I adore the romance of a couples maternity session. You may not immediately think of these sessions as being romantic, but what better time to celebrate the intimacy between two people in love? Traditionally, the focus of a baby bump session is usually on mama – but there are so many amazing ways to highlight daddy-to-be too!
Today I’m sharing my favorite suggestions for dads-to-be for maternity photos. So much of what dads wear depends on the feel and mood that mama is going for. Some clients want fun, playful sessions, while others go for dreamy, enchanting sessions where we emphasize the love the couple has for each other, and for their baby.
Here are my favorite suggestions for dads-to-be for a gorgeous maternity session & amazing photos you’ll love!
1. His clothes should compliment whatever you wear, without overshadowing you or your bump. For instance, if you select an ivory gown, he should opt for understated earth tones, too. Your wardrobe choices should coordinate without being perfectly matchy-matchy. In fact, you want to avoid perfectly matching colors at all costs. That style only works well in very specific settings, like if you’re planning a family beach session.
In the example below, Tucker is in well-kept blue jeans (which means they’re not wrinkled and there are no holes, rips or tears) with a gray button down. It’s a great contrast to this dress from Baltic Born in champagne that makes Trisha look like a million bucks!
2. Consider texture of your clothing: mix it up to add visual interest to your photos. Cotton, linen, cashmere, denim – the options are endless. Below, mama is stunning in my long-sleeved lace dress, which contrasts beautifully with dad’s cotton short-sleeved polo shirt.
3. Layer if the weather allows. Just simply removing a sport coat changes up the look and feel of your photos! If it’s too warm for a jacket or sweater, your hubby can start the session in long sleeves and roll them up halfway through, adding a casual vibe to your images. Mark kicks off their maternity session in a blue sport coat, transitioning to a blue chambray button-down half way through.
Country club mid-summer5. Unless you’re going for a really casual session, I advise dads to wear pants instead of shorts. Houston summers are hot and humid, but I schedule sessions in the evenings when it’s a little cooler and clients aren’t in direct sun. Still worried it will be too uncomfortable? Let’s discuss an in-home maternity session, or a studio session instead!
5. Avoid big, distracting prints and patterns, as well as bright, neon colors. We want to keep the focus on your faces first, along with mama’s baby bump! Chandler, pictured below, is wearing a short-sleeved shirt with a tiny light blue pattern. From a distance you don’t even notice it, but up close it adds a little pop to the photos!
6. If you’re having a boy, you don’t have to wear blue. Likewise, if it’s a girl, you’re not restricted to pink. Wear what looks good and what compliments mama, regardless of baby’s gender. This sweet couple pictured below is expected a girl, and Blake kicked off the session in a blue jacket before switching to a white button-down.
7. Avoid pants with rips, stains or tears – this will date your photos and it’s a little too casual for this special occasion. Your maternity session should look and feel different from what you wear every day! Also, don’t forget to iron your pants or have them dry cleaned. This will give your photos a polished, put together look.
Don’t plan your maternity photo session without my Celebrate Motherhood magazine!
These tips featured here are just a few of the must-have suggestions that I include in my Celebrate Motherhood magazine, a 72-page session guide that takes all the stress out of planning the most beautiful photos ever! I always send a print copy that you can keep out on your coffee table to read as you have time, and you’ll also have access to the digital version, too! No matter where you are, you’ll have access to my very best advice for gorgeous photos at your fingertips.
Memories to treasure forever!
These photos aren’t just for you – they are an amazing gift for your child, too. Do you have photos from when your parents were expecting you? Most of us don’t because maternity photos weren’t super popular back then. But now, it’s a must-have for most mamas, whether they’re expecting their first baby or celebrating a subsequent pregnancy.
Even better, we’ll work together to design every aspect of your session, and the evening will feel like a fun date night! Ready to plan a magical maternity session? Tell me when you’re due and let’s chat!
