How to Plan the Perfect Maternity Photoshoot in Nashville

One of life's most beautiful experiences is going through the nine months of being pregnant; capturing these special times will provide your family with memories they'll never forget. If you're thinking about doing a maternity photoshoot Nashville, there are many considerations that can play an important role in helping you create the timeless images that you will treasure long after the baby is born. In this article, I will discuss what you need to consider in order to successfully plan a great maternity photo shoot from beginning to end, including the location and the photographer!

Choose the Right Time for Your Session

The timing of your maternity photography session is something that should be carefully thought through, as there are a number of factors which will influence this decision. Although some people may choose an entirely different time to schedule their photo shoot, some maternity photographers recommend that the shoot is best done between 28-34 weeks of pregnancy as this will provide you with the greatest amount of fun during your maternity photography shoot. You will be able to see the size of your belly much better than before this time frame, and at the same time you will still feel comfortable enough to enjoy having your picture taken at this time.

By booking your maternity photoshoot early, you will allow yourself enough time to work with your photographer to coordinate what you will wear and where you will be photographed.

Select a Stunning Nashville Location

Maternity photography can be done with a number of scenic locations throughout Nashville. You can choose from a gorgeous park scene, beautiful country landscape, an urban setting, or professional indoor studio photography.

When shooting in popular outdoor locations, you get beautiful natural light and stunning seasonal scenery; and in the studio, it is extremely easy to have total control over the lighting and maintain privacy while creating a stunning maternity portrait. Discuss your ideas and vision with your photographer so you can determine the best location for your desired look.

Coordinate Your Outfits

The clothing in your closet is an important element for your pictures. Flowing maternity dresses, neutral colours and soft fabrics usually photograph well. If you're bringing your partner and/or children to photo sessions, think about coordinating outfits with those family members as well. 

Many professional photographers provide advice on what type of clothing to wear to their sessions and may even have item(s) from a client's closet available to them.  At  Steve Herlihy Photography, we provide our clients with personalized recommendations to help create maternity portraits that are both timeless and elegant.

Read More Here: Why Your Wedding Photos Don’t Look Like Pinterest (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Include Your Family

Your closet can impact the success of your photos. Neutral colored, soft-textured and flowing maternity clothing will often photograph very well. If you're taking photographs that include your spouse or children, consider coordinating the maternity clothing with the clothing of your family members.

Many professional photographers can offer clothing suggestions for their photo sessions, and often have the ability to source items from the client’s closet as necessary. At Steve Herlihy Photography we create personalized wardrobe suggestions to create timeless, elegant maternity portraits for our clients. 

Plan for Hair and Makeup

Having a professional hairstylist or make-up artist do your hair and/or make-up will give you more confidence when getting your picture taken. An expectant mother may have a glowing, natural look that emphasizes her beautiful features without looking fake; this type of look is typically preferred for maternity photos.

To help reduce stress and give you confidence during your photo shoot, make sure to book beauty appointments in advance of the shoot.

Trust an Experienced Photographer

Selecting an appropriate photographer is crucial for getting magnificent images of the mother-to-be. Photographers specializing in maternity photography (along with families) are preferred and should have a portfolio that is representative of your style.

Steve Herlihy Photography places a high priority on creating real, emotional, artistic pictures of mothers-to-be that celebrate an important time in a woman’s life. Their experience in both maternity and family photography will guarantee to provide you with a comfortable environment to create beautiful photographs based on your story.

Consider Professional Print Products

Although you can access digital images easily, having prints created by a printing service will give you a way to relive those moments daily. You will find that families like using albums, wall art, framed images, and other keepsakes to display their maternity photos.

Digital photo services may also offer print and product options for their photographers' images, which can turn your once-special photograph into a timeless family item.

Book Early and Prepare Ahead

Maternity photos are typically booked by the best photographers several months in advance. Once you have decided on your photographer, plan ahead of your shoot by discussing the creative direction, where you would like to take the photographs, what you would like to wear, and any other wishes you have for your session.

Being prepared will give you and your photographer the best chance to have a great experience as well as make images that represent who you are and how happy you are about your new addition to your family.

Final Thoughts

To create the most beautiful maternity photography Nashville, all of these factors must be taken into consideration, including: careful planning; choosing the best time of day; selecting fabulous outdoor locations; and hiring a professional maternity photographer who will share the same vision as you. 

Since maternity photographs are an investment in capturing a very special and unique time in your life, working with a professional photographer to obtain a beautiful keepsake of your pregnancy is important. You can schedule an appointment with Steve Herlihy Photography to discuss your options and plan an unforgettable session that you will cherish forever if you are in Nashville TN and looking for a professional photographer to take care of any of your photography needs.