maternity

4 Tips for Successful Maternity Boudoir Portraits | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Boudoir photos—while they may not be the first, most traditional item on your pregnancy to-do list, I can assure you a maternity boudoir photography session is a priceless opportunity. When you are growing a baby, it may be challenging to want to bare your bump for more intimate photos, but these photos are an opportunity for me as a photographer to give you a different perspective on your blossoming, maternal beauty. In case you need some more convincing, I’ve put together a few tips for a successful boudoir experience.

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First, not all boudoir photographers have the same vision or artistic slant. Search online for a photographer that uses light, poses, and outfits in a way that aligns with your taste. You may want more coverage and less skin or you may want more revealing images. Just make sure your photographer will accommodate that. Your photographer may even have a different level of comfort than you do!

Second, bring outfits that make you feel beautiful. The moment you try to put on something that you think you should be wearing but doesn’t fit your style and make you feel absolutely stunning, you are setting yourself up for an uncomfortable session. Different types of lacy bralettes can be found at places like Anthropologie or Francesca’s. A light kimono or sheer robe like this one is also a nice way to add a little bit of coverage.

Next, talk to me! Be an open book with your photographer. The more we can chat during your session, the better I can capture your vision and make you feel (and in turn, look) as comfortable as possible. Sometimes I am inspired by my client’s vision, so it doesn’t hurt to share your ideas.

Finally, print and enjoy theses photos! Pregnancy, while it can sometimes feel achingly long, is such a fleeting time. We don’t always take time to reflect on the beauty of it all. Plus, your husband might enjoy looking at these more than you!

Speaking of beauty, here are a few boudoir images from this stunning mama-to-be who has already introduced her new baby boy into the world!

Erika | Indoor Studio Maternity Session | Charlotte, North Carolina | Krista Gantt Photography

Photographers have an eye for beauty in all things, but sometimes we come across a really easy subject. Not only is Erika a sweet, bubbly, pure ray of light with a big laugh to match that radiant smile you see in these photos, but she is also quite the model. She makes pregnancy look stylish, with such an element of comfort—I’m not talking about the messy bun and sweatpants kind of comfort, but an apparent ease. Do you get my drift?

Her indoor studio images are some of my favorites, as I was able to really focus on capturing her belly. She was about 30 weeks which is what I recommend for maternity photos, as many women have a prominent bump by this point, and comfort and mobility aren’t yet compromised. I want mamas to be as comfortable as possible because that is how we have a great session that leads to cohesive galleries with a lot of images!

One thing that adds to beautiful photos is the wardrobe. Erika had everything from a Calvin Klein bra and panty set to a body con turtleneck dress. The black dress really emphasized her silhouette, while the Calvin Klein set allowed for a fun, relaxed moment to bare her beautiful bump. Finally, her chunky, neutral knit created a casual, lifestyle-type photo opportunity—just her and her little one enjoying some quality time. With only three outfit changes, this gallery has such a diversity in the tone of the images. I aim to diversify your sessions, and I want you to end up with images that don’t all feel like they’re the same.

What is your favorite type of maternity session? Do you prefer indoor or outdoor? Long gowns flowing in the wind or a more casual look? How about family or purely the bump?

COMPLIMENTARY MATERNITY SESSIONS

Want to take advantage of the complimentary maternity sessions but you're not sure how you feel about showing off your belly? Take a look at these! Maternity sessions can be fun and as laid back as you'd like! You choose the outfit that makes you feel most comfortable, and I'll do the rest! What is there to lose? If this is your first baby, these may be your last photos as a family of 2...

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