How to Plan an Oregon Studio Maternity Session

Welcome to our guide on planning the perfect Oregon studio maternity session! Whether you’re a mama-to-be seeking inspiration or a photographer looking to elevate your maternity sessions, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into everything you need to know, from choosing the ideal natural light studio venue in Oregon to deciding on what to bring. Get ready to capture the magic of pregnancy and create stunning images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Let’s dive in!

Select the Perfect Natural Light Studio

Begin your planning process by choosing a natural light studio in Portland, Oregon, that suits your style. Consider venues like Cream Creative Space, known for its minimalist aesthetic and ample natural light. Daylight Creative Studio offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere perfect for intimate maternity sessions. Another excellent option is Beast Daylight Studio, featuring high ceilings and large windows that flood the space with gorgeous natural light. Other studio options also include: Lux Rae Loft, Sunroom Studio, Studio Northwest, Apex Studio, or options that can be found on Peerspace. Rates for renting these studios vary from $50 an hour to around $120 an hour, the average being approximately $85 an hour with a two hour minimum rental period.

Embrace Editorial Maternity Photography

Elevate your maternity session by incorporating elements of editorial photography. Experiment with unique poses, dramatic lighting, and artistic compositions to create images that truly capture the beauty of your pregnancy journey. Utilizing various props and lighting, the studio spaces offer a much more elevated and classy backdrop for whatever you are envisioning for your session.

Book Early

When planning your maternity photography session, it’s essential to book your chosen Portland, Oregon studio and photographer well in advance. Aim to schedule your session between 28-32 weeks of pregnancy. This allows enough time to comfortably showcase your baby bump while still feeling energetic, comfortable, and able to move.

Curate Your Wardrobe

Selecting the perfect wardrobe for your maternity session is key to achieving stunning photos. Choose outfits that flatter your figure and make you feel confident and beautiful. I always highly recommend wearing neutral or muted colors and no bold patterns that may take away from the simplicity of the space and the focus and intention of the session. Colors that look amazing in all white studios are a complete black or white outfit, and options that I have been loving lately are the loose jeans and simple top or bra look (or even just a blazer if you’re feeling spicy), a long sleek dress, or a very over the top and extravagant robe or dress. If you’re wanting to showcase the female body, you can always opt out of certain articles of clothing and show off a bare baby bumb or use sheets or blankets to cover up, giving a very bare and exposed editorial vibe to the shoot.

Plan Your Hair and Makeup

Before your maternity session, consider scheduling professional hair and makeup services to enhance your natural beauty and ensure you look and feel your best in front of the camera. Choose a hair and makeup artist experienced in creating looks that photograph well and complement your personal style. Be sure to discuss your vision for the session with your stylist and provide any inspiration photos to help guide the process.

Plan Your Session Timeline

Create a detailed timeline for your session day that includes ample time for hair and makeup, travel to the studio venue, and any additional preparations or last-minute touch-ups. Consider scheduling your hair and makeup appointment earlier in the day to allow for any unexpected delays. This way you arrive at the studio feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to shine in front of the camera.

Utilizing Props and Florals

Add a personal touch to your maternity session by incorporating meaningful props or accessories. Consider bringing along ultrasound photos, baby shoes, or sentimental items that hold significance to you and your partner. This can add depth and intimate personalization to your portraits. You can also add floral touches to your session, with a large floral install or simple flowers that add subtle elegance.

Explore Unique Themes and Concepts

Think outside the box when planning your maternity session and consider incorporating unique themes or concepts that resonate with you. Whether it’s a casual laundry line look, a romantic garden theme, an “all wet look”, or a glamorous Hollywood-inspired session, let your wildest dreams come to life.

Solo Vs. Couple’s Session

When planning your oregon studio maternity session, consider whether you want to focus solely on yourself or include your partner in the photoshoot. A solo session allows you to highlight the beauty of your pregnancy journey, showcasing your changing body and the anticipation of becoming a mother. It provides an opportunity for introspection and self-celebration, capturing moments of quiet reflection and excitement. On the other hand, opting for a couple’s session allows you to celebrate the love and connection between you and your partner as you embark on this journey together. It’s a chance to capture intimate moments shared between you two, strengthening the bond and creating memories to cherish for a lifetime. Whether you choose a solo or couple’s session depends on your personal preferences and the story you want your photos to tell, but consider both when planning you Oregon maternity studio session!

Coordinate Outfits

If you decide on a couple’s session, coordinating outfits with your partner is essential to create a cohesive and visually pleasing look. Start by choosing a color palette that complements each other and the surroundings. Consider selecting two to three colors that work well together and then incorporate them into both outfits. Aim for a balance between matching and individuality, ensuring that each person’s style shines through while still appearing harmonious together. Pay attention to details like textures, patterns, and accessories to add depth and visual interest to the overall look. Ultimately, the goal is to create a cohesive and coordinated appearance that enhances the aesthetic of the session and reflects the love and connection between you and your partner.

Enjoy the Experience

Most importantly, relax, have fun, and enjoy the experience of capturing this special moment in your pregnancy journey. Trust your photographer to guide you through the process and capture beautiful, authentic moments that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. Remember to be yourself, enjoy the moment, and celebrate the love and anticipation you have. I personally show photos to my clients throughout their sessions to bring them confidence, and also to ask for their personal feedback. By the end of the session, all the photos are curated to exactly the vision they were hoping for and all the photos are perfectly fitting to them.

Get on my Calendar & Let’s Plan Your Oregon Studio Maternity Session!

And finally! Get on my calendar and let’s plan your Oregon studio maternity session! My dates fill up quickly throughout the year, and studios also book up fast for in demand dates like weekends and prime time slots. Fill out my contact form here and let’s get to planning! Michelle Allan Photography Contact Form