Maternity Boudoir

Maternity Boudoir? What’s that? I’m glad you asked. Not many people know what Maternity Boudoir is and that may be because it’s relatively new within the past 5-10 years.  For years prior, maternity photos weren’t even a thing. Think back to the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s, and even early 2000’s, pregnant women wore loose baggy clothing to feel comfortable during pregnancy but also to hide their stomach’s a bit more.  For most women, being pregnant can leave you feeling unattractive, large, swollen, and feel like you’re carrying a giant bowling ball around.  Some women didn’t want their picture taken during this time of their lives, while if they did, it’d be from a family member using their camera.

Years have passed and this day in age, pregnancy is beautiful. Women tend to embrace it more. Clothing stores sell fashionable clothing just for maternity, there are special bathing suits, bras, underwear, pants, hidden pocket breast feeding shirts, etc all with that little baby bump in mind.  Women are learning to embrace pregnancy more and it’s becoming more and more popular to document this milestone with photography.  Men are embracing it more as well and becoming a part of their journey with photographs.

When you think of Maternity photography, what instantly comes to your mind?  Hopefully the title of this blog isn’t swaying the way you’d answer that but to most, many people think of outdoor photography.  That beautiful flowing Maternity gown that blows in the wind and hugs that sweet belly to show off every curve.  Those images are gorgeous and people share them proudly with their friends and family on social media. That’s why we get that in our heads when we think of Maternity photography.

Am I right? This is what most people think of when they hear Maternity photos.

Over the years, we have documented pregnancy in the most beautiful ways.  Beautiful gowns, beautiful posing, beautiful outdoor scenery.  Until something new came along — Maternity Boudoir.  Next, I ask, what is your definition of Boudoir? You may think of women dressing up in sexy lingerie and showing off their bodies.  That is only a small part of what it actually is.  Boudoir photography is much deeper than than. To better understand, read this information on What is Boudoir Photography.

Now that you have educated yourself on what Boudoir photography is, let’s add the word Maternity to it.   Maternity meaning- pregnant, Boudoir meaning- showing yourself a different side and seeing your beauty within.   Together, Maternity Boudoir is just that.  Showing off your beautiful body including that cute baby bump that is growing life. This is an important time in your life that you want documented. With outdoor photography, the gowns and scenery is beautiful, but if you really wanted to document your gorgeous temporary curves and belly, a Maternity Boudoir photoshoot is the way to go.  Some Maternity photographers offer in studio sessions which is a bit more comfortable for most clients.  Do your research and ask friends or local Facebook groups for recommendations on Finding the right Boudoir photographer.  In studio Maternity Boudoir sessions can have a huge variety.  Here, it is based off of your comfort level and what you are looking to get out of the session.

Here’s an example of in studio Maternity Boudoir.

In studio styled Maternity Boudoir:

This form of Maternity Boudoir is more modest and conservative. This is for the mother-to-be that wants elegant photos but not showing too much skin.   This mama here was looking for a more simplistic look with a minimalistic feel.  This is why it is important to speak with your photographer beforehand to form a plan for your maternity boudoir photos within your comfort level.  Significant others can also be included in images like these and I find these absolutely beautiful hung on the wall.

For these types of Maternity Boudoir sessions, creativity is welcome!  These types of sessions include thinking outside of the box and capturing beautiful images that will make your jaw drop.  Here is an example of an image when I was challenging myself with my photography skills.

For this image, she was lying down but I used Photoshop to give the appearance of a reflection.

The possibilities are endless when creating photography images.  All of my clients have been willing to try new ideas that I have. I’m glad that they do, because it may have sounded crazy it first, but they end up falling in love with it afterwards.   I love speaking with my clients and learn their stories. Is this their first baby? Second? Third? With this information, you can work your magic around the photo to give off the excitement they are feeling.  I love to hear what the theme of their nursery is, what name they’ve picked out for their baby, or how their significant other and them first met.  This is a milestone on a journey that is most precious.

