What clothing should I wear/bring to my maternity photo shoot?

1. Colors - I like solid colors: white, black, brown, gray.
2. Fabrics - look for thin clingy, not necessarily tight, fabrics with a little stretch.
3. Pants - jeans (any color), black pants (yoga pants work well). It doesn't matter if you're wearing maternity jeans with a big, stretchy band. I can make it all work.
4. Dresses - these can be incredibly sophisticated and sexy, but choose carefully. Look for dresses that cling to your shape, not the loose, comfortable style.
5. Sleeves - Long-sleeved shirts tend to be the most flattering, but sleeveless and spaghetti straps also work.
6. Necklines - select v-necks, squarenecks, turtlenecks or deep scoop necks.
7. Tanks or camisoles - anything clingy, fitted or stretchy in solid colors (white, black, red, blue...)
8. Jewelry & watches - in general, avoid them (unless there's a really good story behind the piece). The BIG exception is wedding and engagement rings! Classic, small and tasteful pieces like pearl or diamond studs make sense and are totally appropriate.

10 things to avoid during your maternity photo shoot

1. Colors - avoid yellow, lime green and bright pink. These colors frequently lie outside the color gamut most digital cameras can capture. That means you'll see a color shift if you choose these colors, especially in print.
2. Prints & Patterns - I prefer solid colors, but if you adore prints and plaids and they're part of your identity, bring them!
3. Fabrics - Avoid sharp-edged elastic that you find in lingerie, some camisoles and sock tops. You don't want any impressions on your skin, especially if you're going full nude.
4. Tube tops - I really don't like tube tops or bandeaux, but if you like them, I'll let you wear them ;-)
5. Baggy - avoid anything that hangs off the belly. It's really important to capture the under-belly shape.
6. Necklines - Women should avoid all the men's traditional necklines like crewnecks, polos and button-downs, as well as the sloppy women's styles like cowlnecks.
7. Jewelry - avoid large, clunky, shiny jewelry unless you are making a statement. Jewelry reflections can be very distracting; they can also totally make a photo. Choose appropriately.
8. BONUS: stay normal - avoid wearing any type of clothing that is way outside your normal wardrobe. If you dress formally most of the time, you don't want to exclusively bring simple t-shirts and ripped jeans. Conversely, if you're nothing but casual, don't dress up for your maternity shoot. You want to look at your pictures and easily, comfortably relate to the "you" in them.

What should my husband wear?

• Men should bring jeans or khaki pants or any other dark bottoms.
• I encourage soft (not starched), plain white shirts. Cotton and linen are both great choices.
• It doesn't hurt to throw a regular, WHITE and/or BLACK crew-neck t-shirt in the bag, too.
• Bring solid, dark colors like black, dark brown, navy blue and charcoal gray tops and bottoms. Layers are great; wear the t-shirt under a crew- or v-neck sweater or jacket.

What else should I bring to my photo shoot?

• Bring large or small props that have meaning. Bring stuffed animals, building blocks, flowers...

What beauty preparations should I consider?

• If you can, get a manicure and a pedicure a day or two in advance.
• Wear makeup!
• Don't wear anything binding or uncomfortable.

REMEMBER: These are all just suggestions - wear what you want and what you want photographed in!