Why Buying Your Own Maternity Dress for Photos is Best

I just love these bright and sunny maternity photos on Medicine Lake in Plymouth, MN. I captured this incredibly fun and beautiful couple in the gorgeous morning light for their maternity photoshoot a few weekends ago.

One of the reasons I’m obsessed with this maternity session is due to the mom’s fiery curly red hair and her short yellow maternity dress that worked perfectly for the summer outdoor environment. It added such a great color pop to these photos set against a mostly green background.

Thinking about the time of year and the location for your outdoor maternity photos and choosing a dress or outfit for them can really bring a cohesive feeling to your images.

Don’t Borrow (Buy Your Own Instead)

There’s a trend in the maternity photography industry where maternity and motherhood dresses tend to be very pale and neutral in color (reminding me of Little House on the Prairie, especially with that light and airy photography style. But I enjoy a pop of color in maternity and family photos, especially in an outdoor setting.

If you’re not sure what to wear and where to buy a maternity dress for your photoshoot, I wrote a whole blog post about what to wear for maternity photos. I honestly think that what you wear brings out your personality, and wearing what everyone else wears or borrowing dresses from a photographer’s client closet doesn’t make your photos unique to you. It’s like Glamour Shots Lite and oh so early 1990’s.

For modern maternity photos, here are some things to consider when choosing a maternity dress:

Personal Expression: Choosing your own style of maternity dress allows you to express your unique personality and preferences. Pregnancy is a special time, and wearing something that reflects your individual style can make the photoshoot feel more authentic and meaningful.
Comfort: Maternity photoshoots can be physically demanding, especially as the due date approaches. Opting for a dress that you feel comfortable in can make the experience more enjoyable and help you feel more relaxed during the shoot.
Confidence Boost: Wearing a dress that you love and feel confident in can boost your self-esteem during the photoshoot. Feeling good about yourself will shine through in the photographs, resulting in more natural and beautiful images.
Fit and Flatter: Everybody is unique, and what looks flattering on one person may not necessarily work for another. By choosing your own maternity dress, you can select a style that complements your body shape and accentuates your best features.
Emotional Attachment: Picking out your own maternity dress allows you to create an emotional connection to the outfit. You might choose a dress with sentimental value or one that holds special memories, making the photoshoot even more meaningful.
Coordination with Theme or Location: If you have a specific theme or location in mind for your maternity photoshoot, selecting your own dress can help ensure that it complements the overall aesthetic. You can choose colors, patterns, and styles that align with the mood or setting you envision.
Flexibility: By bringing your own maternity dress, you have the flexibility to make last-minute changes or adjustments as needed. You won’t be limited to the photographer’s wardrobe options and can easily switch outfits if desired.
Budget Considerations: Renting or purchasing a dress specifically for the photoshoot may incur additional costs. Choosing your own maternity dress allows you to work within your budget and invest in a piece that you can wear beyond the photoshoot.

Overall, selecting your own maternity dress for the photoshoot empowers you to make choices that resonate with your personal style, comfort, and vision for capturing this special moment in your life.

If you’re looking for a maternity photographer in the Minneapolis area, please reach out to me because I’d love to work with you!