Off site location styled Maternity Boudoir:

These types of sessions, I don’t do often but when I do, I love the change and variety I can get from them.   I have done styled Maternity Boudoir sessions at people’s homes, giving off a more lifestyle look such as getting images in front of their baby’s crib, or out front of their house because they want to document each part of their lives to remember and show their child what their house and room looked like when Mommy and Daddy were waiting on their arrival.  These types of sessions can be a more intimate feel between husband and wife.  Again, all depending on client’s comfort level, some have wanted photos of them cuddling on their bed with Dad holding Mom’s belly and them reading a pregnancy book.  Or looking out the window together with Dad kissing Mom’s forehead soaking in the moment between them before their lives change forever.   Every moment is priceless.  This is why photographs are so important. They are valuable not only to freeze a moment in time but also when looking at the photos, they are nostalgic and can bring back that memory shared together.

Here is an example of a Maternity Boudoir session I did inside of a newly renovated church.  This older church in Cumberland Gap was remodeled into a professional photography studio with natural lighting so photographer’s can rent the space for their own use.  It also can be used as a venue for weddings or other important events.  I used the natural light to show off this Mama-to-be’s beautiful baby bump.  She was a natural!  I myself, couldn’t have worn those heels pregnant LOL.

Styled Maternity Boudoir shoot in “The Olde Church” in Cumberland Gap

Used a stretchy white material to give off an artistic look to her Maternity photo

Used the same white material using natural light to give off Angelic vibes with the gorgeous Mama

For more information on renting The Olde Church in Cumberland Gap, TN, click here to inquire.  It was truly an amazing, unforgettable experience and I had learned so much with natural lighting which helped incorporate it into my studio here in Knoxville, TN.  Gosh, it makes me almost miss being a newborn photographer…..almost.

Styled Indoor Intimate Maternity Boudoir:

With this type of Maternity Boudoir session,  it gives off a more intimate feel. These may not be the types of images you’d have hanging on your wall, but they sure would look great in a keepsake album.  This style shows more skin and really embraces the feeling of motherhood and pregnancy with a more styled, fashionable, and intimate approach.   Like all other types of Maternity Boudoir photo styles, this is based off of one’s comfort level.  These types of images can put the client in a more vulnerable position by showing more skin so make sure you respect their privacy and photograph them in the most professional way possible.  These types of shoots usually just involve the woman as most men don’t want to be a part of these more “exposed” photos.  I have done a few skin to skin images but it seems women want more beauty and fashion incorporated and that’s what I’m here for!  I have many props such as necklaces, robes, sheer lingerie pieces, and angel wings that look stunning on these Mama’s.

Here, you’ll see an image of this beautiful Mama wearing a long Pearl necklace. Gives off classy and elegant vibes, while showing off how her amazing body is growing life.

This was a “Calvin Klein” inspired pregnancy Maternity Boudoir shoot. Keeps things more modest but intimate as well.

This Maternity Boudoir shoot was more “dark and moody” as per request from client.

Here’s where the fun begins.  Now that you’ve seen a glimpse of what Maternity boudoir is like, it’s time to kick it up a notch. These photos are next level and for the brave who want to show more skin. Keep in mind, they are still tactful, just a bit more risqué.   For these type of very intimate Maternity boudoir sessions, I like to use very minimal fabrics to give the effect of elegance and sexiness at the same time.  I will never force a client to go to this level unless requested beforehand by then. This is why I love seeing Pinterest inspiration first, because it helps give me a better idea to what they’re looking for and how I can make it my own type of art.  For help with creating a Pinterest board of your own, click here.

With my most recent session, I used a gold silk sheet to create imagery to add extra flare to the image. The material is soft, silky, and stretches over baby bump’s perfectly.  I used my little fan to create the effect of light wind to also add some extra pizzaz.  I also used a thin white fabric to drape over the mama-to-be’s arms to give a classy touch to it.

Here is where I used a Gold silk sheet to create a dramatic artwork image.

Here is where I used a black lace robe with a ribbon tied at the top of her belly to extenuate her curves.

Here is an elegant yet sexy look with just using natural light and a white fabric.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to Maternity boudoir photography.  Photography is art and it is what you make it.  So next time you find out that you are pregnant, a family member, or a friend, it wouldn’t hurt to mention that Maternity Boudoir is a thing and is very trending right now. What perfect gift to give yourself or a loved one?  These are moments in life you can’t get back, so embrace every moment.  Your body is an amazing thing. It creates life! What’s more amazing than that?  So when your precious child starts growing up, you have these nostalgic photos to bring you back.  That in itself, is priceless.

Curious about more information regarding Maternity Boudoir sessions? Feel free to contact me and we can discuss it more in detail.