Dressing the bump: The maternity shoot edition

Looking for ways to style your maternity photo shoot? Wait… you’re not having a maternity shoot?! Gasp! You totally should! I love that pregnancy unlocks a special, hidden beauty, in every woman. Your skin glows, your hair is fuller and healthier and you actually get to celebrate every lump and bump on your body – instead of trying to hide it away! It is this very thing that made me so keen to get in front of the camera for my #dressingthebump campaign. (If you didn’t know, I tried my hand at modelling the Penelope&Bella, Love My Body and Yummy Mummy clothing ranges) If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to styling your preggy shoot, look no further! Here are my fave maternity photo shoot looks and settings, to give you a boost of inspiration:

If it’s boutique gowns you’re looking for, check out this beautiful dress from Wondering Willow Prop Shop worn by the lovely Mahalia. How about a bold red or even orange maternity look, for your shoot? (Photographer: Hayley Walker Photography, Durban)

Another stunning shoot that caught my attention was one taken for the lovely Telani. In this pic she wears a gown from Pure Moms – an online boutique that caters for expectant moms. (Photographer: Brownwyn Katze, Mpumalanga)

Not finding that perfect maternity dress? You can have one made for you! That’s what stunning mama, Jemaine did, for her preggy photo shoot. I love that the white is offset by the addition of a flower crown. (Photographer: Davene Prinsloo Photography, Port Elizabeth)

Looking for something different? Check out this cute crocheted dress, worn by beauty, Myra. She chose to showcase her personality and own personal taste in her photos. This is about YOU after all! Savor every moment. (Photographer: Yolane Bayards, Mpumalanga)

Busisiwe shows us how easy it is to make your wardrobe work for you! Both her maternity shoot dresses were purchased at regular retail stores (Spree and Foschini). “Both are not maternity dresses. Finding nice maternity wear is a mission & half!” she shared. Busi cleverly paired these up with accessories found at local malls and markets. The result: WOW! (LOVE the African beaded necklace!) (Photographer: Cutepix, Port Elizabeth)

If you’re looking for simple, yet stunning, check out this look by mom to be, Chantel. I was blown away at the elegance of her body wrap dress paired with the right shoes and accessories. It says “glamorous!” without being too over the top. And hey, if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you could totally pull off an “inside” shoot too! Isn’t this simply breathtaking? (Photographer: Nestling Photography, Johannesburg)

A simple sun dress with the right setting can take your photos from drab to fab! Who says you need to spend copious amounts of money on an outfit? Delmaine’s whimsical forest setting and mint green dress took my breath away! (top) I also love Virginia’s simple olive green beach dress (bottom). You’re carrying a miracle and guess what, you’re stunning enough as it is! (Photographer: Monica van Loggerenberg Photography, Cape Town)

So what do you think, mamas? Which of these are your favorites? If anything, remember that finding the right photographer is key! Make sure your photographer knows what you have in mind. And hey, if you’re super preggy like I am (and you literally have nothing on your mind, at all), the right photographer will know how to make your maternity shoot work for you, with minimum instruction needed! A special shout out to all the amazing photographers featured in this post. Find one in your area, and click through to their site, for more inspiration. I like that many of them have maternity AND baby packages that include your newborn photo shoot as well. Good luck!