your unique story.

Take advantage of golden light

Timing is everything when it comes to natural light photos, and one of the best times to take maternity photos is during “golden hour”—just before sunset. As the sun goes down, everything is suffused with a beautiful golden glow, which is the perfect setting for your maternity photos. If you want to get these stunning images, be sure to talk to your photographer about the best time of day to schedule your shoot so you don’t miss the light

Get in close

While it’s wonderful to have full-body photos, sometimes closeup images can be the sweetest ones! Whether taking photos with a partner or on your own, ask your photographer to capture some closeup images of your hands and belly. You never know what unique shot might end up being your favorite!

Consider staying at home

Not interested in going out and walking through a field for your maternity photos? Consider an in-home shoot where you can be more comfortable and more yourself. This also gives your photographer an opportunity to snap more natural, candid photos of you and your family as you prepare for your baby’s arrival. You can even take some photos of the nursery to capture the anticipation of waiting for your little one.

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Don’t say no to the studio

Natural light photos are incredibly popular right now, and a lot of people think that studio photos are outdated or cheesy. But studio photos are so much more than a cheap backdrop at the local mall. Photographers have complete control of lighting and backgrounds in their studio, allowing them to capture images that perfectly reflect your personality and beauty. If you have your heart set on an in-home or outdoor session, go for it, but don’t be afraid to give a studio session a try.

 Take it to the streets

Your outdoor maternity session doesn’t have to stick to fields and lakes. Instead, consider going a little more urban by strolling the streets of your local downtown. Murals, cafes, shops, and even graffiti can make for incredible backdrops to your images, and you still get all the color and brightness of natural light with a fresh, more modern look.

 

Do what you love most

Are you an avid reader? Do you love to garden? Maybe you play piano or work with rescue animals. Whatever you love, consider incorporating it into your maternity photos. Whether it’s wearing a jersey for your favorite team or bringing your dog along to your session, express the things that matter most to you—and the things you can’t wait to share with your child. —And don’t be afraid to get your partner/family involved! Including your loved ones in these memories make it all the more special!

Most of all, pamper and enjoy yourself! However you choose to capture this special time in your life, I am here to make that vision come to life!

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