Romantic and relaxed maternity photoshoot in the cotswolds

A romantic maternity photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate pregnancy, but also the love and connection between you and your partner (before the madness of having a newborn baby begins 😉) 

Key elements of a romantic and natural Pregnancy photoshoot

Location…

The spring and summer months open up a wide (and beautiful) range of potential locations for your photoshoots. Anything from gardens, to flower fields, meadows, woodlands or even parks. I’m so lucky to live and work in The Cotswolds, where there are so many magical places to choose from, and for the photoshoot itself, it’s up to you! This beautiful couple wished for a quiet, secluded place, so I found this amazing yellow field in the middle of nowhere for them where they could relax and fully be themselves.

Storytelling…

The best photographs are those that can tell a story without using words. The photographer’s job is to capture the emotions and connection between the couple and to tell their amazing journey into parenthood. I personally love the photo featured above, of this beautiful couple walking through the field with a path behind them… For me, this symbolises that they’ve been on a journey together (and they admitted that it was a heck journey) and now they are carrying on this journey together entering a new chapter. How beautiful is that?

Communication…

If you have any ideas you would like your photographer to recreate, just ask them. Photographers have many creative ideas, but they might not be aligned with what your particular vision. I encourage you to always look for inspiration beforehand, in magazines or online platforms (Pinterest, Google, Instagram etc.) and see what kind of photos and poses you would like to achieve. Then share your inspiration photos with your photographer before the session, so that they know what final product is expected of them. This couple asked to recreate one of their wedding photos where the groom was carrying his bride and spinning her around. It may not be a typical maternity pose, but it was something very special for them. So, of course, we did it!

Wardrobe…

When deciding on what to wear for your photoshoot, I encourage you to consider how well the colours and styles of clothing which you chose will match the background. For example, in the image above, we first decided on a beautiful light blue dress, which created a wonderful contrast with the yellow flower field in the background. As you can see in the image below, when the sun began to go down, we switched to a beige dress, which also complimented our chosen location. For photoshoots with me, you will have plenty of choices for what to wear. You will be free to choose from your own outfits and clothes as well as any maternity dresses and gowns from my own collection. For more information on “What to wear for a maternity photoshoot”, please feel free to follow the link to another blog post of mine.

Essential factors in creating natural, flattering and candid bump photographs outdoors

Time of the shoot…

If you would like soft, natural and warm lighting on your pregnancy photos, plan your shoot for a golden hour (sunrise or sunset). Most photographers will advise this to you anyway, as this way your photos will look very flattering. If you are worried about the visibility of wrinkles or skin imperfections, then golden hour may be the perfect fit for you, as this time of day reduces their visibility on photographs. Choosing golden hour over midday also eliminates need to squint during your photoshoot. Without needing to squint in harsh midday lighting, your eyes will feel less strain, and your expression will look far better on your photos.

The atmosphere…

Feeling relaxed is crucial if you would like your photos look natural. So, please, have a relaxing evening the night before your shoot. Try not to overthink it! Prepare the essentials, have a nice bath or shower, and get a good night’s sleep. In the morning, make sure to prioritise your relaxation. Eat something delicious, for example, or have your hair and makeup done! Some clients find it easier and less stressful to have hair and makeup done by a professional, because no one wants the worry of a bad hair day when creating beautiful photos and lasting memories. Lastly, come to the shoot with an open mind! It is very important that you are in a relaxed headspace for your photoshoot, because your maternity photos will later be a wonderful, sentimental reminder of your pregnancy, and of the unconditional love you felt for your baby who you hadn’t met yet.

If you live in Cheltenham and the Cotswolds and would like me to create something truly special just for you, please contact me or visit my website www.magdaophotography.co.uk for more details.

I would be honoured to capture the beginning of this amazing journey for you!

Love,

Magda x