This is part TWO in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post. Dress Line Like a wedding gown, prom dress or other formal wear, a maternity gown can have one of five basic different dress lines. Refer back to the post on Body Shape for help on choosing sleeves that will most flatter your body. A Line: Fitted bodice, draped fabric flares out to form a capital "A" shape from the hips to the floor. Similar to the ball gown but not as full in the skirt.
Empire: Tightly fitted bodice ending just under the bust line, the skirt drapes out gently from the bodice, makes the waist appear higher. Similar to sheath but has a higher waistline.
Ball Gown: Fitted bodice, cinched waist, full/poofy skirt. Similar to the A-line dress line but fuller in the skirt. More dramatic.
Mermaid:
Tight fitting through the bodice and hips, then flares out dramatically at the bottom half of the skirt, usually starting around the knees.
Sheath: Not tight fitting, but gently follows the natural shape of the body. Much more straight than most dress lines. Similar to empire dress line but the bodice extends lower than the bust line.
Since your expanding belly tends to alter your normal body type to be a more round or triangle body shape you should choose styles to reflect that. These are typically (but not always) the best dress lines for a maternity figure:
For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto
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This is part THREE in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post. Neck Line: One of the next steps in choosing the perfect gown is deciding what type of neck line you will have. These are the five basic necklines; you can have variations on these styles but these are the fundamentals. Refer back to the post on Body Shape for help on choosing sleeves that will most flatter your body. Sweetheart:
Halter:
V-Neck:
High Neck:
Scoop or Round:
Growing baby bellies typically change the normal body type to more of a round or triangle shape. You may still maintain part of your original body shape depending on how you carry your baby but in general the baby bump will draw the eye to the center of your body. These styles are typically more popular with maternity gown's:
For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto This is part FOUR in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post. Sleeve Type: Choosing an appropriate sleeve style can really complete your gown. You can direct attention to or away from different parts of your body with different sleeves. Refer back to the post on Body Shape for help on choosing sleeves that will most flatter your body. Sleeveless: No sleeves on the gown.
Off the shoulder: Sleeves are detached from gown or are connected to the dress below the shoulder or at the armpit area. The shoulder area is bare.
Cap or short: Sleeves come just past the shoulder (cap) or extend further down the arm but still above the elbow.
3/4 or Long: Sleeves extend past the shoulder and down past the elbow, either to the mid fore-arm (3/4) or to the wrist (long).
Bell or Flared: The longer sleeve will start fitting closely to the body but at about the elbow the sleeve flares out dramatically to form a bell shape.
Asymmetrical: Instead of two sleeves there is only one sleeve on the gown.
For more examples of maternity styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto This is part FIVE in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post. Color is one of the most important features of you outfit to consider because it is the first detail that others see, even from a distance. Color psychology is very extensive subject that could be it's own blog post (maybe in the future!) but today we are just going to talk about the more straightforward concept of matching colors together in a specific color scheme. Go for the same color scheme (analogous/monochromatic) or a contrasting color scheme (complimentary/split complimentary). Try to match your colors to the season you have the portrait session scheduled: Color Schemes: Analogous:
Seasonal Colors:
Spring:
If you have more than one outfit for your portrait session try to select colors that will not clash with each other or the season to create a seamless look to your final gallery. When choosing colors, remember that lighter colors tend to accentuate weight, while darker colors have a more slimming effect. For more examples of color styling check out my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto This is part SIX in a six part series. Check out the series introduction here for links to each post. Adding an accessory or a prop can be an easy way to bring your maternity photos to the next level. Accessories can add drama, a bit of class, or even fun to your photos. There are so many possibilities so this post will just cover the basics. Fabric: Adding fabric is a simple way to add a lot of drama into your photo. The photographer can drape the fabric around your body or attach from the waist then use an assistant to toss the loose end into the air.
Crowns/Hats: Adding a flower crown to an outdoor nature portrait session is the perfect combination to relate you the subject to your surroundings. Hats in an urban or other residential setting can likewise add to the theme of the environment.
Flowers: Nature can add a peaceful or romantic feeling to your portrait session. Being pregnant is an indisputable sign of fertility and adding flora can enhance that symbolism in your photos.
Props:
Using props can be one of the most fun ways to add variety to your maternity session. I love when my clients have their own ideas for a session. They often will find great ideas on Pinterest then we recreate them during our session.
For more examples of maternity styling check out my "Accessories" or my "What to Wear" board on Pinterest @jesplinphoto |
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September 2023
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