Complete Guide to Your Maternity Photos in Portland, OR

 

 

Maternity photos are special because they capture the beauty of pregnancy and the joy of new life. Our photographer will take care to ensure that you feel comfortable during your session, and we’ll provide you with beautiful images for your home. Your maternity photos in Portland, OR don’t have to be stressful. A little preparation will go a long way.

Our photographer works with moms to capture their pregnancy journey from bump through birth.

 

We understand that each mom has her own story, and we’re committed to capturing those stories as well. That means that every mother gets personalized attention throughout her entire pregnancy.

Choose a Photographer for Your Maternity Photos in Portland, OR

 

First thing you will need to do is find a photographer. So many things go into this decision. Lists are always helpful. Start by doing a little research on Instagram,  Facebook and Google.

What are some of the characteristics of the photos you find beautiful? Then make a list of the photographers who have that style and visit their website. There you should be able to find out more about the experience, cost and see more of their work.

I recommend contacting one photographer at a time and giving them 24 hours to answer. If they don’t get back to you (over here we get back to you within hours) then you can contact the next person on your list. When contacting a photographer let them know your due date straight way. Since maternity photos are usually done around 28-32 weeks into the pregnancy, they will be able to tell you if they have availability around that time.

Once you choose a photographer and they confirm their availability, you will probably be asked to pay a retainer fee to save the date. That’s particularly important with maternity photos because you don’t want to miss out on their availability and end up having to find another artist in a pinch.

Work with Your Photographer to Plan your Session

 

A good photographer is not just one who takes great pictures. Being able to guide and direct clients to prepare for their session is just as important.

Here’s the workflow we follow:

• asking you to fill out a questionnaire so that we can get to know you better
• video call where we can discuss styling, location and answer any of your questions
• email and phone assistance to help you choose the best outfits for your photos
• a client guide and styling guide
• access to our client closet with expertly curated pieces to make your maternity photos standout

You can also learn more about what to expect from you maternity session in Portland, OR right here

Even if your photographer doesn’t offer these many resources, they should be able to provide you with some assistance. Choices of location, some guidance around styling as well as what to expect from the session would be some of the topics they should be able to help you with.

Choose What to Wear

 

This is something we could talk about for quite a while. Deciding what to wear for your maternity photos doesn’t have to be a stressful task.

Here are some quick tips to help you:

• decide on a style ( form fitting, flowy, casual, modern, intimate)
• think about colors that suit you and the location ( your photographer can help)
• coordinate with other family members, but no matching
• make sure the pieces chosen are comfortable and allow for movement

There are so many different styles to go for. You should choose what to wear based on your own personal style. Make sure you wear something that makes you feel beautiful.

Our clients get access to our client closet. The reason why we offer this as a complimentary service is so that you don’t have to worry it. We select pieces that look great on camera and that have a great flow to take your pictures to a whole new level.

Are you curious to know what is in it? You can check it out here

Selecting a Location

 

There are so many amazing locations for maternity photos in Portland, OR. We sure have beautiful parks around here.

To make it super easy for you we scout and select the most epic locations we can find. Here’s what we look for in a location:

• beautiful scenery
• ease of access ( we know it’s not easy carrying a bump around)
• good light
• interesting features like water, rocks, tall grass, flowers
• range of colors and textures
• safety
• privacy ( although we can’t guarantee that the location will be completely deserted, we select locations that have as much privacy as possible)

If you have a specific location in mind, speak to your photographer. They might be able to check it out and let you know if it would work. Unfortunately a lot of popular locations around Portland are just too crowded or have poor light so it’s always best to run it by your photographer first.

 

The Little Details

 

Now that you have learnt about the most important parts of planning your maternity photos in Portland, OR, let’s talk about the little things.

Shoes

Should be comfortable and of a neutral color. Avoid white or sparkly shoes as they will steal the show. Heels are not recommended unless you are doing your session in studio.

Undergarments

Neutral colors for your specific skin type. If you normally wear a bra but your outfit doesn’t allow for a regular bra, try these.

Accessories

Accessories can be so much fun, specially if they have a special meaning to you. Try to play with the colors already present in the outfits. For example, if your partner is wearing a blue shirt, you can add a blue necklace. For maternity photos, big statement rings work really well.

Skincare and Make up

Start thinking about your skin about a week before the session. A simple routine of face wash and moisturizer every day will help your skin glow.

We recommend a natural look for hair and make up. You want the pictures to reflect your true self, so the more natural the look, the better.

Plan your route

Check the location’s address in advance, make sure you leave enough time to get there a few minutes early. We don’t want you to feel stressed about anything. With natural light, outdoor sessions, timing is really important. Make sure you check if any parking permits are needed. Most of the locations on the Columbia River Gorge require one. A different permit is required on the Washington side.

Pack for the kids

If you have small kids who will be part of your maternity session, check what to bring here

 

Ready to book your Maternity Photos in Portland, OR? Click Here