Capturing Beautiful Moments: Embrace the magic of motherhood with these Disney princess maternity photo shoot ideas, including wardrobe, poses, props and more!
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For my fourth and final pregnancy, I knew I wanted an extra special and unique maternity photo shoot. Much like a Disney Princess movie, the journey to motherhood is an incredible adventure filled with excitement, anticipation, and a lot of joy. What better way to cherish this precious time than by capturing it through a Disney Inspired DIY pregnancy photoshoot?
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, this guide is here to help you create stunning and heartwarming maternity pictures that you’ll treasure for years to come. Take note of these Disney Princess Maternity photo session ideas and discover the art of capturing the glow and love of pregnancy!
Choose Your Inspiration: Disney Princess Maternity Shoot Ideas
First and foremost, if you’re planning a Disney Princess inspired maternity session, it’s important to select the character(s) you want. For my DIY maternity pictures, I did three different looks, inspired by my own daughters’ favorite princesses. This was a great way to get them involved in the process too!
Selecting the Perfect Outfit: Maternity Photoshoot Outfit Ideas
Once the character(s) are selected, it’s now time to choose the perfect dress. My three looks were inspired by Snow White, Cinderella and Ariel. Luckily, I found the perfect maternity photoshoot dress for each princess that also matched my personal style. When choosing the perfect maternity photoshoot dresses, it’s important to consider different styles.
Jewel tones and bold colors photograph really well on all skin tones. Stretchy fabric can help show off your pregnant body and gorgeous curves. The most important thing though when selecting a maternity gown, is finding something you truly love and feel beautiful in.
For Snow White, I found a Royal Blue Maternity Empire Waist Dress and paired it with a yellow tulle maternity skirt and red rose tie on belt. For Cinderella I found this stunning light blue chiffon gown. Finally, for the Little Mermaid, this purple long dress was perfect! These three dresses were a great option and were all pretty affordable, cheap maternity dresses.
My girls coordinated their outfits with mine to make for truly magical photos. I also brought along props including: an apple, a plastic clear shoe and a conch shell to hold in front of my beautiful bump.
Timing is Everything: Choosing the Best Time of Day
When it comes to outdoor photography, lighting can make or break your shots. The best time of day for your DIY maternity photoshoot is during the “golden hour.” This magical period occurs shortly after sunrise or before sunset when the sunlight is soft, warm, and diffused, creating a flattering and gentle glow. Harsh midday sunlight can cast unflattering shadows, but morning or late afternoon hours are a great choice to achieve that ethereal look.
Posing with Grace: Flattering and Natural Poses
Posing for maternity photos might seem intimidating, but it’s all about showcasing the beautiful curves and the wonder of this special time in your life. I highly recommend planning your photos for the beginning of the third trimester to ensure you feel confident and beautiful, since the final weeks of pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable. Here are some posing suggestions to help you feel confident and create captivating images:
- Hands on Belly: Gently cradle your baby bump with your hands, creating a sense of connection and love. This pose not only highlights your pregnancy but also emphasizes the bond between you and your baby.
- Profile Silhouette: Stand sideways to the camera and let your belly be the star. This pose accentuates your curves while keeping the focus on your growing belly.
- Nature’s Embrace: If you’re outdoors, find a picturesque spot and lean against a tree or sit on a blanket. This natural setting adds depth and texture to your photos, while also symbolizing the nurturing journey of motherhood.
- Family Inclusion: Don’t forget to include your partner or siblings! Capture candid moments of you two sharing a laugh, a cuddle, or simply holding hands near your belly. These genuine interactions reflect the love and excitement you share. This photoshoot was planned to incorporate my daughters and I loved making these magical memories with them.
- Floating Fabric: Consider using a flowing piece of fabric or a sheer wrap to create a soft and dreamy effect. Let it gently wrap around your belly, creating an artistic and captivating look.
Location, Wardrobe, and Props
- Location: Choose a location that resonates with you. Whether it’s a scenic park, a cozy corner of your home, or a favorite beach, the setting should reflect your style and personality.
- Wardrobe: Opt for outfits that showcase your baby bump while keeping you comfortable. Flowing maxi dresses or maternity gowns are great choices and looked especially regal for Disney Princesses. Solid colors and subtle patterns work best, as they won’t distract from the main focus—your radiant pregnancy.
- Props: Consider adding some personal touches to your photos with meaningful props. Tiny baby shoes, a little crown, sonograms, or even a letter board with your due date can add another touch of sweetness to your shots.
Choose Your Photographer for Disney Princess Maternity Shoot Ideas
If you’re planning a DIY maternity shoot, you’ll have a couple options for a maternity photographer. First, ask a friend or family member. For my Disney Princess Maternity Shoot, I asked my sister to take the photos. Another option is using a tripod and self timer or bluetooth button to take your own pictures.
The Affordable Magic: Using Smartphone Cameras
These Disney Princess maternity pictures were captured on a basic Canon Rebel camera. However, you don’t need an expensive camera to capture beautiful maternity photos. Most smartphones today come equipped with impressive cameras that can deliver stunning results. Here are a few tips to make the most of your smartphone:
- Clean the Lens: Wipe off any smudges or fingerprints from your camera lens to ensure clear and sharp images. Use an alcohol wipe or cleaning cloth for best results!
- Use Natural Light: Just like with professional cameras, natural light is your best friend. Find that soft, flattering light to enhance your photos. Taking photos in “open shade” is the best! Find a spot with beautiful light but shaded areas to stand in.
- Tap to Focus: Tap on your belly or face on the screen to ensure your smartphone’s camera focuses on the right subject. If your phone has a Portrait Mode, that will look very similar to a camera capture!
- Edit Your Pictures: Editing pictures is super easy and can make them look very professional. My favorite editing apps are Lightroom and Snapseed. There are TONS of tutorials on YouTube if you need assistance.
Cherish the Journey Through DIY Maternity Photos
Congratulations on embarking on this incredible journey to motherhood! Remember, the essence of DIY maternity pics lies in capturing the love, anticipation, and joy that you feel during this special time. With the right timing, poses, location, and a sprinkle of your personal touch, use these Disney princess maternity shoot ideas to capture the magic of your pregnancy. So grab your camera or smartphone, embrace the magic of this moment, and let the beauty of pregnancy shine through every click of the shutter. Happy shooting!