lifestyle photography Stéphanie Anen lifestyle photography Stéphanie Anen

How to Plan Your Perfect Maternity Photoshoot

A maternity photoshoot is a beautiful way to capture the magic of pregnancy. To ensure your session is a success, it’s essential to plan ahead. Here are some tips and key questions to help you prepare for a memorable experience:

Define Your Vision

  • Create a mini Pinterest mood board to share with your stylist and photographer. Include colors, outfits, poses, and lighting styles you love.

  • Think about the atmosphere: Do you want something ethereal, elegant, playful, or minimalistic?

Set a Realistic Budget

  • Factor in costs for:

    • Outfits (including accessories, jewelry, and shoes)

    • Professional hair and makeup services

    • Location fees (if applicable)

    • Photographer’s fee and any extra edits

  • Keep in mind that purchasing multiple outfits might be necessary to achieve variety in your shoot.

Communicate Your Preferences

  • If certain clothing styles, cuts, or lengths are uncomfortable or unflattering, let your stylist know.

  • Mention any parts of your body you prefer to highlight or minimize in the photos. This ensures the photographer captures you in a way that makes you feel confident.

  • Share previous photoshoots you’ve done (if any) and specify whether you’d like a similar vibe or something entirely different.

Choose the Right Outfits and Props

  • Select outfits that complement your body shape and the look you want to achieve. Flowing dresses, fitted silhouettes, and fabrics like lace or chiffon often work well for maternity shoots.

  • Make a list of items you already own that could enhance the shoot, such as:

    • Special jewelry or heirlooms

    • Unique shoes

    • Scarves or shawls

  • Discuss props with your photographer.

Prepare for Comfort and Practicality

  • Schedule your shoot at a time of day when you feel most energetic.

  • Pack snacks, water, and any touch-up makeup you might need.

  • Wear comfortable shoes or bring a backup pair if you plan to be on your feet for long periods.

  • Consider the season when planning your shoot to ensure you're comfortable and your photos reflect the right mood.

Involve Your Partner or Family

  • If your partner or children will join the shoot, coordinate outfits for a cohesive look.

  • Discuss poses or themes that reflect your family’s personality.

Questions to Discuss with Your Photographer

  • What’s the best time of day for lighting?

  • Do you have location recommendations?

  • Can you provide guidance on poses during the shoot?

  • How long will the session last?

  • What’s included in the package (number of edited photos, prints, etc.)?

A maternity photoshoot is more than just a series of images—it’s a way to celebrate a special chapter of your life. From selecting the perfect outfits to curating a mood that reflects your unique style, thoughtful planning ensures a truly memorable experience. Whether you envision an ethereal, elegant, or intimate shoot, our expert styling services will help bring your vision to life with carefully chosen ensembles, accessories, and personalized guidance. Let us refine every detail to highlight your natural glow and confidence. Explore our photo styling services to create a timeless maternity shoot tailored to you: Nomad Republic International – Photo Styling.


Photo credits: Amelia Soegijono

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lifestyle photography Stéphanie Anen lifestyle photography Stéphanie Anen

Lifestyle photography tips: how to look your absolute best

Recently engaged or celebrating a milestone? Envision capturing these moments with a photo shoot that perfectly mirrors your authentic selves, shining in the best light. Whether it’s an intimate session at home or against the backdrop of a beloved destination, the essence is to craft memories you’ll treasure forever.

First, invest the time this project deserves. It's about more than just photos—it's about creating lasting memories. Find that perfect spot, be it where your stories intertwined, a serene beach at sunset, or a dreamy villa that calls to your hearts. Then, bring your celebration to life with a cohesive design theme, from the blooms to the decor, encapsulating the spirit of your occasion.

Inject your unique essence into the shoot. Maybe it’s a vintage car that’s seen many an adventure with you, or your shared weekend ritual of coffee in bed. These personal touches turn each photo into a narrative you’ll love revisiting.

Consider having someone to steer the artistic direction, ensuring your story is captured with beauty and elegance. And if you’re pondering how to elevate your visual story—from picking out attire to the final touch of makeup and hair—we’re here to help. Discover how our design services can transform your vision into a stunning reality.

Photo credits: Amelia Soegijono

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weddinginspiration, weddingdecor, weddingtrends Stéphanie Anen weddinginspiration, weddingdecor, weddingtrends Stéphanie Anen

What’s IN and what’s OUT in 2024?

Shadows of a newly engaged couple walking on the beach in Sydney

You may have spotted wedding professionals posting on social media a list of the 2024 wedding trends. So what’s sizzling hot and what’s OUT in the wedding world this year? The trendsetters have spoken: themed-rehearsal dinners, quiet luxury, interactive guest experience, drone photography, dress separates and mid-week destination weddings are definitely IN. However, you can wave goodbye to receiving lines (aren’t they yesterday’s news anyway?), ceremony programs, seated dessert courses and after-wedding departures (those are not common in destination weddings anyway). We couldn’t resist the urge to share our very own list but do remember that your big Day is all about what is important to you. So rather than a nod to the current trends, make sure your wedding is a reflection of your unique love story.

THE TRENDS WE ARE LOVING

  • Themed-rehearsed dinners - IN

Rehearsal dinners and welcome events are a great way to incorporate a fun theme and include adventurous guest attire.

Ombre pink themed welcome party - Photography by Amelia Soegijono

  • Drone photography - IN

Drone photography is a MUST in the luxury wedding world. We love seing aerial images of the bride walking down the aisle, the kiss, the couple’s exit or unique shots of your venue and wedding decor from above.

Drone photography by Amelia Soegijono

Authentic and intimate wedding celebrations - IN

Authentic and intimate celebrations guarantee conviviality, warmth and quality time with your closest and dearest. We love that they also offer the possibility of stretching your wedding weekend - why not to a whole week - with the opportunity to multiply the experiences with your group. We’re all in favor of planning different types of events that allow you to enjoy your venue(s) AND the region at its best.

  • Dress separates - IN

We have a soft spot for dress separates, especially as a dazzling second outfit choice. They offer a playful canvas for fashion experimentation and can seamlessly blend style and comfort for the dance ahead.

Engagement shoot by Amelia Soegijono

  • Day-after recovery lounge - IN

We LOVE the idea of replacing the traditional sit-down brunch with a breakfast to go (think healthy bowls) paired with a variety of unique activities: arts and crafts to center the mind, oxygen or IV hydration therapy to relax (for those who aren’t afraid of needles), detoxify and rehydrate the body, self-massage, lymphatic drainage and a good long soak to flush out toxines.

  • Specific guest dress code - IN

We've seen weddings where the couple specifies that all the women wear long floral dresses while the men wear all white. Add your twist by encouraging guests to wear a certain accessory or bold fashion statement. Just remember, don't be discouraged if some decide to march to the beat of their own fashion drum, even though their enthusiasm for your themed attire is high.

Retro wedding by Celine Chhuon

  • Extended seated dinner receptions - OUT

For all the food enthusiasts dreaming of treating their guests to an unforgettable dining experience, consider combining a seated course with cocktail-style food stations. Mix it up with some lively dancing and interactive entertainment for a truly unique experience.

Destination wedding by Amelia Soegijono

Rather than a trendy wedding, our ultimate favorites are timeless, elegant weddings that never go out of style. What about you? What trend(s) are you thinking of implementing to your 2024 celebration?

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