The Zedwick's were expecting their second child this Spring and asked me to capture some special moments of them before their newest baby arrived. We met one weeknight evening and captured some sweet moments among the wildflowers and dreamy golden hour that Montana gave us, two of my very favorite things!
Their little boy, just learning to stand and walk on his own had fun exploring in the woods, touching grass, and running around. We soaked up the last of light before leaving our location for the night. I had the pleasure of capturing their family nearly a year ago when they were expecting their first, so it's quite special to be included in another life stage for their family.
The Perfect Maternity Shoot Dresses
Finding the perfect dress for a maternity session can sometimes be a challenge. You want to factor in a few things like time of year, the weather, temperature, location, etc. After I shared this session on social media, the first question I received is where did she get her dress from? Don't worry, I'll link it below and some other favorites you can check out while online shopping!
When choosing a maternity dress, take your measurements! With a growing body, you want to make sure you order one that is comfortable to wear and fits in all the right places. Dress for the weather, if it's super hot out you don't want to be wearing a heavy dress and long sleeves. Choose a color/pattern that works for the location you'll be photographing at, check with your photographer to see what they would recommend!
Check out a few of my favorite maternity dresses below, including the one from this session, found on Amazon!
- Bohemian Summer Plaid Dress (Amazon)
- Crochet Top Midi Dress (Pink Blush Maternity)
- Bodycon Mini Maternity Dress (Target)
- Adeline Maxi Dress (Petal & Pup)
- Sash Tie Wrap Maternity Dress (Pink Blush Maternity, plus size friendly)
- Floral Tiered Maxi Dress (Arula, plus size friendly)
Many dresses that are flowy can often be used as a maternity dress, even if it isn't labeled as one. Look for dresses that have a drop-waist, flowy, and consider sizing up one if you're concerned about not fitting in the chest. Be sure to order and try on early to ensure it fits the day of the session.
Maternity Photoshoot Poses for Couples and Kids
Many growing families ask if they can include their partner or children in the session, my answer is always YES! Including children and partners in maternity photos can create beautiful and meaningful images. Here are 4-5 poses or prompts that a photographer can use:
1. "Family Circle Pose": Have the mother sit or stand in the center, and arrange the partner and children in a circle around her. They can hold hands, hug, or gently touch her belly. This creates a loving and inclusive atmosphere in the photo.
2. "Kissing the Belly": Ask the partner and children to kiss the mother's belly gently. This pose highlights the connection between the family members and their anticipation of the new arrival.
3. "Whispering Secrets": Have the partner and children gather close to the mother, as if they are whispering secrets or sharing a special moment with the baby. This pose captures intimacy and tenderness within the family.
4. "Hands on Belly": Encourage the partner and children to place their hands on the mother's belly. This simple yet powerful pose symbolizes their support and connection with the growing baby.
5. "Walking Together": Capture a candid moment of the family walking together, holding hands or linking arms. This pose can be taken from the side or behind to emphasize the journey they are taking together towards welcoming the new addition to the family.
These poses and prompts aim to showcase the bond between the pregnant mother, her partner, and their children, capturing the joy and anticipation of this special time in their lives. Have fun with posing and prompts, sometimes they don't always work for kids of certain ages. I always tell my couples to act genuinely with each other, don't be afraid to touch and be personal with one another.
Still Looking for a Maternity Photographer in Kalispell?
If you're expecting a little one in the coming future or even planning on getting pregnant, I would love to capture your Montana maternity session. I am located in the Kalispell area, but service all of Northwest Montana. I encourage clients to reach out to me 4-5 months in advance via my contact form to hear my availability and current pricing. Let's plan the perfect session that reflects your lifestyle, including your children, partner and even your pets if you desire!
Check out some more of my work below!
