As both a Perth mum and a Maternity Photographer, I know how daunting it can be stepping in front of the camera. Especially when your body feels so foreign and new with your ever growing bump. While it may be a new and daunting experience for you, rest assured that I have done this many time and have a few tricks up my sleeve to help you feel at ease, natural and confident.

Maternity Photographer’s Tip One: Movement

Let’s loosen up, stretch those limbs out and shake the sillies out. The best way to avoid that stiff and unnatural feeling is to move….naturally. Let’s take a little walk, do some twirls in your maternity dress and let the fabric fold around your bump, sway back and forth while caressing your baby belly, tickle your partner. All these things bring a natural and candid vibe to your images and photograph beautifully.

Maternity Photographer’s Tip Two: Don’t look at the camera

Yes, there will be photos of you smiling into the camera but my unique style lends itself to candid and authentic images that show your personality. So rather than posed smiles that can feel awkward and unnatural, let’s look into the distance, have a laugh with your partner at an inside joke that noone else knows, share a kiss and look into each others eyes. Be yourself and forget that I am even there.

Maternity Photographer Tip three: Focus on connection

There is a bond between parents and baby that is best described in photographs. A mother and unborn baby, a father and unborn baby, siblings and their future little best friend and parents with each other. These connections can be highlighted throughout the maternity photoshoot and celebrated before bub is earth side. Simple touches, small kisses, eye contact and expressions all tell a story and document the relationship as it is in that moment. These are the memories you want to treasure forever.

Maternity Photographer Tip four: Highlight the bump

With your beautiful bump being the star of the show, I have some tricks up my sleeve to help with highlighting and documenting this moment in time. We can use different angles to show the shape and accentuate your belly, framing with your hands, your partners hands or your other children as well, working with light and shadows to create patterns on your belly (especially beautiful with lace or flowers), use different arts and crafts supplies like paints or gold leaf to decorate…the possibilities are endless and the results are gorgeous.

Maternity Photographer Tip Five: Props and Accessories

If you have anything of sentimental value or you want to document, bring them along! Family heirlooms that have meaning, the ultrasound images of your little loves tiny nose, fingers and toes, a cute pair of baby shoes. Anything that will add that extra personal touch to your gallery is welcomed and encouraged.

Along with these tips on how to approach your maternity session, as your Perth Maternity Photographer, I will be able to guide you on where to put your hands, prompts to use that produce the most natural and authentic images and will display the connection you share as a couple and a family.

If you think this is what you need for your maternity session, get in touch and let’s capture your precious bump!