Capturing your maternity journey is so much more than just snapping pretty pictures; it’s about celebrating this amazing season of life and creating memories that your family will cherish forever. When you’re planning your maternity photoshoot in OKC, knowing the best time to schedule your session, what to wear, and how to make the experience special can turn your photos into beautiful keepsakes instead of just ordinary snapshots.

In this guide, we’re here to help you feel confident, comfortable, and radiant in front of your OKC photographer. Let’s make sure your maternity photoshoot tells a beautiful story of your growing family.

When to Book Your Maternity Photoshoot

One of the first questions is “When should I take my maternity pictures?” The best time for maternity photos is usually between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. This is when your baby bump is clearly visible, making sure your pregnancy is beautifully captured. It’s a good idea to schedule your session before the very end of your first trimester. In the later stages, you might experience discomfort that could show in the photos, and balance changes might make some poses difficult. Plus, once your baby arrives, the chance for maternity photos is gone!

It’s just as important to book your maternity photoshoot a few months before your third trimester as it is to prepare for your little one! Booking in advance is highly recommended.

Should I Book My Maternity Photoshoot Indoors or Outdoors?

Considering a maternity photoshoot outdoors? The decision of where to capture this precious time can significantly impact the final feel of your images. Here are some benefits to help you decide if an outdoor setting is the perfect choice for you:

1. Natural Beauty and Scenery: Outdoor settings provide seasonal charm, whether it’s blooming flowers in spring or vibrant fall foliage, making your photos lively and unique.
2. Dramatic Lighting: Natural sunlight, especially during the golden hour, creates soft, flattering, and dreamy lighting for stunning images.
3. Variety of Locations: Places like Scissortail Park and Will Rogers Park offer endless backdrops that can tell a story and reflect your personality. Being in these beautiful parks also helps create a more relaxed atmosphere, making the photoshoot feel less staged.

When you’re planning maternity photoshoots outdoors in OKC, it’s important to think about the season and the weather. The best times for these sessions are usually spring and fall. In spring, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures and beautiful golden hour shots with blooming flowers all around, creating an amazing backdrop! Fall is also a fantastic choice with its crisp air, stunning golden leaves, and comfy weather—perfect for your third trimester!

On the flip side, summer afternoons and winter can be a bit tricky for outdoor shoots. The Oklahoma heat and humidity can be pretty overwhelming, especially for moms-to-be, and let’s be honest, makeup and hair might not hold up so well either. In winter, while outdoor shoots are still possible, the unpredictable cold and wind can make it a little uncomfortable to stay outside for too long. 

When booking your maternity photoshoot in OKC, my indoor studio in Moore is the perfect place. Here are some benefits of having an indoor maternity photoshoot:

1. Year-Round Comfort: Indoor sessions are not weather-dependent, making them ideal for the extreme humidity, cold, or rain often experienced in Oklahoma.
2. Intimate and Cozy Atmosphere: Indoor settings often feel warm, personal, and emotional, providing a perfect environment for privacy. This is especially beneficial if you’re feeling camera-shy or want to change outfits multiple times.
3. Complete Control of Lighting: Studio lighting can be customized to create soft, flattering, and timeless portraits at any time of day.

What To Wear To Your Maternity Photoshoot

There are endless options and outfits when it comes to what to wear to your maternity photoshoot. Should you choose form-fitting or loose-fitting? Cover up completely or show everything you got and more? These decisions don’t have to be as stressful as they seem. 

A huge plus of working together is that I offer a maternity client closet brimming with maternity outfits for your session, ensuring you have every option available. No matter what outfit you choose, my goal is to make my clients feel comfortable and beautiful. 

• Flowy Dresses: Long, soft fabrics create movement and elegance while flattering your growing belly.
• Form-Fitting Gowns: Stretchy dresses or bodycon styles beautifully accentuate your baby bump.
• Neutral or Pastel Tones: Timeless colors keep the focus on you and your bump, and they photograph well in any indoor or outdoor setting.
• Textures and Layers: Lace or knits add depth and coziness to your portraits.
• Accessories: A hat or delicate jewelry can add personality without being too distracting.
• Simply Nothing: This is a beautiful way to let your body, in all its raw and intimate forms, be the main focus of your maternity session.

Do you have non-maternity clothes that you absolutely love but no longer fit into? Perhaps a well-worn pair of jeans… who needs buttons anyway when you’re growing a human! For a minimalist approach, consider a simple white tee or even a comfortable sports bra paired with cozy pants.

Check out this guide for outfits for a maternity shoot to help ease your decision!

Things to avoid: what you don’t wear matters just as much as what you do! Some quick tips on a few things to avoid during your maternity photoshoot:

• Busy Patterns and Logos- These can distract from your bump and could also date your photos quickly.
• Bulky or Oversized Clothing- Instead of showing off your bump, you don’t want to hide it!
• Uncomfortable Outfits- If you are constantly tugging, adjusting, or can’t move freely, it will simply show in your photos.

What should my partner wear?: For your maternity shoot, your partner can help tell your story and complement you and your baby. I usually suggest your partner wear neutral colors that aren’t too much brighter than what you’re wearing, so you and your baby bump stay the main focus.

Hair and Makeup: No need to stress about hair and makeup! I work with an awesome team of hair and makeup artists who can help you look and feel amazing for your maternity session, whether you want a natural look or something more dramatic. Need hair and makeup added to your session? Contact me here to do so!

Experience + Connection = Why Maternity Photos Matter

Maternity photoshoots are such a beautiful way to celebrate one of the most special journeys in your life: becoming a mother! Pregnancy is a time filled with so much change, growth, and excitement, and having professional photos taken captures all those precious moments in a way that everyday snapshots just can’t. 

Why maternity photos matter: they capture the joy and love you feel for your baby long before you hold them in your arms. They become cherished keepsakes for your child to look back on, showing them just how loved they were right from the start. Plus, the whole experience gives you a chance to slow down, enjoy your growing bump, and truly celebrate this amazing chapter in your life. 

As your OKC photographer, my aim extends beyond capturing beautiful images. I’m dedicated to genuinely connecting with my clients during this extraordinary time in their lives. Having experienced it myself, I understand that every pregnancy brings a blend of excitement, transformation, and at times, vulnerability. Book your maternity photoshoot with me, and we’ll strive to create an environment where you feel truly seen and celebrated.