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Pregnancy is a beautiful time for parents-to-be, and what better way to remember such a precious period than by preserving it in time with a maternity photoshoot?
Of course, you could easily call a photographer to schedule a session. But if you're looking to save a few bucks or want complete creative control over the process, you'll be happy to know that a DIY maternity photoshoot isn't so difficult a task to take on.
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5 DIY Maternity Shoot Must-Haves
Whether you're planning a maternity shoot for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things you'll need to consider before snapping a photo.
1. Equipment
You can't get Instagram post-worthy maternity photos without the right equipment. If you've got a high-quality camera and lights at your disposal, by all means, use them! However, if you don't have professional photography equipment on hand, don't fret.
Nowadays, everything you could need to snap a few beautiful shots — a high-resolution camera, flash, auto-focus, and similar — is built into your smartphone. Hand your phone to a friend or mount it on a tripod and use the timed photo feature.
2. Environment
Once you've rounded up your equipment, decide where the photoshoot will occur. Select a location based on your interests to keep the photos as authentic as possible.
If you're a nature lover, consider venturing outside and letting leafy greenery or a beachy sunrise be your backdrop. Not an outdoorsy person? No problem! Indoor maternity shoots yield stunning results, too. Purchase and set up a maternity photo backdrop to create a clean, studio-like vibe, or set yourself up in one of your favorite rooms for a cozier feel.
3. Hair & Makeup
You want to look your best for your photos! After all, you'll have these pictures as keepsakes forever.
When styling your hair and makeup for the shoot, it's a good idea to go for a look similar to the one you sport daily. Why? Because you don't want to look back at your pictures years from now and wonder, "Wow, who is that?"
However, you'll want to apply your makeup a little heavier than usual, especially if the photoshoot will be outside. Since natural light brightens your face a bit, lightly applied makeup won't show up as well. So, if you want to see your makeup on-camera, go slightly heavier-handed than you typically would.
Enhance With Makeup & Hair With YouCam Makeup
Unfortunately, pregnancy fatigue can make slathering on cosmetics and firing up the curling iron tiring tasks. That's where apps like YouCam Makeup come in. YouCam Makeup, free to download for iOS and Android devices, is an artificial intelligence-powered selfie editing app with features like a virtual makeup try-on experience and hairstyle and hair color simulations.
Take advantage of the app's large library of lipstick colors, eyeshadow hues, foundation, and more while testing more than 100+ hair colors and dye patterns. Your hair and makeup will look perfect, and all it will take is a few taps and swipes of your finger.
4. Poses
There are plenty of poses you could strike during your maternity photoshoot, whether you'll be photographed alone, with your partner, or bringing the whole family into the mix. Regardless of how many people are in the shot, the pregnant person is the focal point. So, do something flattering.
If you're not sure what you and your baby bump would look best doing, draw inspiration from some of the most popular maternity shoot poses:
- Hold the belly and face the side — silhouettes are perfect for showing off a bump
- Sit cross-legged and place a hand atop the bump
- Hold the sonogram in front of the belly
5. Props
Adding a prop is a great way to elevate your maternity photos. There are plenty of items you could incorporate into your snapshots — baby shoes, a sonogram, flowers, and colored smoke, to name a few. Whatever you choose, make sure it reflects you and your style well.
Post-Production Tips
So, you’ve just completed your DIY maternity photoshoot and captured some beautiful moments, but before you hit “post” or print out those photos, a little editing can make all the difference. Luckily, with the help of apps like YouCam Makeup, enhancing your images is easier and more accessible than ever before.
Body Editing Tools for Body Confidence
The app also includes an AI-powered Body Tuner, perfect for adjusting your body shape. Whether you want to gently slim down your waistline, add curves, or adjust proportions for a more flattering look, this feature makes it easy to enhance your body shape in a natural way. This means you can tweak your photo to match how you feel in the moment, all while maintaining the authenticity of your pregnancy glow.
Face Reshape to Enhance Facial Features
While the app’s AI-powered makeup and hairstyle filters are a great starting point, there are other powerful features that can take your photos to the next level. One standout tool is the one-tap Photo Face Shaper, which allows you to subtly refine the shape of your face with just one click. Whether you want to define your cheekbones, smooth out a slightly uneven jawline, or add a bit of contour, this feature provides a quick and simple way to enhance your natural features.
Face Retouch for Blemish Removal
In addition, the app offers an AI Skin & Photo Retouch feature that helps you achieve flawless skin by automatically removing blemishes, smoothing out wrinkles, and brightening dark spots like under-eye circles. If you have any imperfections you want to erase or just want to give your skin a fresh, glowing look, this tool does the job effortlessly, saving you time and effort.
Once you’ve made all your edits, your maternity photos will be ready to shine—looking polished, radiant, and ready to share with the world. With these powerful editing tools, YouCam Makeup makes it easy to enhance your photos in a way that highlights your beauty and the special moments of your pregnancy journey.
Have a Maternity Photoshoot at Home
Sometimes, you might find yourself feeling like your pregnancy will never end — ask anyone; that third trimester is no joke! But, in the grand scheme of things, nine months isn't so long, and soon enough, your pregnancy will be but a memory.
A maternity photoshoot is a great way to preserve said memory, and organizing one at home is easy and inexpensive. So, enlist a friend or family member to be your photography assistant, pull out your smartphone, find a nice background, and assemble a DIY maternity shoot. In a few years, as you look back at them fondly, you'll be glad you did.
DIY Maternity Shoot FAQs
In what week should you have a maternity shoot?
Every photographer has their own opinion on when clients should take maternity photos. However, you'll probably find that most photographers recommend having the shoot when you're somewhere between 30 and 36 weeks along. By this point, your bump will likely be nice and round, but not so heavy that you'll be tired and uncomfortable throughout the shoot.
Is it better to have a studio or outdoor maternity shoot?
It depends on your preferences. If you feel most comfortable in a controlled and private environment and want your photos to have a more high-end feel, go the indoor route. However, if you want to bring natural beauty and a relaxed feel to the pictures, grab your camera and go outside.
Is a maternity shoot worth it?
Yes, and for a couple of reasons. First, these photos are a reminder of your pregnancy and the hope and anticipation you felt as you awaited your child's birth. Looking back on them is a great way to recall the joy of welcoming a new baby.
Second, scheduling a maternity photoshoot is a lovely way to celebrate your body and how beautifully it changes during pregnancy.
