How To Look Like a Goddess in Your Maternity Photos

Not everyone feels like they’re glowing while pregnant. In fact, most of us don’t. Instead we don’t feel the least bit like ourselves. Many of my clients mention how insecure they currently feel in their bodies when they contact me about a maternity shoot, so I’ve written a short post on how to look like an absolute goddess at your shoot:

1. Hire a dress, one of those over the top ones specifically designed for maternity photo shoots. One that makes you feel like a princess. I can highly recommend Mama Rentals on the Northern Beaches, Alice has been an absolute legend with last minute dress rentals for my clients.

2. Have your photos taken at golden (and blue) hour, nothing quite compares to that special golden hour light. Golden hour is the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset. Blue hour is the hour before sunrise and the hour after sunset. I usually shoot during the evening golden hour and let my shoots spill into blue hour (the photo above was taken during blue hour).

3. Pick the perfect location. I have a list of gorgeous locations with amazing light which I send out to all my clients.

4. Don’t ever think it’s too late for maternity photos. Most independent photographers will aim to accommodate you or, if completely booked out, they’ll recommend a photographer with a similar style to contact who might have a slot available.

5 Reasons to Invest In Maternity Photos

If you think about the pivotal moments in life pregnancy and the birth of your baby/babies rank very high. These are times to celebrate and commemorate with beautiful, professional photos. Your baby bump is fleeting and soon you’ll have your gorgeous little baby in your arms. I’ve done a collab with Siobhan from Siobhan Wolff Photography below on why a maternity shoot is a must for every mama.

5 Reasons Why You Should Invest in Maternity Photos

Maternity photo shoots have become popular among mothers as a way to document their pregnancy journey. It’s a way to celebrate and remember those 9 months when new life was growing inside her body.

If you wonder why anyone would want to do a maternity shoot or if you lack confidence in the way to look. Allow us to put your mind at ease and to outline the top 5 reasons to invest in a maternity photo shoot.

Are you interested? Please continue reading below.

Image Copyright Celeste Hulme Photography

1. It highlights the baby bump

Being able to carry a new life is a blessing. It is also a privilege, that not everyone has.

While you may not always feel it, a woman’s body during pregnancy is glowing and beautiful. You don’t get to have this lovely bump every day. Being photographed is therefore worthwhile. A talented photographer can capture the most breathtaking and flattering images of you and your growing baby bump.

2. It is a memory you will always cherish

It’s not everyday you get to be pregnant. For this reason, don’t hesitate to document it. In years to come, when you’re sitting next to a little person, pointing at pictures of your belly and saying “That’s you! That’s when you were in mummy’s tummy!” you’ll be overjoyed that you took the time to properly document your pregnancy. These photos demonstrate the love you had for this little person from the moment you found out you were expecting.

3. Celebrate your parenthood

A pregnancy photo shoot entails more than just capturing pictures for the sole purpose of hanging them on the wall. It honours parenthood. While the focus is predominantly on the mother, partners and baby’s older siblings are also encouraged to participate. Celebrating this magical time where you love a person you’re yet to meet.

4. It is so much fun

Another reason to do a maternity photo shoot is because it is enjoyable. All the preparations, the location, the poses, the conversations, everything. If you are yet to announcement your pregnancy or reveal the gender of your baby (if you chose to find out) this can be incorporated into your shoot. By doing a maternity shoot, you are not only fulfilling your desire to have a good maternity photos, you’re also creating memories.

Adding a gimmick or two to the session makes it even more entertaining. There are many themes and ideas out there right now that you might be inspired by.

5. You recall what it was like before baby joined your family

Compared to all the other stages of your life, pregnancy is unique. What you eat, what you do, how you feel and your future plans are all affected. Your body is ever changing and growing a little person is no joke. While hard at times, pregnancy is also a time of joy and excitement. Many have been working up to this moment for years while others are surprised to be here. Either way, you deserve to commemorate this time before baby’s arrival creates a whole new set of challenges and celebrations.

Final Reflections

Motherhood and new life is worth celebrating. So much so that we celebrate the day you were born every year. Don’t hesitate scheduling in a maternity shoot, you’ll never regret capturing this fleeting, pivotal moment in your life. It will showcase your growing bump, celebrate your motherhood and life before baby’s arrival.

Get in touch with your favourite photographer to book in your own maternity shoot.

Image Copyright Celeste Hulme Photography

Anna's Golden Hour Beach Maternity Shoot

Anna was positively glowing at 35 weeks pregnant. Her confidence and grace unrivalled.

Noa's Red Hill Family Photo Shoot

Some locations are just utterly magical. Red Hill is one of them. You follow a narrow dirt track until you come to a place where the trees part to reveal a huge rock slab, with swirls of pink and white, rimmed by orange natives. Scattered across the surface are small dark stones that don’t seem to have come from the rock, and here and there small shrubs have sprouted on the stone. It’s otherworldly and you’re alone. Yet, you’re in the heart of Sydney.

