You’ve got a photo shoot coming up and you are looking for inspiration and ideas for your photo shoot wardrobe? You’ve come to the right place. I’ve written a number of articles that give ideas for what to wear for a photo shoot in Portland. The articles are each focused on a certain type of photo shoot or a certain season. This page will serve as a resource for you and a convenient place to find all of the articles. I hope it helps!
A Fall Photo Shoot
Ahhh… the time of year I look forward to most! I know some of you ladies treasure your sunny days, but all summer long, I’m dreaming of the day when I can don my cozy Fall attire. Whether you are doing a family photo shoot or an individual beauty, boudoir, or maternity session, you may be wondering what to wear for a Fall photo shoot in Portland, OR . Here are some ideas to give you inspiration.
A Winter Photo Shoot
If you have a Winter photo shoot planned, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress for the season. These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.
A Maternity Photo Shoot
If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are neck deep in planning and preparing for your sweet baby to arrive on the outside, all while having pregnancy brain. It’s a lot! I get it and I’m here to help. Here are some ideas to help you decide what to wear for a maternity photo shoot.
A Pin-Up 50’s style Photo Shoot
I’ve pulled together some images from a few of my past 50’s inspired photo shoots to give you a little inspiration for your own retro pin up session. It may seem daunting at first to come up with a few outfits, but it’s actually pretty easy to find some really cute pieces online. You may even find that you have some things in your own wardrobe that will work. Here are some ideas.
Coming Soon
I’ll add more articles to this resource as I write them. I intend to add some articles soon about wardrobe for Spring and Summer sessions, a modest boudoir session, and a bridal photo shoot. Please sign up for my emails, if you haven’t already, to be sure to get that info when it comes out.
Let’s chat!
Is there anything else you want help with? Just let me know. If you are ready to book your photo shoot, I’d love to be your photographer. Please send me an email and we can chat!
If you are reading this, it’s likely that you are neck deep in planning for your sweet baby to arrive on the outside. Among the 1,345,567 things you have to think about when expecting a baby, planning a maternity photo shoot is one more thing to add to the list. And let’s be real, pregnancy brain is a total booger. I get it and I’m here to help. I’ve put together some ideas to help you decide what to wear for a maternity photo shoot in Portland, OR.
What to wear for a maternity photo shoot in Portland, OR
In my studio, we usually have time for 4-5 outfits. So I recommend bringing several items, in varying styles, and I can help you decide which pieces would photograph best. Below, I’ll list out some different options to consider.
A formal dress
I don’t know about you, but I personally don’t get very many chances in life to dress up in a formal dress. A baby on the way is certainly a reason to celebrate and a great reason to get fancy. My hair and makeup artist will have your hair and makeup looking amazing, so a formal dress will fit right in with your look.
Intimate attire
On the other side of the spectrum, I also really love maternity photos that look quiet and intimate. Pregnancy is such a personal and vulnerable experience. This look captures that side of motherhood. Wardrobe can include, pajamas, nightgowns, robes, and lingerie.
A loose flowy dress
Light flowing fabric is so feminine, which is obviously a good trait to have for maternity photos. The minor downside is that you have to always have a hand under your baby bump to bring the fabric in. Doing this reveals the cute shape of your bump, while fabric just loosely hanging down would make a woman look larger but not necessarily pregnant. This “downside” isn’t that much of a set back, though, because having a hand or two on your belly is great for showing connection to the sweet life you are carrying.
Dresses that are specifically designed for maternity photo shoots often have a slit in the front so that you can reveal your bare tummy. That’s another great way to get variety in your portraits. These types of dresses aren’t something you can find just anywhere. But you can find them easily on Etsy or Amazon.
A form fitted dress
A dress that fits snugly around your belly is great for revealing the size and shape of your beautiful baby bump. While we are at it, we can celebrate your other feminine curves, as well. One benefit to a snug dress is that we can have more variety in hand placement as your hands aren’t having to tuck the dress in under your bump.
Soft and sheer textures
I love fabrics with textures, such as lace, for all my shoots because they provide visual interest without being overwhelming to the photo in the way that bright colors or bold patterns can be. For maternity portraits, sheer fabrics, such as lace or chiffon are especially great if you want to be able to see through to your baby bump.
