Are you an expecting (pregnant) mom in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids area? If you are about to book a maternity session or already have, one of your top questions as you prep is likely “What am I going to wear for my maternity photo session?” I know some expecting moms don’t even consider maternity photos in the Winter, but I am here to tell you that maternity photos can be done beautifully in ANY season even in the Midwest (here in Iowa City).

Let me start with saying I understand that a lot of women are hesitant with booking maternity photos. You don’t exactly feel that maternity glow when you are more concerned about a backache, stretch marks or even cankles. But here’s the thing, believe me YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL (and you will probably appreciate it more when you look back at these photos). And it’s so special to show these photos to your children. So let’s talk about some tips and tricks on what to wear for your maternity session to hopefully make you feel as beautiful as you are. Then I’ll give you some favorite looks/ideas for inspiration.

DO’S + DON’T OF WHAT TO WEAR FOR MATERNITY PHOTOS

DO: CLOTHING THAT ADDS MOVEMENT– As you may already know, some outfits may be super cute in general, but don’t always photograph as well. For example, I would typically recommend a more flowy maxi style dress to a tight fitting mini/midi dress. Sure, a mini dress accentuates your curves, but often its not super easy to move in. Clothing that adds movement doesn’t have to be a dress if you aren’t a dress person. Blousy tops, cardigans, kimonos also can add movement. This is especially true if you are doing an outdoor session.

DO: MIX TEXTURES + MATERIALS.

Examples of materials and textures that are beautiful to photograph include: linen, knits/crochet, lace, leathers, corduroy, jean/denim. These textures really make a difference especially for closer/detail shots as they make things more interesting to look at!

DO: LAYER! Layer whenever possible-especially if you are doing an outdoor session and you need to dress for the season. Consider incorporating a shawl, blanket, kimono, or long open cardigan. These pieces can make your photos more dynamic and visually interesting plus hide any areas of your body that you are feeling self-conscious about. 

DO: DRESS LIKE YOURSELF! If you love everything colorful, then do that for your session. You should look back at these photos and feel like they are authentically you. A great place for us to work through this is with a custom shared Pinterest board (or I am happy to make one based on a styling questionnaire).

DON’T: MATCHY- MATCH. Instead complement! If your partner or other children are part of your maternity photo session, avoid all matching! Ok, sometimes there is an exception if you have some super cute jeans for some mommy and me matching, but in general it is not the 90s (white tees and jeans for everyone!). I have photographed people with the same exact pattern for example, and it just looks like one blob (don’t do it!). Matching also applies to the shapes/overall outfits. For example, if there are 3 people all in shirts and jeans. Swap that out for a romper, overalls, a skirt or a dress. If everyone wants to wear pants, no problem! Just vary the shape or material.

DON’T: LARGE DESIGNS/PATTERNS. This may be a personal opinion, but also based on what photographs well. If you love florals, go for the more subtle ditsy floral style vs large flowers etc.

PUTTING IT TOGETHER:

Some people love these tips on what to wear for maternity photos. They read them and run. Other mamas are left still wondering how the words translate to the photos they are envisioning in their mind. No worries if the latter is you! That’s where I come in. I can create a personalized moodboard based on your style, vision etc. Some of my favorite stores to look at local Iowa City shops i.e. The Shop Iowa City, Revival. You don’t need to buy maternity clothing specifically. If you are more of an online shopper, Baltic Born, Amazon, Free People are great options to look.

Below I am sharing some of my recent inspiration looks/moodboards.

INSPIRATION LOOKS:

>>THE EDITORIAL: an open blazer and a little exposed belly; simple jeans and poses that feel like you are on the cover of Vogue, instead of overly “maternity” (i.e. one hand on either side of your belly)

>>THE COZY: this is a great look for an in home session (or studio); oversized shirt, exposed belly with jeans, maybe a cozy knit sweater. this is a great look for a more documentary style in-home session (i.e. maybe your kids are playing in the background, maybe you are doing an activity such as baking or taking a bubble bath together)

>>THE OUTDOORSY: sun-soaked flares, grasses or wildflowers in summery months; organic tall grasses in winter months. perfect for a nature lover. outdoor spaces can also feel open, allow movement and more of a cinematic feel.

So tell me, are you drawn to any of these maternity inspiration ideas and looks? Do you have your own Pinterest board going (here’s mine by the way)

Are you an expecting mama in the Iowa City or Cedar Rapids area? I would love to hear from you! Connect with me here