FOR THE PERFECT MATERNITY SHOOT

Dubai photographer Jill Lindh offers some tips on how to prepare for such a shoot and ensure the pictures come out divine.

Book the Big day

The best time is usually around 7-8 months. You want your belly to be big enough to properly show off your pregnancy — but not so big that you feel uncomfortable.

What’s your style?

What to wear is one of the most common questions I get asked. You want an outfit that shows off the shape of your belly. A plain, coloured fabric works best, as patterns can be distracting. If you do wear a pattern, go for a small print and ensure that the clothing of other family members’ do not have competing patterns. Also, avoid big logos. For a more styled or casual approach, coordinate your looks but don’t get too ‘matchy-matchy’!

think colours!

If you’re shooting at home, look around you. Watch out for hanging prints on walls, for example; you don’t want the colours to clash. If you’re shooting outdoors, keep location and background colours in mind. Deep blues and mint photograph well on the beach but may not look as natural in a park. Likewise, don’t wear a green dress in a park.

grooming time

I recommend doing your hair in the same way you would for a night out. Also, remove unwanted body hair in advance, leaving enough of a time gap for the skin to recover. Avoid extreme beauty regimens right before your shoot. Think about matching your makeup to the style and colour scheme you’ve picked for the shoot.

Work that gloW

On the day of the shoot, don’t moisturise your belly, as this will make it look shiny. Moisturise your hands, elbows and knees. Also, do a manicure and a pedicure, and opt for loose-fitting clothes prior to the shoot, so that no marks from your clothes show on the skin. Most importantly though, just have fun!