Another texture I love for maternity photos is softness. To me, a soft texture speaks of nurturing, gentleness, femininity, and comfort. All good things for a portrait of a mother. Oh, I know, there is nothing comfortable about the third trimester of pregnancy. But we can try! Soft cardigan sweaters and robes are a go-to in my studio.
Let’s talk about colors
I’ve already mentioned that bright colors and bold patterns aren’t my jam. They don’t tend to photograph well or fit with my portrait style. So I usually recommend solid colors and I prefer neutrals or pastels.
Pastels are particularly good for maternity portraits because babies also look so sweet in pastels. I do make exceptions occasionally for a pretty floral print and that can look beautiful in a portrait. But I do try to stay away from stripes, polka dots, or any other bold pattern, if possible (unless we are talking about pin-up photos).
I think it’s kind of sweet to have a pink outfit if you are having a girl and to have a light blue outfit if you are having a boy, if you want to pay tribute to the baby’s gender (if you know what it is). But really any pastel color look gorgeous. And it’s more than fine to wear pink, even if you are going to have a boy.
In addition to pastels and lighter neutrals, the color black works, as well. It doesn’t give the same feeling of brightness or softness. But in black, your curves really stand out against a light background, which is pretty cool.
For a totally different look
The tips above apply to a regular maternity session in my studio. However, I’d also like to share with you a totally different look that I also love. 50’s pin-up inspired maternity photo shoots. They aren’t for everyone. But if you want something a little different, you may be interested. You can read more about those here.
Let’s chat about what to wear for your shoot!
I hope this articles gives you some great ideas for what to wear for a maternity photo shoot. I have an awesome studio wardrobe closet with a number of maternity pieces that are available for you to use and to supplement what you bring in. Send me an email and we can start planning your maternity photo shoot near Portland, OR!
My studio is in Tualatin, OR, however, I have clients who come to me from Portland, Beaverton, Vancouver, Salem, and Lake Oswego.
The best compliment I can receive in my studio is a returning client. So I’m thrilled to have had this beautiful Mama in my studio for all three of her pregnancies. The first two maternity sessions were done in my usual “beauty” style. For her most recent pregnancy, however, we decided to do 50’s style maternity photography. As a Portland Pin Up photographer, I was, of course, super excited for this creative idea.
A quote from the lovely Ms. C
“Rayleigh is so great at making you feel comfortable and relaxed. She is extremely attentive to details and a delight to work with. I’ve been photographed me 3 times by Rayleigh and I will definitely go back again. She is very talented and I would highly recommend her!”
Ms. C wasn’t sure what to wear, so I picked out this blue 50’s vintage looking dress for her on Amazon. The dress isn’t designed to be a maternity dress, but it worked great, anyway. I’m looking forward to using some of the other colors that they have for future pin up photo shoots.
50’s style pin up hair and makeup is so much fun because it’s not something we do every day. My professional hair and makeup artist, Kerrin, stayed long enough to put Ms C’s hair up half way through the photo shoot, so that we could have two different looks.
This red gingham crop tank top was ordered on Amazon, as well. It worked great!
Another thing that makes 50’s style maternity photography so characteristic is the use of props and accessories. I have a number of props, hats, gloves, purses, and more in my studio that really make these portraits fun, glamourous, or sassy, depending on what look we are going for.
50’s style maternity photography – Portland Pin Up photographer
While you are celebrating a pregnancy and are looking for a Portland maternity photographer, I’d love to discuss this unique look for you. Please send me an email and we can plan your amazing retro 50’s pin up photo shoot!
If the 50’s era isn’t your thing and you want a different look, we can chat about that, too. You can check out my beauty style maternity portfolio using the link below.
My studio is in Tualatin, OR and I also consider myself a Sherwood maternity photographer, as well as a Lake Oswego maternity photographer, serving clients from all around the Portland area. I even have clients come from Salem, OR and Vancouver, WA.
Are you wondering what to wear for a Winter Photo Shoot?
If you have a photo shoot coming up soon, you might be looking for some ideas for how to dress. I’ve put together some ideas here for what to wear for a winter photo shoot in Portland (or anywhere). These ideas can give you inspiration for a family, boudoir, beauty, glamour, headshot, couples, maternity, or senior portrait session.
Something to consider is what kind of feel you are going for. Winter is a particularly good time to go more formal or even to go ultra casual. Either way will make for fun winter photos. Especially if you are going for a Christmas look.
