Preparing for your shoot will get you the best results.
Read through everything and make sure to reach out to me if you have any questions.
Even if you are out shopping and you have a quesiton about an outfit, text me or send a pic to ask what I think!
This is my cell 1-403-548-0664
First things first...
START REFLECTING
Exactly what kind of images are you hoping to walk away from your session with?
Do you find yourself drawn to anonymous images that show off the body? Portraits? Editorial style? Have absolutely no idea?
It can be very difficult to articulate your own style,
so I don’t ask you to.
Try to turn off your fear and over-thinking at this point.
Don’t say things like “OHH that’s so beautiful, but I would NEVER be able to pull that off!” or “I WISH I could look like that!”.
That is not the point of this exercise.
Do you like sweet, bright, and bubbly? Do you like dark and moody? Do you like shots that capture the entire body? Do you like close-up shots? Do you prefer more modest portraits? or a little bit more skin?
Let me know what you like!
The purpose is NOT to find photos to replicate!
It is inspiration only.
Now that we’ll both know the kind of images you really like, it will be easier to deliver a set of photos that are YOUR STYLE,
but still syncs well with my artistic style.
TYPES OF IMAGES
While my standard style is “authentic chic”
you’ll get it when you see your first image.
You’ll look confident and cool. It’s my specialty.
Even with your beautiful pregnant belly!
There are a lot of different types
of image categories to work with.
What are your favourites?
DETAIL shots
Showcasing the beautiful bits that grace the female form. Collarbones, shoulders, arms, spines…
these types of shots are perfect for a wall art display and to add visual balance to an album.
portrait SHOTS
With or without clothes, these images include your face and a portion of your body.
I have black, charcoal, light grey, and white backdrop options for different aesthetics.
SEMI-SILHOUETTES
These bold, high-contrast statement images will leave you breathless.
Mostly silhouetted, these types of shots look best in levels of undress...
very sheer top and slips leave just enough to the imagination.
maternity BOUDOIR-ish
The BVE Studio maternity boudoir style is elevated, effortless looking,
and a beautiful celebration of the maternity form.
Most of these style of images are shot implied nude, or while wearing sheets or some form of lounge wear.
What to Bring to your session
- Proper undergarments for each outfit you bring - seamless, cheeky are best. But also bring the pretty lacey ones!
- Bring along 3 colours of undergarments - white, black and skin colour. Add in some soft colours as well, but bring the 3 base colours for sure.
- All the outifts/clothes you want for your shoot. But also bring anything you are unsure of using - it gives me a chance to add variety or change up the style.
- Hair band in case we decide to put your hair up for a messy updo for the last couple set-ups.
- Your partner - don’t forget to bring him too! He can wear a nice button up shirt in short or long sleeves in a black, gray, navy or soft white. And jeans for him are just fine. If he likes a dress pants, that works too. But make sure he is comfortable in what he is wearing.
- Try to coordinate colours with your partner. If you are wearing a darker colour, put him in a dark colour as well. If you are wearing pastels, he should wear a soft colour too.
Getting Ready for your session!
- If you colour your hair, make sure roots are touched up. You can use a root spray to get you through your session so you don’t need to book a full hair appointment.
- Your hands and partner’s hands will be in the photos, so nails should be shaped and clean with no chipped nail polish. Natural nail colour is nicest in photos for a timeless look; we want your beautiful baby belly to be what draws your attention.
- Slap, Slop and slather on that moisturizer on your hands, face and body.
- Exfoliate and lip balm your lips before your session. The camera really picks up chapped and cracked lips.
- Shave - armpits and legs. If this is something you normally do in your beauty routine, please make sure you do for your session,
- Partner needs to shave as well unless he has facial hair he’d like to keep. But have beard/mustache trimmed or cleaned up.
- Make-up - wear your make-up like you’re going out for a nice dinner, Natural make-up is always timeless but add about 20% more to your look for phtotos. Especially mascara.
- Foundation - you do not need to add extra foundation -moustaches your normal routine is good, Even a tinted moisturizer to even out skin tone works.
- If you do wear foundation, make sure it does not have any sunscreen in it - that makes it reflective and camera picks that up.
- Lip colour can be a soft gloss or a coloured lip balm. Natural looking lips photographs best, Not sure of what colour, the colour of your gums or inside of your lip is a good place to start.
Below is a “Pinterest board” of ideas, outfits and styles you can bring along. Choose your favourites or bring ‘em all! It’s fun to go through what you’ve brought to design a shoot just for you. I have also have a studio wardrobe that you can use to wear or add to your own things.
Crop Tops
A crop top can be a great choice to show off your baby bump while keeping a relaxed feel. Choose a comfortable, form-fitting top that won't distract from the focus of the shoot. Look for interesting details like lace or subtle sequins to add some flair.
Formfitting Dresses
Formfitting dresses are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your style and accessories. They hug your curves in all the right places and highlight your baby bump. Adding different textures like velvet, lace, or tulle can give the dress an extra touch of glamour.
Bodysuits
Bodysuits are a popular choice for studio maternity photoshoots as they provide a sleek silhouette while still highlighting the baby bump.
