Tips for Maternity Posing || Orange County Maternity Photography
Growing a tiny human inside of you is one of the most beautiful things in the entire world.
Isn’t it? Right?????
Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t feel like the most beautiful thing in the world while we’re pregnant. We feel tired and achy and grumpy. At least I know I did!
So when it comes time for maternity photos here in Orange County, I have some tried and true tips to making you feel better during our session and loving your photos just that much more.
Hair and Makeup! I know this is a splurge, (unless you’re booking with me because it’s already included in your session fee with me!) but it’s SO worth it. Not only will you love your photos that much more but you’ll feel put together and beautiful for the first time in months. I really can’t stress this one enough. Hair and makeup artists make it super easy these days and will even come to your home. I have a list of my favorite local Orange County artists if you need a referral.
Wardrobe - Again this isn’t something you need to worry about if you’re booking with me because I have an array for your to choose from but if you’re not, your wardrobe can make or break your session. If you want to go big, choose a floor length neutral dress. PinkBlush has some adorable options as well as Common Thread (formally Xpecting Boutique in Costa Mesa. If you’d rather stay casual, choose a chunky off the should sweater or sweater dress. I find showing a little skin up top (a classy amount, just shoulders or back) pairs well with a long gown or chunky sweater.
Now for my Maternity Posing Tips… I’ve explained it all in detail on this video if you’re a visual learner too.
Feet - When posed to the side - whatever leg is closest to the camera, keep that knee popped. When looking at the camera straight on, cross your ankles over each other.
Shoulder - When posed to the side - Stand up nice and tall and pull that shoulder closest to the camera back and away. That will inevitably push your chest out a bit. I always suggest pushing your chest out a tiny bit, your booty out a tiny bit and your belly out a tiny bit. This will really accentuate the curves nicely. When looking at the camera straight on - Just stand up nice and tall!
Neck - Maternity photos are all about connecting with your growing baby so I’ll often ask you to look down at your tummy. Doing that gives even the skinniest supermodel a triple chin so instead, look down and out past your belly 3-4 feet in front of you. This gives the illusion that you’re looking at your tummy without the triple chin. Make sure to push your chin out a tiny bit when looking straight on at the camera too!
Hands - Try to keep your fingers closed and at a slight angle down while your holding your belly. Fingers splayed out over your tummy aren’t the most flattering. Your hands will go in a variety of places during our session. Both hands on top of your belly, both hands on bottom, one hand on top and one on bottom, etc For husbands I often ask them to hold your belly as well, just make sure they don’t hold too low on your belly. Keep them around the belly button should be (mine always disappeared so just bottom 1/3 of your tummy!)
Lastly - YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!! I know it’s hard to believe that but I promise you in 10 years you’ll look back on these moments with a smile on your face. This is such a unique time in your life and it will be over before you know it. Give yourself some grace and love that baby body!
XO - L
Orange County Maternity Photography
Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.
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XO- Laurel