Capturing the Magic: The Art of Dreamy Maternity Portraits

There’s something undeniably magical about maternity photos. They capture a moment in time that is filled with anticipation, love, and the unique glow of motherhood. As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, I am here to share everything you need to know about creating enchanting and beautiful memories of this special season of life. So whether you’re a photographer looking to refine your own maternity photo experience, or an expectant mother seeking a talented professional to capture your growing bump, you’re in the right place!

The Essence of Dreamy Maternity Portraits

Dreamy maternity portraits are characterized by their ethereal quality. They often feature soft lighting, gentle colours, and a sense of calm that highlights the natural beauty of the mother-to-be. These portraits are so much more than quick snapshots of your growing bump; they are about capturing the emotions and dreams that come with beginning a new chapter in your family’s life.

Tips for Photographers: Capturing the Moment

Lighting is Key

• Natural light is best. Aim for the soft glow of golden hour sessions, either early in the morning or late in the evening, to get that soft, diffused light.
• Choose a location that has wide open space to allow enough light to reflect off of faces. Parks with trees that allow light to shine through, but offer a bit of shade are ideal.
• For expectant parents: the beauty of hiring a professional is that you don’t have to think twice about light, time of day or planning all the little details. Trust that your photographer has spent countless hours studying the very best light and will capture you beautifully – without you having to think twice about it!

Choose the Right Location

• Scenic outdoor locations such as fields or gardens provide a beautiful backdrop.
• Indoor settings should be cozy and intimate, with simple decor that doesn’t distract from the subject.
• For expectant parents: chances are, your photographer has a great place to recommend, so lean on their expertise in this department – one less thing for you to have to consider!

Wardrobe and Styling

• Flowy dresses, delicate fabrics, and soft, neutral colors enhance the dreamy vibe.
• Flower details, delicate jewelry, and simple props like a favourite blanket can add a personal touch.
• For expectant parents: if your photographer is full-service, they will likely take care of providing wardrobe for you! Choosing the perfect dress when you’re pregnant can be a challenge, so we recommend leaning on your photographer to help you with this! As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, I provide a wide collection of stunning wardrobe options, so that my clients have one less worry when it comes to planning their maternity portraits.

Posing and Composition

• Aim for natural, relaxed poses. Encourage the mother-to-be to interact with her bump, look down lovingly, or gently cradle her belly.
• Incorporate elements of movement, like a breeze catching her dress, to add a sense of fluidity and grace.
• For expectant parents: you can rest easy knowing that your photographer will take care of this part of the session for you! Come ready to love on your partner and your bump – and any older siblings! – and leave the rest up to the professional.

Tips for Expectant Mothers

Choose the Right Photographer

• Look for a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Review their portfolio to ensure that you love their work, and they have plenty of experience with maternity sessions. As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, I always ensure that my potential client is familiar with my work – and that I have a clear idea of their unique vision – before we go forward with booking. There are a lot of different maternity photography styles out there, and you want to be sure that the photographer you choose is just right for you. (and hint: you’ll likely have them capture your newborn – and hopefully many family moments as your children grow – so be sure you absolutely love all of their work before committing).

Timing is Everything

• Schedule your session between 28-34 weeks. Your bump will be beautifully round, but you’ll still be relatively comfortable. Most photographers have a preference for when they capture maternity photos, so if you’re unsure, ask your photographer! As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, I personally prefer shooting closer to 31-34 weeks with first pregnancies, and earlier for subsequent pregnancies.

Comfort is Crucial

• Wear outfits that make you feel beautiful and comfortable. Avoid anything too tight or restrictive. Flowy dresses are my personal favourite, and I offer my clients a beautiful collection of flattering and stunning options to choose from.
• Bring along snacks, water, and anything else you might need to stay comfortable during the shoot.

Relax and Enjoy

• The best photos often come when you’re relaxed and enjoying the moment – and your family. Trust your photographer, have fun, and let your natural beauty shine through.

Creating Timeless Memories

Dreamy maternity portraits are more than just pictures; they are timeless memories that capture one of the most special times in a woman’s life. With the right preparation, styling, and a touch of creativity, you can create stunning portraits that will be cherished for years to come. Whether displayed in a beautiful album or as a piece of wall art in your home, these portraits will serve as a lasting reminder of the love and anticipation that surrounds the arrival of a new baby.

As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, I specialize in capturing the magic of baby’s first year. I find that most families choose to create a beautiful collection of memories spanning pregnancy, newborn, six months and one year. Whether it’s with a custom gallery wall that tells the visual story of baby’s first year, or a stunning heirloom albums filled with your favourite moments, our artwork is truly the final piece of the puzzle.

Kahla Kristen Photography is an award-winning Edmonton newborn, family and maternity photographer. As an Edmonton photographer for beautiful maternity photos, she specializes in capturing the magic of baby’s first year of life, and helping her clients preserve their favourite memories through stunning, heirloom artwork such as albums and framed prints. Her custom design services bring your family’s story to life in a way that will be passed down for many generations.

Kahla serves Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert and other surrounding areas. To learn more, click here. To contact Kahla to begin planning your dream session, come say hello here.

Mom’s dresses provided by the KKP client closet.
All film scanned and processed by The Canadian Film Lab