Traditional is always trendy. A maternity photoshoot is a great way to celebrate women on the cusp of motherhood. Your skin is glowing, your hair is lustrous, and nothing beats the smile on your face as you think of the little angel growing in your belly. Instead of wearing the same gown as everyone else, try a traditional maternity photoshoot in your eighth month. So, how do you do it? Here are a few tips and traditional maternity photoshoot ideas.
Traditional Maternity Photoshoot Ideas
First, let’s pick the perfect outfit. Here are a few suggestions:
Saree, Suit or a Lehenga?
When it comes to traditional Indian outfits, these are the top three categories we pick from. For a maternity shoot, a saree is usually the best choice. Unlike a salwar suit or a lehenga, this doesn’t hide your baby bump. Instead, it gives you the flexibility to show off as much of your baby bump as you are comfortable. It is also lighter to wear as compared to the others.
Pick a Lightweight Saree
You can’t go wrong when you’re wearing a saree. India has a wide variety of weaves from different parts of the country that would look lovely during a traditional maternity photoshoot. To make sure you’re comfortable during the photoshoot, pick a lightweight fabric. Look for fabrics that feel soft against your skin and let you move easily. A georgette saree or a chiffon looks beautiful. You could even try a light silk. But avoid stiff fabrics like cotton or organza. These fabrics won’t do much to flatter your silhouette at this time.
Chose the Right Blouse Neckline
Choosing the right blouse is as important as choosing the right saree for your Indian traditional maternity photoshoot. You’ve got options like the sweetheart neckline for a sweet and feminine touch, the boat neckline for a modern vibe, the square neckline for a classic look, the round neckline for simplicity and elegance, and the high neckline for a regal feel. Each style brings its own charm. Remember to pick one that looks good and feels comfy for your photoshoot, making you shine with that lovely pregnancy glow.
The Belly: To Show or Not to Show
A saree can be draped to look modern or conservative. You can show off your belly in a beautiful saree or keep it covered up. If you choose to flaunt it, tie your petticoat under your bump. You can accentuate the look with a waist belt. On the other hand, if you want to hide it, tie the petticoat over your bump.
Make Fewer Pleats
Pleating a saree is part of the beautiful experience of wearing a saree. It’s how you transform 6 yards of traditional weaves into a gorgeous outfit. But, when you’re draping a saree for a traditional maternity photoshoot, don’t make as many pleats as you normally would. Making fewer pleats can slim down your silhouette and flatter your figure. Let the extra fabric fall as a longer pallu. You could always have in flying behind you for some more drama.
Experiment with Drapes.
A saree is such a versatile outfit. 6 yards of fabric can be draped in many ways. Have fun and experiment with it. Knotting the pallu on your shoulder when you’re draping the saree in the popular Navsari style gives it a playful, modern edge. Or, you could go regional and try an ulta pallu style or a Bengali drape. This could be a good way to reflect your roots, too.
Accessorise It Right
Along with your outfit, you also need accessories. A waist chain is a popular choice for a traditional maternity photoshoot. Next, pick out some beautiful jewellery. Make sure you have a nice bindi and lots of flowers. If you’re going ultra-traditional, consider marigold, lotus or rajnigandha flowers. An added benefit is that they make the shoot setup smell amazing, too! In terms of hairstyles, a plait or a bun updo looks great with a traditional outfit.
Once you’ve picked your saree, let’s work on some traditional maternity photoshoot poses.
Silhouette Pose
A maternity shoot is all about showing off your baby bump, and what better way to show it off than with a side silhouette? It’s a pose that anyone will be comfortable in. Stand with your side to the camera and cradle your bump. Try the shot from both sides to see which one looks better.
Sitting Down Pose
Here’s another maternity traditional photoshoot pose focused on keeping mama comfortable. Pick a bench or a chair of any kind. A tall back chair or a Chesterfield sofa adds a look of grandeur, while a bench gives it a rustic touch. So, pick your seat to suit your mood. Seat yourself with your side facing the camera, or try a 45-degree angle. You could even try sitting on the floor if you feel comfortable enough. Usually, a long lens works well for such shots. Avoid a wide-angle lens as it might distort the frame.
Lying Down Pose
Irrespective of whether you’re getting pictures taken indoors or outdoors, try the lying-down pose to get a fresh angle for your shot. If you’re taking a picture from the side, lie on your back and gently place your hands on your belly. Keep your knees bent, with one knee bent slightly more than the other. You could even try this as an overhead shot for a traditional maternity photoshoot. You could have your hands by your side if you’re trying this.
Couple Pose
Along with individual photographs of the mother-to-be, also schedule a few couple shots. There are endless traditional maternity photoshoot poses that parents-to-be can strike. You could face each other while holding hands. You could even stand while leaning back on each other. Or, let the mother-to-be sit with the father-to-be standing behind her. Another cute idea would be to take a close-up of the father-to-be kissing your baby bump.
Family Pose
If this isn’t your first baby, you can get the whole family together for an Indian traditional maternity photoshoot. This is a good way to make the baby’s elder sibling feel like he or she is a part of the process. If your elder child is small enough, the father-to-be could carry them in his arms so that everyone’s face is at the same height. Now that’s a picture that’ll make everyone go “awwwww.”
In addition to helping you pick the perfect outfit and pose, here are a few more maternity traditional photoshoot tips.
Be True To Yourself
Not everyone is comfortable modelling in front of the camera. And since this is a photoshoot focused on your pregnancy, there will be a certain amount of posing and styling involved. Hence, make sure you stay as true to yourself as possible. There’s no rule that says only Kanjeevarm silks are traditional. If you prefer a printed chiffon – wear that. Pick poses you feel most comfortable in. After all, you’re the star of this photoshoot.
Dress Comfortably
Heels are usually the preferred choice of footwear to complement a saree. But not when you’re expecting a baby. The beauty of a saree is that your footwear is mostly hidden away. So, wear a pair of sneakers if you like. When choosing your outfit, consider the weather and pick a weave that you won’t feel too hot or cold in.
Add Props
One of the things you’ll notice when you search for traditional maternity photoshoot ideas is that the frame often includes props. A prop could be a pair of baby booties or an outfit for your baby. Or, it could be a chalkboard with a cute saying. You could also incorporate balloons or ribbons to add colour to the frame. Heirloom jewellery pieces add a personal touch to maternity photographs.
Pamper Yourself
And lastly, being a mother isn’t easy. Take this chance to treat yourself and let your family spoil you a bit. Enjoy some beauty treatments that make you feel amazing. Ensure you catch a good night’s sleep before the photoshoot, and consider getting a pro to do your makeup and hair. Keep in mind these pictures are memories that will stick around for years. So, make the most of it and feel special!
Getting the Perfect Picture
There’s nothing like a traditional maternity photoshoot to celebrate the beauty of having a child. While this a photoshoot you could plan on your own and take pictures with your mobile phone, you deserve better. Entrust this task to a professional. Remember, it’s not the camera that makes a difference between a good photo and a great one but the person behind it. Find a photographer you trust and feel comfortable with. The best way to see if their sense of aesthetics matches yours is to look through their portfolio. Working with an experienced maternity photographer ensures that you get pictures that capture you in the best light and give you photographs to cherish for years.