Get To Know Me Tag

This is a trend from 2016 or something, but I was too lazy to come up with my own questions so here we are.

What is your full name?

Celeste Hulme

What is your middle name?

I don’t have one :(

What is the meaning of your name?

Celestial, it’s why my logo has a moon and stars

Who gave you your name?

I think there’s some family lore about the massive argument my parents had over my name before agreeing on Celeste …

What is your nickname?

Again, I don’t have one. Although “Celeste the Pest” and “Celeste is the Best” both work for teasing purposes.

When and where were you born?

Port Elizabeth, South Africa

Where did you grow up?

Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa. I’ve been in Australia for 13 years and although none of it was for my childhood I did do a fair amount of growing up here.

What is your education?

I Have a BA Hons in Visual Communication and Design. So an honours degree in photography, illustration and graphic design.

What do you do for a living?

I’m lucky enough to be able to achieve career fulfillment across several fields. I work as a photographer as well has having over a decade of experience as an art director and graphic designer.

What are your hobbies?

Trail running and more recently mountain biking. As well as painting, drawing, crocheting, interior design and decorating, sewing, baking, DIY-ing, reading, antiquing, amateur bike mechanic-ing … this is an ever evolving and expanding list. I have many diverse interests.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I never really knew, I’m a very in-the-moment type of person and don’t really plan too far ahead. I figured it would sort itself out and I can just change my mind if I didn’t like it.

Which was your favourite class in school?

Biology. I like to know how things work. Which class was I best at? Art class.

What do you like about yourself?

I’m willing to try anything.

What are your parents’ occupations?

A pharmaceutical company managing director and a pathology collector.

Which of your parents do you resemble?

My dad. A bit unfair really.

When was the last time you cried?

When my son sang in his school concert. He was just so enthusiastic.

What is your favourite colour?

This will annoy everyone, but I like most colours and can’t chose a favourite as colours only work when other colours are involved.

Which is your favourite beverage?

Coffee.

Which is your current favourite song?

Moments by Hollow Coves

Which is your favourite book?

Like almost all millennials, Harry Potter.

Which is your favourite ice cream flavour?

This is going to be very specific: Murray River Salted Caramel with chocolate covered hazelnuts.

Do you have any siblings?

Two younger brothers

Do you have children?

Two, a boy and a girl.

What are the names of (or what would you name) your children?

Dashiell and Wren.

Which is your favourite sport?

Trail running.

Do you play any sport?

I’m the solitary type when it comes to sport. No team sports for me.

Do you have pets?

Yes, two dogs.

Which is your favourite vacation destination?

The one we keep returning to is New Zealand’s South Island. But I love travelling, it doesn’t really matter where to.

What do you prefer: PC or Mac?

Mac. Obviously.

Which phone do you have?

Iphone 13 Pro Max

How many languages do you speak?

Two

Which mode of travel do you prefer?

My own two feet.

What is your best physical feature?

Erm … my eyelashes?

What is your best trait?

I’m not a mean girl. In fact, I’m so far from one that for my whole life meanness from other people has just gone straight over my head. My son has inherited this trait. If you feel I’ve been mean to you know it was unintentional and just the result of me unwittingly putting my foot in it.

What is the most important thing in life for you?

My children.

What inspires you?

For my art, it’s being outside. Out in nature. Seeing beautiful things make me happy.

Is there someone you cannot live without?

My husband and children.

What is your eye colour?

Hazel

Are you often sarcastic?

Yes, but in such a flat way that people think I’m being serious and I have to explain it.

Where is the furthest you have been from home?

Probably Amsterdam?

Do you have any bad habits?

For someone with low anxiety I sure do like to catastrophize.

What is your favourite thing to do when you have free time?

I don’t have a lot of free time between work and kids and various projects, but when I get a moment I run the coastal track near home or I draw.

Are you a dog person or a cat person?

I like both, but I feel like dogs are less likely to get run over by a car, so I’ll stick with dogs.

Are you a good cook?

Yep, and I can bake.

What was your first job?

A cocktail waitress/bartender.

What is the strangest thing you have ever seen?

A giant diamond python in the middle of the track I was riding. Do I take a photo or do I back away? I took a photo. Scratch that. The weirdest thing I’ve seen are whale skeletons in the Namib desert. Oh, and skeletons from mass graves in the same desert. Apparently the result of the Spanish flu epidemic or so I’m told.

Who is the first person you call whenever something happens in your life?

My husband.

If you could change one bad habit/weakness of yours, what would it be?

I’d think before I talk just a bit more often.

Are you a bathroom singer?

Definitely. It has the best acoustics.

Do you have a garden?

