How to: take the perfect preggy selfie

Documenting your baby bump is the perfect way to forever capture the special moments and memories of pregnancy that both you and your child can look back on years later.

You may not have the time or energy in your third trimester to do a professional maternity photo shoot, but that doesn’t mean that you should forgo capturing this time in your life. With the help of your own camera, a tripod, and a remote, you can document your baby bump in the comfort of your own home on your own. Here are some tips for perfecting your maternity selfies.

New Zealand’s own “it” blogger and social influencer Isobel Benesch of belandbeau.com shares her secrets for styling and photographing your own maternity shoot.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important factors when attempting to take a good photo. Find a light-filled space in your home and a time of day when the sun isn’t shining directly through the window. Natural light is best for photography, so pick a bright spot in your house, usually by a window, and a time of day when there is a lot of light.

Background

Find a neutral background for your photos. On your bed, in front of a solid wall, or in front of a sheer curtain on a window are all great places to shoot your maternity photos.

Attire

What to wear for your maternity shoot can often be the most challenging aspect of taking maternity photos. Most importantly, you should choose something that you feel comfortable in. Choose a piece of clothing that accentuates your bump, whether it’s a tight lace number or a maxi dress that drapes over your baby bump. This is a time in your life to embrace your body, so show off that bump of yours! My favourite options for maternity shoots are maxi dresses with sleeves or a robe, depending on how much skin you want to show.

Accessorising

Adding flowers in your hair will create a more styled look to your photos. Flower crowns are easy to make and will help to complete your look. Go hunting in your backyard for some pretty leaves, vines, or flowers, and if you can’t find anything there that will work, head to your local florist. Use hairpins to pin the greenery exactly where you want it, or if you want to go all out, use floral wire and floral tape to create an actual crown.

Setting up the shot

To take your own photos, you will need a tripod and a remote. Today’s smartphones have built-in cameras that are quite good, so you don’t necessarily need a DSLR camera for your photos. Set up your tripod in front of the location you have chosen for your photos and take a few test shots to determine the best placement and zoom. When taking the photos, make sure the remote is hidden in your hand so you don’t have to worry about editing that out at a later time.

Angles

Practise how you will sit or stand and the placement of your hands on your belly in front of the mirror before you take your photos. Choose angles where you feel like you look your best, which can be different for everyone. If you don’t know where to start, try standing or sitting to the side, slightly angled towards the camera, with your near hand on top of your bump and your far hand below your bump.

Additional tips

Get siblings involved. Use editing apps on your phone or your computer to tweak your photos after the fact. Remember that your photos don’t have to be perfect, so don’t forget to laugh, smile, and have fun with it!

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BUMP & baby is New Zealand’s only magazine for pregnancy and early babyhood. Our team of mums and mums-to-be understand what it’s like to be pregnant in this connected age, and that’s why BUMP & Baby online is geared toward what pregnant women and new mums really want to know.

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