Style Guide

Take the season into consideration and choose colors that compliment the scenery, not match it.

Layers & textured or detailed fabrics bring more interest and dimension. In the very top photo, mom is wearing a maxi dress. We added a loose open sweater to add another layer to the image. This also doubled as nice way to make the mama feel a bit more at ease as she was conscious about her upper arms.

Layers in the winter and fall are easier (vests, hats, scarves, boots), but you can achieve simple layers in the warmer months with jewelry, belts above the bump to accentuate it, a crochet type vest over your top or dress etc…

Patterns help break up outfits & people. Having one or two people wear a pattern or print breaks up the solid colors & also adds dimension and layers. In the photo above, the maxi dress has a beautiful navy pattern that makes mom pop against the flower patch and not completely match and blend into her little girl who is wearing a solid navy dress. Plus, the pattern draws the eye right to mom, who should be the focus of the photo for her maternity session.

When choosing colors, keep the color wheel in mind. I know, I am making you go way back to sixth grade art class, but complimentary colors are so appealing to the eye. Branching out to split complementary colors is a great way to figure out what colors you might want to have other family members wear to compliment mom’s outfit.

Another color wheel option is to choose the same color in a different tone, tint or shade.

If you are including Dad and/or kids, choose MOM’s wardrobe first and then work everyone else’s outfits around her. Mom should feel good about what they are wearing, especially because this session is focused on that baby bump and this special time before baby is born.

I LOVE the way flowy, long dresses look on expecting mamas. It brings movement to photographs and also is a beautiful, feminine touch. This is always my first suggestion to women who don’t know where to start — if you are a dress person, consider looking into maxi dresses.

If dresses aren’t your thing, go for a fitted top to show off that baby bump. Pair a loose fit open sweater, vest, jacket or kimono. The bump will be defined and the looser layer adds dimension and movement. Pair it with a fitted pant or jean. I know leggings are super comfy, but black leggings can photograph sheer and everything seems to attach itself to them, so lint can be an issue.

Neutrals are always a great place to start when you’re stuck. Gray, cream, brown, denim/chambray — they’re all great to build from.

Earth tones, jewel tones and muted colors work very well with my editing style and location choices.

Accessories polish off an outfit. Jewelry is an easy way to add a little “umph” or pop to your wardrobe. Hats, scarves, watches, an antique hair accessory, belts, bracelets etc…are all examples of accessories that can pull an outfit together and add a bit more detail to give dimension to the photograph.

Shoes. I am biased, but shoes can really take an outfit to the next level. But, if you are super chill & earthy, going barefoot is so darn adorable. Plus, it gives a much more laid back look to your session.