Pajamas
If you want a casual look, you really can’t go any more casual than this. But Christmas pajamas are so much fun. So you can’t go wrong with this cozy and comfy look for your winter photo shoot. If you are doing family portraits, matching family pajamas are all the rage right now. Why not mark this trend with a professional photo shoot?
Sweaters
Sweaters are my most favorite outfit to photograph. I just love the softness and warmth they give to a photo. Plus, they look good on everyone. I recommend a lightweight sweater because a chunky or bulky sweater can make you look larger than you really are. A wide neck or v neck sweater that can sit off the shoulder looks sexy while still being modest.
A Formal Gown
If you like sparkle and shine, Christmas is a great time of year for a formal dress for your winter photo shoot. Most of us don’t get a lot of opportunities to dress up. It’s such a treat to see the glamorous side of ourselves.
Red, Gold, Green & White
Red is, of course, a go-to color for the Christmas and winter season.
Gold, white, and green are also great winter colors.
Fur
My studio has a lot of faux fur. Blankets, pillows, and rugs galore. The softness is so feminine. I can’t seem to get enough of it! I use it all year long, but in the winter, it works even better. If we can add more fur with wardrobe, I’m a happy camper.
Santa inspired wardrobe is a way to incorporate fur and the color red for an obvious Christmassy feel.
Hats and Scarves
Winter is a great time to add layering and accessories. Hats and scarves can really add interest to an otherwise boring outfit.
What To Wear For A Winter Photo Shoot
I hope these ideas help give you some inspiration for what to wear for a Winter or Christmas beauty, glamour, senior, maternity, boudoir, headshot, or family photo shoot in Portland. If you want more ideas, Pinterest is always a wealth of inspiration! Please let me know if you want to discuss wardrobe or anything else regarding your portrait session!
A Fun Surprise Pregnancy Announcement Idea for Daddy
The moment you find out you are pregnant, your to-do list becomes 10 miles long in a single instant. So many things to plan for and to prepare for. I know from experience that one of the first things many mamas start planning is a fun way to tell people that they are expecting. I was so honored to be in on this fun surprise pregnancy announcement idea. Chelsey asked me to photograph them as she told her husband that he was going to be a dad during a couples photo shoot in Portland, OR.
What He Thought Was Happening
Micah thought that they were helping me out with a photo shoot idea for couples. The idea that was described to him was that they would each write on their chalkboard something that they love about the other person. He loves her “sweet heart.”
What Was Actually Happening
Micah had no idea that Chelsey was not following those directions. She had written, “We’re having a baby,” on her chalkboard. She also held her pregnancy tests as a sign that she was serious, in case he thought it was some kind of joke.
The Surprise Pregnancy Announcement
They stood with their backs facing each other. On the count of 3, they turned around to show each other their chalkboards. I got to snap photos and capture his reaction. His shocked expression is priceless!
They were both so happy to start this new chapter in their lives. These pictures are actually a few years old (I’m finally getting around to blogging them), so I can tell you that they are both the sweetest parents.
Outdoor Fall Photo Shoot in the Rain
The timing of their pregnancy was perfect for doing a Fall photo shoot with gorgeous colors all around them. Fall is definitely a favorite time for a lot of people to do outdoor photo shoots. But in Portland, Oregon, a Fall outdoor photo shoot means that you often have to deal with wet weather.
Their photo shoot was time sensitive and Chelsey didn’t want to put the photo shoot off until we had nicer weather (for obvious reasons). So when we found out it was going to be raining, we just went ahead and did the photo shoot in the rain. Chelsey brought some clear umbrellas, which worked out perfectly for keeping them, and their chalkboards, dry.
The umbrellas are so cute and perfect for a rainy day photo shoot with Oregonians who aren’t afraid of a little rain. Since they are clear, they allowed light to come through them. Solid colored umbrellas would have created unflattering shadows on their faces.
Pregnancy Announcements and Maternity Sessions
If you love this idea and would like to set up a pregnancy announcement photo shoot of some kind, I’d love to chat with you and come up with something really fun.
Then, when you are about 30-35 weeks along, that is the perfect time for a maternity portrait session. So we can talk about setting that up, as well!
I invite you to send me an email and we can get the ball rolling on those things!