Boyfriend Jeans
For those who want something a bit more casual but still stylish, boyfriend jeans are a perfect choice. They provide comfort without sacrificing style, plus they’ll look great when paired with any kind of top. You can even add some accessories like statement earrings or necklace to dress up the look even further!
For something a bit more casual but still stylish, boyfriend jeans are the perfect choice. They are comfortable but don't sacrifice style and they look great paired with any type of top. Adding necklaces or statement earrings dress up the look even further!
Blazers
For a more polished look, try a blazer paired with leggings or trousers. Blazers come in a variety of styles so you can find one that fits your body type perfectly. Playing around with different colours and textures will also give the outfit more dimension. Adding the perfect accessories, this a great sophisticated look.
Flared Trousers
Modern and edgy. Flared trousers can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and they will give your maternity shoot a unique flair. If you want to keep it simple but stylish, pair them with a neutral-coloured top in a classic cut. If you want something bolder and more eye-catching, go for a statement necklace and no top!
Fabric Drape
Drapes are perfect if you are going for a more natural look. All you need is a large piece of fabric that can be draped over your body or around your shoulders. This will create and ethereal effect and help bring out the beauty of your baby bump in all its glory! and bonus.... this won't break the bank and is easy to find in most fabric stores, even Mooks!
Off the shoulder linen shirt
A classic linen shirt looks effortless and chic, with just the right balance of casual and dressy. It is also comfortable and breathable - perfect for showing off that baby bump!
Lace or Sheer Robe
Incorporating some romantic details is also important. A lace or sheer robe will add texture and femininity to your photos.
Lingerie
If you reaaly want to get creative and show off your curves, try wearing lingerie! Lingerie isn't just for boudoir shoots - it can also make for stunning maternity photos as well. Just be sure to pick pieces that make you feel comfortable, confident and beautiful.
More Inspiration from my Portfolio
How it all works?
Every session includes:
- A full session between 1 to 1.5 hours of shooting
- Access to studio wardrobe
- Several set ups with 4-5 wardrobe changes
- A private online gallery
SHOOT day!
What to expect. . .
Arrival at the studio is usually late morning.
We go over your ideas and plan for your shoot.
I will explain a few things and what you can expect during the shoot.
I will design your set-ups from the 4-5 outfits you have chosen.
I'm not a Model.
Everyone that sits in front of my camera is not a model and everyone has nerves!
And, that is okay!
I guide you through every pose and give you direction. It's not your job to know what to do in front of the camera - it's my job to direct you.
the STUDIO
COMING IN FROM OUT OF TOWN?
Bow Island is a 35 minute jaunt from Medicine Hat, so you get a nice drive through the country before your session. :)
If you happen to arrive early or are famished after your session, there is a cute little bakery on main street or other services in town you can check out.
MY LOCATION
#8, 706 Centre St. Bow Island, AB
BVE Studio is very easy to get to. Basically you turn north at the only set of lights in town and I am in the brown brick building on your right. My studio is on the second floor.
My space is built for photos. Gorgeous natural light, clean simple sets, even the most flattering paint colour for all skin tones (yes, I thought of everything)
How should I do my make-up?
Go Matte! Please stick with matte makeup and avoid makeup (eye shadows or face makeup) with glitter! the glitter will fall on your face and reflect light making you look like you have mini disco balls all over your face, so please stick with matte eye shadow/products!
Keep lip colour close to your natural lip colour as well.
Please don't use wet or dewy products or excessive highlighter to avoid looking sweaty or oily. when in doubt.... matte is the answer!
There's nothing wrong with treating yourself to getting a make-up artist to do your make-up for you and getting your hair done as well!
What should I bring with me?
Water bottle - gotta stay hydrated!
Snack to help keep up your blood sugar levels!
Proper under garments to wear under your outfits.
Panties and bras in skin colour, black and white
I'm not a model . . . so not sure if I can really do this?
Helping women look their best is something I have become very passionate about. I am very confident in my posing as I have invested a lot of time studying posing that helps women look amazing in photos. The women on my website are everyday women and I can absolutely assure you they felt the very same as you and were just as nervous about a shoot.
What's the best way to do my hair?
Wear your hair however you feel most confident, but also style your hair down. Curls tend to hold up for the length of the shoot and look best in photos.
No up-dos or half ups as a natural look works nicest with maternity photos.
For some of the photos, usually near the end, we might do a messy bun for a different, casual look.
Do you do much editing?
Because cameras nowadays can pick up every little skin detail, blemish and pore, I do use editing to get skin looking its best. However, I am keeping "photoshop" use to a minimum. I rely on posing, angles and lighting to play down problem areas and give skin its best light. I do edit out blemishes, skin flaws and simple things like under-eye circles and shadows in wrinkles. I will remove scars if you request this. I shoot in a RAW camera format which requires me to process them . . . much like the old days when film had to be processed to be printed from a negative.
Do my images have to be shared on your social media and website?
No . . . this is completely up to you. As much as I love your images and would love to showcase them, I understand that some women want to keep these images private and just for themselves. I am your photographer and your comfort and privacy is a priority that is extremely important to me and your wishes will be respected. It is entirely up to my client what level they want shown, from no images at all posted to maybe just a few non-identifying shots, like just the baby belly.