Maternity shoots are highly personalized and there are no rules that state they need to be at home or in a studio. More and more moms-to-be are opting to have their maternity sessions outside.

Here is what you should consider as you plan your own shoot.

The Where

Your location and outfit go hand in hand, so you may want to decide what you want to wear first. If your maternity dress is slightly revealing, opt for a more private location to avoid any awkward stares.

You don’t need to wear a dress either – whatever makes you feel the most comfortable and beautiful is perfect. Ideally, your clothes shouldn’t be too baggy or your belly won’t stand out in the photos; with that said flowy dresses do photograph beautifully.

There are many beautiful outdoor locations to choose from. If you haven’t explored your immediate area in a while, now is the best time to do so. Forest locations are always popular, but if you want something much more private, you can always plan the shoot in your own backyard or that of a friend.

What is recommended is that you have a variety of backgrounds available for the session. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to choose multiple locations either. Just make sure your location has several interesting backdrops that you can use for your photos.

The Time

Lighting plays a leading role in any photo session, so keep this in mind when planning your outdoor maternity shoot. Ideally, you don’t want to shoot too close to midday as the light is far too harsh. Shooting shortly after sunrise or just before sunset are the best times because of the optimal lighting. Your photographer can help you plan out the specifics here.

The Poses

While your photographer will guide you in terms of posing, it helps to bring some ideas to the session. If there are any poses you really don’t want to include, let your photographer know ahead of time. Create a board on Pinterest to highlight what style you are after.

Bonus Tips

-        If you want to wear more than one outfit, consider packing a collapsible standing tent to make changing easier. (I actually have one I bring to sessions for this sole purpose) 

-        Planning to include pets or other children in the shoot? Bring someone along who can care for them in between shots.

-        Pack a neutral blanket for any poses that require you to sit on the ground.

-        In the event that it is slightly chilly, bring a cardigan or bathrobe along for when you need to walk around the location in between shots.

Your photographer will also be able to provide you with additional tips once you discuss your ideas with them.