As my maternity clients start to increase, I gain more experience and understanding on how to capture pregnancy photos in the most beautiful and flattering way. I have had allot of experience photographing women, especially models and women, however photographing pregnant women requires some different considerations. Firstly I recommend to schedule the maternity photo shoot date between the 7th and 8th month of pregnancy, the reason being is that the belly is at an obvious stage of looking pregnant, and the shape of the belly is defined.  But if you wait until the say the 9th month, you may feel too tired and large to feel good and look your best in the photos. Secondly, I recommend you get a good rest the night before for the shoot. Taking photos can be hard work, and the more rested you are, the better you will look in the photos. I always do my best to light my subjects beautifully and capture your best angels, but it’s still important that you feels good since that will show through in the photos. The more rested you feel, the more radiant you will look. Do things the week prior and day prior that nurture your soul. Take a bath the night before with some candles, or get a facial and pedicure, and maybe even a trim and new hair style. Just tune into what really creates a feeling of health and beauty for yourself and do those things leading up to the shoot. Clothing is also a great way to really enhance ones emotional state. Choose clothing that makes you feel sexy and beautiful. I love to capture alluring pregnancy photos, just because you are pregnant, doesn’t mean you aren’t sexy. In fact I think pregnant women are especially beautiful. Showing the belly is very sexy, so bring tops that show it off! I also love long skirts, scarfs, bathing suits, sarongs, and accessories. I prefer to use mostly solid colors to prints, as they are more timeless and don’t distract from you. Nature is my favorite location to photograph maternity portraits, I also find that it’s typically relaxing in nature and is a conducive environment for women to feel relaxed and natural. Think about some of the type of photos you’d like to get and please bring your creative ideas, I love to collaborate. Also bring your partner, it’s a miracle that you created this new life together, and I love to capture the love between a couple during this sweet time. Lastly, drink lots of water as always, and bring your smile:)