Where to start with Maternity dresses & styling your photoshoots
When we first choose to do Maternity photoshoots, theres so many styles to choose from. By organising a studio Maternity closet you can provide your clients with that added service, and it also helps keep your images all within your set style.
To keep costs to a minimum you may want to start with asking clients to bring underwear, you can purchase smaller items like crop tops, maternity bodysuits & light weight robes which you can get from normal online clothes suppliers. I use quite a few from Asos , Boo hoo and Zara.
Using Fabric
If you choose to add something a little extra but something not to extreme, fabric makes a fantastic addition to your Maternity closet. You can go and source fabric yourself or even better choose a Maternity supplier that knows which fabrics work best and they already sell the right piece in the right lengths. My personal favourites has to be Mii Estello & Before and ever who do a range of silks and chiffon. The great thing about fabric is it can be used in so many ways, which in turn can make your images more unique to you. It can be wrapped, pinned, tied, you can lay it on the floor, literally anything you can think of. Investing in good fabrics and colours that suit your style are 100% an investment - I use fabric in all my sessions.
Choosing gowns
So maternity gowns where to start! So for me I love to have a few different styles and suppliers. I have found that each supplier brings their own bit of exclusiveness to my client closet. What suits one person wont another. It’s always important to remember that we meet women with different preferences and body types.
Colour options
The great thing about technology too is you can colour change dresses too. Which also helps keep costs down when you have some high end gowns. Although I have a large range of Maternity dresses, gowns, robes and outfits, I do tend to lean towards more neutral tones as these are colours I personally love. When choosing some starter gowns maybe choose styles that can be versatile and colours that will resonate with more people such as white, black & nudes. But if you love colour get something more statement too - I love emerald green and thats a very ‘in fashion’ colour at the moment.
Who are my favourite Maternity suppliers?
Here is a rundown, not in any particular order as I love all these companies and I can not stress enough the quality of these items is impeccable, with studio gowns you always get what you pay for. When ladies come for their sessions with me they always comment on how beautiful the gowns feel and the high end standard of them. I only want the best for my clients.
Mii-Estello - All the gowns are handmade in the Neverlands their founder is Ingrid Roessen who is an amazing designer and I absolutely love the sheer amount of designs, colour options and prices that range from low to higher end, which is perfect if your starting out, or if your looking for something a little more special you can spend more.
Katharina Hakaj Couture - Katharina is extremely talented, her gowns and robes speak for themselves and have that ultimate wow factor. They are heavily requested, and always make women feel very special. I especially love her use of tulle and ruffles. Again extremely beautiful and high end.
Before I & ever couture - One of the greatest newborn/maternity photographers of our time Jade Gao started to design the most incredible gowns and robes during 2020. I love her gowns they are stunning, they have very feminine feel and look to them, they are filled with intricate gems, sparkling beads and even feathers. She also does an amazing range for girls and now babys.
Always remember there is no right for wrong, choose styles and colours that you love and you know your clients will also love too. You don’t have to spend a fortune when your starting out, its more about practicing technique and ensuring you make every women feel amazing every time. The Maternity closet is just a part of that puzzle and yours is going to be unique to you.
Thanks for reading I hope this has been helpful, if you would like to see some examples of my maternity work heres a link here.