There is no better gift during the Christmas season than a new baby. Babies represent hope, harmony, and a bright future. They are the ultimate blessing and a great reason to celebrate. One of the best ways to commemorate this special time in your life is with a maternity session.
If you have a winter due date, take the opportunity to plan a Christmas photoshoot. Here you’ll find lots of tips and maternity photoshoot ideas for a fun and festive photo session this holiday season.
What Is a Christmas Maternity Shoot?
A maternity shoot is a type of photo session typically planned in the third trimester when a woman’s baby bump is big and round. Maternity portrait sessions are meant to capture the beauty of your growing belly and showcase the special bond between mom and baby.
As the name suggests, a Christmas maternity session is a maternity photo shoot that is done around Christmas time. Planning a maternity photoshoot during the holiday season is the perfect way to share the big news with family and friends. Couples who are expecting may also choose to send a Christmas pregnancy announcement in lieu of a traditional Christmas card.
There are many different ways to approach a photo shoot in the winter. If you live in a colder climate, you may want to have an outdoor shoot in front of snow-covered trees or a frozen lake. If you’re not expecting a white Christmas in your part of the country, consider a Christmas photo session in the studio with props like a Santa hat, Christmas tree, or personalized ornament with your baby’s name.
Top Tips for Christmas Maternity Shoots
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, especially for holiday photoshoots. Check out these tips for planning a festive and memorable maternity session:
1. Pick the Perfect Location
Don’t let a few snow flurries stop you from having an amazing Christmas pregnancy session.
There are many perks to having an outdoor photoshoot, such as natural light, no space or time limitations, and unlimited background options. Outdoor photography also means you can capture the best of nature, whether that be a snowy forest or a majestic mountain.
Of course, there are also many advantages to choosing a home or studio session. With indoor photography, you don’t have to worry about the weather as you’ll be safe and cozy indoors. A studio session also allows the photographer to better control the lighting to achieve amazing maternity photos.
Here are a few suggestions for the perfect Christmas photoshoot location:
- Around the Christmas Tree – Nothing says ‘Merry Christmas’ like a Christmas tree decorated with garland, tinsel, and bulbs galore. You’re sure to want to get a maternity picture in front of a fully decorated Christmas tree alone or with your partner. You may even want to take the opportunity to get a family photo with the Christmas tree as a twinkling backdrop.
- Christmas Tree Farm – If you want to include a Christmas tree but also want an outdoor shoot, head to your local Christmas tree farm. Stand in front of the rows of trees or sit on the ground while the photographer remains at eye level to make the mom-to-be really shine as the trees blur in the background.
- In the Snow – If it’s a winter wonderland outside, why not have your photoshoot in the glistening snow? Find a beautiful spot in your area to snap some photos, such as a snow-covered bridge, a dense forest, a park, or even on decorated city streets.
- Outdoors with Lights – If you can count on one thing during the holiday season, it’s that there’s bound to be plenty of holiday lights. Sparkling holiday lights can help set the mood for your winter maternity photoshoot, giving your pregnancy photos a festive and magical look.
2. Select the Right Maternity Gown
Choosing the right maternity dress is key to achieving breathtaking maternity photos. When planning a Christmas photo session, consider the landscape or background when choosing your attire.
For example, if you have chosen a snowy location for your photoshoot, you’ll want to avoid white or beige gowns that will cause you to blend in with the white background. Instead, you’ll want to choose a bold color that will make you stand out against the snow and ice, such as royal blue or dark olive.
You’ll also want to consider the climate where you live. If the weather is particularly cold, you may need to dress in layers. A cape or cloak, such as the full-length Grace cape, delivers lush, warm comfort with a high-end look.
Next, consider dresses that will best compliment your baby bump. Certain styles of gowns are better suited for pregnant women, such as fitted dresses that hug the body. Many moms-to-be also love the look of empire waist dresses, such as the versatile Cecile dress which features a drawstring to cinch the waist to your preferred size.
When selecting a dress for your Christmas maternity shoot, here are some other things you’ll want to consider:
- Christmas Colors – Christmas colors are often a go-to for holiday maternity shoots. While red and green are traditional Christmas colors, there are many other hues that you could wear, such as silver, gold, white, blue, and purple.
- Velvet Maternity Dresses – A velvet maternity dress is not only a beautiful option for a Christmas maternity session, but will also help keep you warm and cozy during outdoor shoots. There are many remarkable options, such as the Amelie dress with its soft stretch velvet material, stylish V-neck, and bishop sleeves.
- Long-Sleeve Maternity Dresses – Long sleeves are the ideal choice for any winter photoshoot. The extra fabric will help keep you warm and help flatter your curvy figure. Consider a long-sleeve gown like Kathryn, a beautiful chiffon and jersey dress that includes a detached train that delivers a whimsical swish as you pose for your photos.
3. Incorporate Fun Props
Props are commonly used in photoshoots to support the main subject of the photo and enhance the overall environment. The right props can instantly add interest to a picture or context to a scene.
When it comes to maternity photoshoots, most people are familiar with the classics, such as a baby onesie or stuffed animal. However, there are many more items that can act as a prop in your photos. Consider what message you are trying to convey and choose a prop that will best portray this message without drawing too much attention. The mom-to-be should always be the focus and the props should be secondary.
It is important to remember that you don’t necessarily need a prop in every picture you take. Instead, you can add them to certain settings for stylistic flair. For example, you and your partner could hold up a chalkboard with your baby’s name and due date to use as a baby announcement later on.
There are several things you want to consider when choosing props, such as your color scheme. For a Christmas shoot, consider traditional-colored props, such as a red mug of hot chocolate or a gold and silver banner. Here are a few ways to incorporate props:
- Use Clever Signs – Signs are a popular way to share the big news. For your pregnancy announcement, consider a sign with a clever saying, such as “and then there were three!” or wrap a ribbon around your belly with a tag that says “Do not open until [insert due date].”
- Hold Baby Shoes – Another sweet winter maternity photoshoot idea involves poses where you and your partner hold a tiny pair of baby shoes between you. Perhaps it’s a pair of shoes that you purchased as a Christmas gift for your new baby.
- Include Your Sonogram – Remember how excited you get each and every time you receive a sonogram of your baby? Share this excitement with friends and family in your Christmas pregnancy announcement. Hold your sonogram picture in front of you as you pose for the camera.
- Add Christmas Décor – Christmas décor props are a must during the holiday season. There are many options to choose from, such as ornaments that say “Baby’s 1st Christmas!” or holding a holiday wreath that doesn’t obstruct your bump.
4. Bring Loved Ones into the Frame
While a maternity photoshoot should be all about the mom-to-be, that doesn’t mean that you can’t include your loved ones. Be sure to get a few photos with family, such as your partner and children. You could even include some extended family members, such as grandma and grandpa.
When bringing loved ones into the frame, remember to stick to a color scheme. Ask everyone to dress in a certain color or wear a certain type of garment. For example, all the men could wear red button-up shirts while all the women wear black, with the exception of the mom-to-be who should wear a dress that makes her stand out from the rest.
Find the Perfect Christmas Maternity Shoot Dress at J&L Designs
J&L Designs Boutique specializes in designer maternity gowns and dresses for all types of occasions, such as baby showers, formal events, weddings, pregnancy reveals, and maternity photography. You’ll discover a wide selection of remarkable dresses and accessories, including gowns that are perfect for a Christmas maternity shoot. Shop maternity photoshoot dresses and enjoy a memorable holiday season.