MATERNITY SESSION
A Guide for Melissa Berdis Photography Clients
WELCOME AND THANK YOU!
I am honored that I get to photograph this beautiful time in your life. Being a mom myself I cherished every maternity picture I took. It's such an amazingly special time and every experience is a unique one.
SAY YES TO THE DRESS
Long, flowy dresses look amazing on camera because they bring extra movement to the photos.
There are so many beautiful poses we can create with a long beautiful dress!
Most maternity dresses cut perfectly above the belly, so make sure you try it on before the day of the shoot to make sure you feel confident!
DRESS IT UP
Alright friend, do you ever see photos of women with a flower crown, or a tulle skirt, or a gorgeous sequin gown.. and think “WOW!
Sister! This is your chance to do it up!
Remember: There is no such thing as “too dressed up” when it comes to your maternity session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!
If you don’t want to spend a ton and add new permanent piece to your wardrobe, then use Rent the Runway! It’s the best!
Quick Tip: There’s no such thing as too dressed up.
FAVORITE SHOPS
CHOOSING COLORS
And if you're on a budget, you'd be surprised how many cute, comfy dresses you can find on Amazon and Target (just make sure to read the reviews!).
The colors of your outfits can totally transform how your images ultimately turn out! If you LOVE that light, bright, true to color style that I do, then this section is super important to read! The camera loves shades of soft pinks and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown, navy, and white, but my style totally brings life to fun, brighter colors as well. So darker reds, brighter pinks and yellows can also be lovely too. But be careful we don't get colors so bright that they distract from your lovely faces. So stray from anything too neon, or too dark! Wear the colors that make you feel your best!
HOW TO PREP DADDY
Alright friend, I think the majority of dads come the maternity session as a fatherly duty for you!
And its not because he doesn't want to, its because he’s never done it before!
So in order to make sure dad is cool and confident walking up to your session, here are
a few of my biggest tips to prep the new daddy!
1. Let him know that I will tell him exactly what to do! Absolutely zero pressure is on him! Think Simon Says! ;)
2. Let him choose what he's going to wear! We don’t want flashbacks of his mother dressing him like an easter egg! Have him play a roll in this decision!
3. Show him some of my maternity session pictures on my website! This will give him some sort of idea what he can expect and that other dads survived and lived to tell about it!
4. PRAISE him! Your man will have so much confidence if you tell him how hot he looks! For real.
5. THANK him! When he feels appreciated, he feels loved! When he feels loved, he will do anything you (I) tell him to do!;)
6. FEED him! This is why having date night after is so important! It’s something he can look forward to!! So treat him to his favorite restaurant and I promise he will be excited for this maternity session!:)
If you are wearing gorgeous dress, he’s definitely going to want to dress to impress!
Here is a great option!
khaki pants
dress pants
dress jeans
solid button down shirts
ties or bowties
suspenders, vests, watches
soft earth tones or neutral colors
You can't go wrong with a white button up, khaki pants, and brown shoes
WHAT TO WEAR
THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF A MATERNITY SESSION
DO:
-Wear long, flowy dresses
-Wear an outfit that covers or hides your trouble areas
-Choose soft colors such as blush, dusty blue, or cream or slightly brighter colors (but remember nothing too bright that takes away from that glowing bump)
-Wear solids or non-busy floral patterns
-Overdress
-Wear accessories that compliment your dress
-manicure your nails (treat yo'self)
-wear comfortable flats/wedges
-Get your hair and makeup professionally done if you can
-Pack water and snacks
-Plan a date night after
-Get excited and have fun!!
DON'T:
-Wear jeans
-Wear outfits that cling to or exposes your trouble areas
-Choose loud colors such as bright orange or hot pink.
-Wear busy patterns like plaid or stripes
-Underdress (t-shirts, tennis shoes, or shorts)
-Forget to match accessories to each outfit
-Have chipped nail polish (all your poses will have you holding that beautiful bump)
-Stress! I will do ALL the work!
ONE FINAL NOTE
Alright friend, I know I just gave you a lot to think about!
But I created this guide to take the guess work out of planning your outfits and to help you look your absolute best!
I really want to make this experience something that you both enjoy and can look back on as a sweet memory together!
At the end of the day, the location you choose and the outfits you select won’t matter nearly as much as your love for each other and the love you have for your baby!
Documenting this time of your life is the most important thing to me, and I want your maternity session to be a time for you to just be together and enjoy it!
DON'T FORGET
You’re already dressed up, so you 100% need to celebrate your new baby by heading out for a date night after!
This is also a great “reward” for you and daddy for getting out and documenting this time of your life!!