3 Tips for Your Outdoor Winter Maternity Session

I want you to feel comfortable to be yourself, and feel relaxed and confident at your outdoor maternity session. It all starts with what to wear.  Images from your maternity session will be viewed for years to come.  As my children grow, they love to hear of their days on the inside.  They love to see images of their Mama pregnant and the sweet baby bump that they were.  Most importantly, wear something timeless that you feel amazing in for your maternity photos.  Read on for my top three tips when planning your outdoor winter maternity session!  

1. Layers are best.  

I usually recommend a floor length dress for maternity photos. Maxi length, flowy dresses can hide leggings, warm socks and winter boots underneath.  Start with a warm base later of fleece leggings or long underwear, add cozy socks and winter boots.  Long sleeve options are best for colder months or add a top layer with a scarf, shawl, sweater or cute jacket.  

For the rest of the family, add texture and warmth to outfits by adding a coordinating vest, jacket, or sweater to chosen outfits.  

As an alternative to wearing a dress, try warm leggings with cute boots and a cozy, chunky knit sweater in a neutral color as seen below.  Layer on a cute coat and it’s the perfect alternative to a flowy dress.  

2. Bring along your winter clothes.  

Remember to bring any winter gear to keep everyone comfortable, this includes winter coats, hats, mittens etc.  Jackets can be removed once we’re settled in one area, and worn in between as we move around.

It’s important that children are always well dressed for the weather.  Choose a cute beanie or pom pom hat and some warm mittens in addition to their winter coat.  Cold kids make for unhappy kids, so be sure they’re warm. Then they’ll be all smiles and ready for an adventure! 

3. Embrace the season 

The season you’re in when your baby is almost here is beautiful just the way it is.  Embrace the weather, cozy up with family and lean in to the season.  It’s all part of documenting this important time for your family.  

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Remember these tips when planning for your maternity session

• Make sure your undergarments fall above or below your baby bump.  A maternity session showcases your pregnancy, and documents the size and shape of your belly.  A waistband across the middle of it doesn’t photograph well.  

• Avoid dark colors. We want your photos to show the shape of your baby bump.  Dark colors are slimming and that’s true for pregnant bellies too.  Black or dark navy dresses will take away some of the definition and make it hard to tell you’re pregnant.  That’s the opposite of what we’re going for!  The best colors are muted jewel tones or deep earth tones.  Choose one or the other.  Consider the background at the location you chose and your own style.  Jewel tones create a more light and fresh session look.  Colors like blush, mauve, light navy and sage, which pair well with cream and grey neutrals.  For a more dark and moody vibe, earth tones include forest green, plum, mustard yellow, and burnt orange, and pair well with light browns and tans for neutrals.  Choose mainly neutrals for your family, then add pops of color in your preferred color palette. 

• Colors to avoid. 

  • All neon.

  • The standard colors of the rainbow, always choose a lighter or deeper shade or it will steal focus.  

  • Black for expectant mamas.  

  • Reds, magenta, turquoise, and pink are overwhelming colors that not only draw the eye to it, but also create color casts.