Yes, and I’ve planted every square inch of it. I even have a carnivorous plant swamp.

How do you like spending your birthday?

A sunset picnic at our local beach.

Of course I don’t have any photos on my own.

6 Things to Consider when Choosing Your Perfect Photographer

1.Know what you like, or don’t like

The very first step to choosing your perfect photographer is deciding on what you want. Do you want posed, studio newborn photos with perfectly even light, do you want highly posed and constructed wedding photos, are you a free spirit and would like some candid photos out in nature? Do you want your baby’s newborn photos on a beach or in a forest or are you feeling overwhelmed and want your photographer to come to your home? Are you a fan of natural light or artificial light? Photographers specialise in a wide range of areas from newborns to weddings, from food to interiors, from studio to natural light. Not all photographers have experience in every field or situation and it’s the experience that really counts.

Once you’ve decided on the look, feel and location of your photos you’ll have a better idea of what to search for within you budget.

2.Indie vs Mainstream: understand the options

When it comes to selecting your photographer it pays to be aware that there are two main business models. There are independent photographers and photography companies. Companies employ photographers with a wide range of experience who all aim to work in the same style. If you chose to go with a company ask the name of the photographer who will be doing your photos. Take the time to research that particular photographer and their portfolio. If their portfolio doesn’t capture what you’re after ask for another photographer from the company. Never assume that the photos on the company’s website were taken by the photographer who will turn up on the day. With independent photographers you know exactly who will turn up on your big day or be working with your precious newborn. The online reviews will be about that particular person and their work. If you love the style and portfolio of an independent photographer you’re more likely to love your photos.

3.Be in love with their style don’t try to change it

Now, make sure you’re really in love with your chosen photographer’s style. It takes a long time to develop and refine a style so a photographer is unlikely to be able to successfully change theirs on request. If a photographer’s style isn’t exactly what you want there will be another photographer put there who is the perfect fit for you.

4.A consistent portfolio

Speaking of style, aim to choose a photographer with an established personal style which runs through their entire portfolio. Not only won’t you be surprised by the end result, but it takes years to hone a style making the photographer more likely to have the experience to deal with whatever is thrown at them on the day.

5. What are you paying for?

The last factor to consider is how the photographer’s packages are structured. Do you want the high res digital files so that you can have them printed at a later date? Or are you happy to purchase prints only? Are there any hidden fees? Are you paying for the photo shoot and then purchasing a package on top of that? Or is it an all-in-one package. It’s good to know that the traditional studio pricing model involves advertising a set price (usually quite low) for the photo shoot and then charging per print, never releasing the digital files. This is a hangover from the days of film when negatives were kept on file. Make sure that you understand exactly how the packages work to avoid unexpected additional fees.

6. Your friend/uncle/cousin has a camera . . .

Having a good camera doesn’t make them a professional photographer. Be grateful that they’re giving you their time and be happy with whatever you get.

Where do I fit in?

Where do I fit on this wide spectrum? I shoot the pivotal moments of people’s lives, from when they become engaged or get married through to the birth of their babies and their family as it grows. My style is a fusion of portrait and landscape photography, it’s candid and natural. I’ve included examples below to explain exactly what I mean. I depend on the light from the sun to create a unique session for each client and only ever pull out my flash on the dance floor. Photos where babies are posed don’t sit well with me. Where I photograph them on their own in a basket or bowl or on a blanket they’re always relaxed and photographed where they settle. I do in-home newborn shoots, where parents prefer, but I don’t have a studio nor do I do studio-style photos as it simply doesn’t fit with my ethos or creative style. A style which I defined through years of soul searching and experience.

I hope this offers some clarity into the confusing world of choosing your perfect photographer.

What to Wear for your Photo Shoot

A question I’m frequently asked is “what should I wear for my photo shoot?”. It’s an important one. You want to look and feel amazing for your photos because you are immortalised in them. One day, your children’s children will look at these photos and feel a connection to their past. When photographers talk about your photos being an heirloom, we’re not exaggerating.

Personally, I love photos with a neutral palette and flowing fabrics. Maxi and midi dresses are flattering on most women and provide movement in your photos. Here is a link to my client wardrobe which your are welcome to use, or Mamarentals on the Northern Beaches has some gorgeous gowns that are bound to make you feel like a princess. Men always look good in jeans and a button down shirt.

My suggestion is to dress your family in different neutral shades (i.e. ivory, grey, beige) and then add some coordinating colours. Try to avoid having everyone wear matching outfits. The days of the whole family wearing white shirts and jeans are long past! We want colours that generally complement each other: for instance, pastel colours (light blue, cream, blush) or autumn colours (brown, orange, burgundy). If you choose a palette and stick to it your photos are bound to look cohesive.

When gathering your family’s outfits it’s often easiest to start with one person. It’s easier to visualise the whole puzzle once you know what one piece looks like!

