You are counting the days till the arrival of your baby! Your decision to spend time and money on professional maternity photos may depend on how you are feeling at this point in your pregnancy.
There are numerous reasons why maternity photos are unquestionably well the investment and time and are a choice you will not regret. It’s crucial to pick a location that is perfect for you and your particular needs.
So, to help you, here are some outdoor maternity shoot ideas and tips.
What to Wear to Your Outdoor Maternity Shoot?
I provide my clients with a wardrobe full of dresses. They are flowy, beautiful and one size fits all. If you like the aesthetic of my images then you will appreciate the dresses I have to offer you.
Make sure to bring layers for your maternity shoot, for the moments we are walking around and not taking photos. I am sure you will not want unwanted layers showing in the images.
As an outdoor maternity photographer, I offer styling advice, so feel free to ask me if you want the best outcomes.
Choosing an appropriate time of the year is ideal for your outdoor maternity photos. If you want warm weather then I suggest not choosing the winter months, otherwise, the weather will be fine, even if it is a bit breezy, that will just add drama to your maternity photos!
It is hard to know what the weather will be like in the UK, but if you’re lucky, you may have beautiful sunrises and sunsets in the summer months which are perfect for those gorgeous golden hour shots.
Outdoor Maternity Shoot Ideas
The Scenery and Weather
The scenery will all depend on the location you choose and the time of year. Of course, you are a bit restricted when it comes to the time of year your shoot will be held, as you will want to have your maternity shoot when your belly has popped.
If you want gleaming sun and flowers all around then the summer and spring months would be ideal for your maternity shoot. If you prefer a gorgeous autumn scene with crisp leaves and warm hues then this is ideal for you. But of course, this depends on the timing of your pregnancy.
Spring
Put on your favourite dress, or a dress from my client’s wardrobe and take a nice walk through a flower field or botanical garden.
Spring is known for its blooms and vibrant colours. Most of the time it is warm enough to go outside without a coat meaning it is a perfect time to capture those gorgeous memories. However, the weather may be very unpredictable and can range from rain to heat and sun.
It is a wonderful time of year for fun among the blossoms and this season really brings your maternity shoot to life.
Choose a location that expresses spring to its fullest, with gorgeous blooms and life.
Summer
Even if the days are longer, giving more hours to shoot, you should avoid doing a photo shoot during the height of the day when the sun is at its heaviest. The lighting is not as flattering.
It is worthwhile to pick a spot with lots of shade. Even the canopy of a giant tree will provide uniform lighting that is more aesthetically pleasing.
If you want stunning greens and blues, your images will be the most vibrant and vivid during the summertime.
Want some golden hour shots? Later in the evening is ideal for your maternity shoot.
Autumn
Warm colours like oranges and yellows are associated with autumn, so they will be prominent in your maternity photos.
The ground can still be used for sitting, which is great to switch up your poses. As long as we don’t happen to have a shoot just after a downpour.
Golden Hour is earlier in the day due to the shorter days, meaning you won’t have to stay out too late for your maternity shoot.
Choosing a location that is surrounded by trees is ideal, so you have the autumn colour leaves surrounding you which truly emphasises the season it is.
Winter
The golden hour will be earlier in the Winter, meaning your shoot will not be late at all, if you’re lucky to have a golden hour.
Although it is chilly, the effects are magnificent if you get a fresh winter morning with a blue sky and sunshine.
Wherever you go, it will be quieter, which means there will be fewer people around, meaning you will have more privacy for your maternity shoot.
Time of day
The time of day will impact the type of lighting you will receive in your photos. If you opt for an early morning, then you are likely to have warmer tones from the sunlight. You will likely have brighter images if you choose midday and early afternoon on a sunny day.
If it is cloudy, of course, your images will look gloomier, but this does not mean they won’t look beautiful! This will add some atmosphere to your images.
Later in the day, you will receive warmer tones from the sunset. So plan your session accordingly with your photographer to predict the best time to have your shoot, depending on your preference.
Remember: the UK is very unpredictable when it comes to the weather, so you are not promised anything!
What to Consider
Make sure you are familiar with the setting and the lighting conditions for the time of day you plan to have your maternity shoot.
Scouting sites are a must for taking high-quality outdoor maternity photos. As a Wokingham maternity photographer, I am always scouting new locations and if I do say so myself I know some amazing locations which I always share with my clients!
Some things to consider when choosing a location include:
- Texture
- Colours to suit the style of your shoot
- Shade
- Protection from the wind or rain
Somewhere that holds meaning
Choose a location that holds sentimental value to you. It could be somewhere that you and your partner went on your first date or just a spot that you truly love visiting. Whatever meaning it has, it is a great way to decide on a spot if you are stuck for a choice.
Where will you hold your maternity shoot?
As a Wokingham maternity photographer, I always give my clients my favourite local locations that I am passionate about, so they can choose if they are stuck for a choice.
Your outdoor maternity shoot is waiting for you to plan and book!
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