A pregnancy photo shoot can be a versatile way to showcase your personality. That’s why themes are so popular among those planning their maternity sessions. Most maternity photographers are more than happy to work with clients on a theme. Unfortunately, themes can also narrow down photo options — including settings. Many Austin photographers seem to only offer studio maternity outdoor maternity, not both at once. As a photographer myself, I want to think this is because themes can sometimes be restrictive. To remedy that issue, I like to offer a joint indoor/outdoor maternity session for the most versatility. Shanice and Shamir’s session highlights everything wonderful about a combined maternity photoshoot!
Pregnancy Photo Shoot Starting Point: In The Studio!
Doing Shanice’s pregnancy photoshoot was so much fun, and this couple was seriously so beautiful! They were able to perfectly match their outfits so that they always looked coordinated. I particularly loved the muted color palette against this tan background. It worked so well with Shanice’s maternity gown choice and Shamir’s cool patterned shirt. This studio look is laid-back and hip, which I really appreciated — because they both were laid-back and hip to work with.
Shanice and Shamir did change it up a little bit in the studio with a black tie clothing theme. To change up the scenery a little bit, we rotated the background to include my new dark wood paneling backdrop. We worked with contrast, highlights, and shadows in the black and white photos to really bring out Shanice’s natural pregnancy curves. These all-business black and white maternity shots are so striking, and such a contrast to their outdoor maternity photos (in the best way)! I love the way they came out. It was nice to be able to work clothing other than maternity gowns into the photo rotation.
For my studio/outdoor maternity session package, we spend the first portion of the photoshoot in the studio, usually about 45 minutes to an hour. From there, we drive to another outdoor location within 30 minutes of the studio. I try to schedule these packages so that they take place during sunset and last about an hour. I make sure that mom has time to comfortably change.
Outdoor Maternity Photoshoot: Part II
Part two of Shanice’s pregnancy photoshoot took place at a local park. If there’s one thing you should know about maternity photographers, it’s this — we are very secretive about our special photo spots. This is just one of those spots I just won’t disclose to anyone. It’s too pretty, and I’m pretty sure no one even knows there’s water there.
The location is gorgeous, and it feels special that so few other people know about it. Plus, the green went so well with Shanice’s choice of gown colors — white and navy blue. I love how Shamir always matched Shanice in these photos. The extra color coordination effort really amplified their subtle intimacy in these photos. It’s clear how in love with one another they are.
It’s a real testament to their love, also, that this baby will come after a loss. Losing a baby can be difficult, and can sometimes even put a strain on relationships. That’s why a rainbow baby — a baby conceived after a loss — is such a blessing. This pregnancy is rainbow pregnancy for Shanice and Shamir, so I wanted to be sure to include a rainbow in these maternity pictures. I love how reflective and hopeful they look in these photos.
Pretty soon, Shine Amour (Shanice and Shamir’s rainbow baby) will grace the world! I can’t wait to meet him, and as always, thank you to this beautiful couple for sharing their experience with me (and for letting me share their photos).
Do you have a rainbow pregnancy you want to celebrate? Let’s plan a maternity and/or newborn photo session to commemorate the birth of your precious rainbow baby!
