Pregnancy is a beautiful moment in a family. Many expectant mothers will document their growing belly bump in photos that capture the excitement and anticipation. These photos can be glamorous, fun, sweet or sentimental with the right setting and the perfect props. Here are some prop ideas that will help make your maternity photo shoot stand out from the rest.
Family
Use dad as a prop or secondary subject, for your maternity photos. While the main attraction is the mother’s growing belly, incorporation of the father will make these photos special as they will be your first family portraits. The excitement in the new dad’s face will add depth and emotion. Be careful with close-up shots of the dad’s hands on the belly — they may become confused for the mother’s and might look like she has masculine hands. If you have children, bring them into the photograph as well. You can have the siblings carry numbers, in the order they were born, with the largest number held in front of your baby bump. The more family members you incorporate the more exciting and personable your photos will feel.
Chalkboard
A chalkboard is a kitschy and cute way for the incorporation of any sayings or announcements. Many couples will write the due date on a chalkboard, the gender of the baby or a fun quote. There are many ideas for what you can write on your chalkboard maternity photo prop on Pinterest. Make sure the handwriting on the board looks clean and stylish, so poor handwriting doesn’t distract from the rest of the beautiful photo. If your handwriting doesn’t make the cut, enlist a crafty friend or email a local artist for help.
Letters
Utilize letters of all shapes and sizes that will create a one-letter word to your photo. Some couples have purchased alphabet blocks and spelled the gender or their baby or their baby’s name on top of the mother’s protruding baby bump. You could also purchase large letters and use the mother’s baby bump as a stand-in for the letter “O.” With large letters, the father and mother could hold them and spell out “BOY” or “LOVE”. Many of these props can be found at local craft stores or ordered online from craft stores like Jo-Ann and Michaels.
Flowers
For a more soft and elegant maternity photo shoot, use a simple white backdrop, some white sheets and roses. Create a breath-taking studio-style photo where your body is strategically covered in rose petals with an exposed baby bump. This look can be achieved lying on the ground, preferably a white floor or studio drop sheet, wearing a nude-color, strapless swimsuit. Have a friend or studio assistant scatter the petals over the swimsuit areas and around where you lay. For an extra glamorous element, have your hair and make up professionally done for the photo shoot.
Balloons
Balloons are a fantastic addition for your photo as they can enhance the overall composition. The shape of large, circular balloons matches that of your growing baby belly and adds artistry to the photo. Balloon color variations can also be used to brighten the color composition of the photograph or for the indication of the child’s gender. For example, blue balloons for a boy and pink colors for a girl.