Below are some examples of palettes:

The ultimate goal is for everyone to be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Nothing is worse than being miserably uncomfortable in a perfect outfit. It’s wise to avoid wearing high heels if you’re having a beach photo shoot or one where you have to hike to the location. Thongs aren’t a good idea for a hike either. If you’re planning an outdoor session in July, think about coats, jumpers, scarves and boots. In the summer, dress in light clothes but keep a warm layer in the car incase it cools down. It’s often hard to imagine a family shoot in warm clothes, but here are some examples of how beautiful it can be to have everyone warm enough for the weather:

Along with being comfortable, I advise you to stick with one outfit. Don’t over complicate things. All you need for an beautiful photo session is one outfit for everyone. Changing outfits will take time away from your shoot and can put your kids in a bad mood. This is particularly relevant to newborns and babies who hate having their clothes changed and might not settle again before the sun sets.

When planning your outfits don’t forget your shoes. These are often the forgotten last element, but they can really make or break your outfits! Make sure your shoes match your surroundings and your outfit. If you can’t find shoes you love, consider going barefoot (just bring walking shoes to get from point A to point B). Steer away from athletic shoes.

Try your outfits on well before the shoot and check them from all possible angles in the mirror, not just the one you like best. Try moving in your clothes, sitting on the ground and running. Make sure you’re not constantly pulling your skirt down or adjusting your off the shoulder dress. The childrens’ clothes should be comfortable and work well in motion so that we can play during your session (think jumping, tickling, and hanging upside down). Happy kids make for happy photos!

Other Tips

Do’s

COMFORT

Above all, if you feel good, you will look good! Choose clothing that gives you freedom of movement, keeps you warm/cool, and won’t require a lot of maintenance throughout your session.

WELL FITTING CLOTHING

We don’t want your clothing to be too baggy or too tight. Properly fitted clothing looks put together and will show your shape. For women, something to be aware of is bra lines. They’re never flattering and always make people look bigger than they are. Avoid tight fitting t-shirt fabrics.

FLOWING FABRICS

Maxi dresses and light, flowing fabrics add motion and life to your photographs.

Don’ts

TINY PLAID, SMALL STRIPES, & COMPLICATED PATTERNS

These don’t always translate well in-camera, they can cause moiré patterns which ruin a photo.

BRIGHT WHITE

If you love white, try slightly off-white or ivory instead. Bright white should be avoided. It casts blue tones and can make babies, in particular, look cold or ill.

DARK COLOURS

Black and dark navy/brown/gray should all be avoided where possible, they tend to darken the overall feel of your photos.

NEON OR VERY SATURATED COLOURS

If you hold your clothing item next to your face in sunlight and it casts colour onto your skin then it’s best avoided. A green cast from a neon green shirt is almost impossible to fix in post production.

LOGOS & TEXT

Words will draw attention away from your faces.

TRANSITION LENSES

If you wear glasses every day, please wear them in your shoot! However, lens glare and shaded lenses will keep your eyes from being seen. You can have anti-reflective coating added to your lenses or wear just the frames.

Baby Client Wardrobe

“What should I dress baby in?”. The simple answer is if you don’t already have something in mind you don’t need to worry about this. I have a client wardrobe for baby, consisting of neutral pieces that are comfortable and photograph well. On the day I will bring along several in baby’s size, as well as some accessories, blankets and props.

Aurora's Stormy Turimetta Beach Newborn Photo Shoot

This year the weather just hasn’t been playing along. Not at all. I’ve had to reschedule the majority of my shoots, on more than one occasion i’ve arrived on location only for the heavens to open up. Amongst all the rescheduling and rearranging and raincoats I’ve discovered something magical: stormy newborn shoots. Not rainy, mind you, but moody. The heavy dark clouds and rough surf make for a backdrop unlike any other. Aurora’s shoot was truly memorable.

Nicola + Mitchell's Engagement Shoot at Narrabeen Lakes

I love it when couples are up for an adventure! It might involve walking barefoot along a lake shore, but the photos are work every step!

Baby Tadhg’s Balmoral Beach Newborn Shoot

On the day I was meant to shoot Tadhg’s newborn photos it started raining just as we arrived on location, so there was some hasty rescheduling and on the second attempt we struck it lucky with this gorgeous day! The session was lovely and I’m pretty sure I’m now best friends with his gorgeous older sister.

Freya's Golden Hour Maternity Session at Narrabeen Beach

Pink skies are usually reserved for winter, but occasionally they appear in autumn and Freya was lucky enough to have one at her maternity session. The weather was perfect, the toddler was happy and the the mama-to-be was glowing.

Over the past year I swapped to a Sony system (sorry Canon!) and I absolutely love the Sony A7 III’s ability to capture those crazy sand dune runs!