Maternity Photographer

We are here to capture those unique moment between families and couples. We like to make you and your family feel as relaxed and chilled as possible. We want you to be in your comfort zone. Having your picture taken can feel stressful or like a chore. But at Le Petit Chat we like to create a stress free environment. As we want you to shine as much as possible in front of the lens. We enjoy a chat and giggle and to make our photoshoots as fun as possible.

We also believe in quality. Which is why we use full-frame Canon cameras to capture your portraits with the highest megapixels. This is so you can print your pictures as large as you wish without losing any quality. Our aim is to have your photographs delivered to you within one to two weeks.

We specialise in:

• Newborn
• Family Portraits
• Pregnancy shoots & Maternity shoots
• Cake smash
• Corporate headshot photography
• Family portraits
• Couple portraits
• Boudoir Photography

Preparing for a maternity photoshoot involves several steps to ensure you feel comfortable, confident, and ready to capture this special time. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

1. Choose Your Outfit(s)

• Comfort First: Select outfits that are comfortable and highlight your baby bump.
• Flattering Fits: Form-fitting dresses, flowy gowns, and outfits with stretchy materials work well.
• Color Coordination: Opt for solid colors or subtle patterns. Consider coordinating outfits with your partner and other children if they will be in the photos.

2. Pamper Yourself

• Skincare: A few days before the shoot, keep your skin moisturized and consider a gentle exfoliation to ensure a healthy glow.
• Nails: Have your nails trimmed and clean. If you prefer, get a manicure with neutral or soft colors.
• Hair and Makeup: Plan to have your hair styled and makeup done, either professionally or by yourself, to enhance your natural beauty.

3. Hydrate and Rest

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your photoshoot to keep your skin looking its best.
• Rest Well: Get a good night’s sleep before the shoot to ensure you look fresh and feel rested.

4. Select Props and Accessories

• Personal Touches: Gather any props you’d like to include, such as baby shoes, ultrasound pictures, or personalized items.
• Minimalist Accessories: Choose simple jewelry and accessories that won’t distract from your baby bump.

5. Prepare Your Partner and Children

• Coordinate Outfits: Ensure everyone’s outfits complement each other without being too matchy-matchy.
• Discuss Poses: Talk to your partner and children about the poses and types of photos you want to capture. Make sure they are comfortable and understand their roles.

6. Practice Poses

• Comfortable Positions: Try out a few poses in front of a mirror to see what feels comfortable and looks good. Focus on poses that highlight your belly.
• Expressions: Practice natural smiles and expressions. Think about the joy and excitement you feel about the upcoming arrival.

7. Bring Essentials

• Touch-Up Kit: Pack a small bag with makeup for touch-ups, a hairbrush, and any other essentials you might need.
• Comfort Items: Bring water, snacks, and comfortable shoes or slippers to wear between shots.

8. Plan Ahead for the Day

• Travel Time: Ensure you know how long it will take to get to the shoot location and plan to arrive a little early.
• Weather Check: If shooting outdoors, check the weather forecast and have a backup plan in case of rain or bad weather.

9. Communicate with Your Photographer

• Discuss Vision: Share your vision and preferences with your photographer. Discuss any specific poses or shots you want.
• Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for advice on wardrobe, locations, and other details.

10. Relax and Enjoy

• Mindset: Approach the shoot with a relaxed and positive mindset. Enjoy the experience and think of it as a special time to celebrate your pregnancy.
• Take Breaks: Don’t be afraid to take breaks if you need to rest or if you feel uncomfortable.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your maternity photoshoot, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience that results in beautiful, memorable photos.

Yes we have home studio in Leeds. We also provide at home services. Additionally, if you have a location in mind, please let us know. As we shoot on location as well as in the studio.

Ideally between 26 and 34 weeks (7 to 8 months), when your baby bump is fully showing and is nice and round. Anytime after 8 months gets riskier and riskier, as you may deliver at anytime. So don’t leave it late.

It’s not easy picking a dress for a photoshoot, its very stressful. We recommend colours like white, cream, pastel blush colours, faint blues, khaki, tan and light purple.

There are no hard and fast rules, but flowing gowns are the best in our opinion. But ultimately it’s always best to wear what makes you feel comfortable.

Choosing the right outfit for the father in a maternity photoshoot is important for creating cohesive and visually appealing photos. Here are some tips to help the father select the perfect attire:

1. Coordinate with the Mother’s Outfit

• Complementary Colors: Choose colors that complement the mother’s outfit. This doesn’t mean matching exactly but selecting shades that go well together.
• Similar Style: Ensure the style of clothing matches the overall theme and style of the mother’s outfit (e.g., casual, formal, or themed).

2. Opt for Classic and Neutral Colors

• Solid Colors: Solid colors like white, black, navy, grey, or earth tones work well and keep the focus on the couple and the baby bump.
• Avoid Bold Patterns: Steer clear of loud patterns, logos, or graphics that can be distracting.

3. Consider the Location and Season

• Appropriate Attire: Choose clothing that suits the location (e.g., beach, park, home) and season (e.g., light fabrics for summer, layers for winter).
• Comfortable Fabrics: Select comfortable fabrics that allow for movement and natural posing.

4. Choose Well-Fitting Clothing

• Proper Fit: Ensure the clothing fits well—neither too tight nor too loose. Well-fitting clothes look polished and put-together in photos.
• Layering: Layering can add depth to the photos. A button-down shirt over a t-shirt or a sweater can work well.

5. Dress for the Theme

• Casual Look: For a casual shoot, jeans or chinos with a simple t-shirt or button-down shirt can be perfect.
• Formal Look: For a more formal look, consider a dress shirt with dress pants or even a blazer.
• Themed Shoots: If you’re doing a themed shoot, coordinate the outfit to fit the theme (e.g., rustic, vintage, holiday).

6. Pay Attention to Details

• Grooming: Ensure hair is neatly styled and facial hair is well-groomed.
• Footwear: Choose appropriate shoes that match the outfit and location. Clean, polished shoes are a must.
• Accessories: Minimal accessories like a watch or a simple necklace can add a nice touch, but avoid anything too flashy.

7. Bring Options

• Multiple Outfits: Consider bringing a couple of outfit options to the shoot. This allows for quick changes and adds variety to the photos.
• Mix and Match: Bring items that can be layered or mixed and matched for different looks.

Example Outfits

1. Casual Outfit:

   • Dark jeans or chinos
   • Solid color t-shirt or henley
   • Optional: casual button-down shirt worn open over the t-shirt
   • Clean sneakers or casual shoes

2. Semi-Formal Outfit:

   • Chinos or dress pants
   • Solid or subtly patterned button-down shirt
   • Optional: blazer or lightweight sweater
   • Dress shoes or loafers

3. Formal Outfit:

   • Dress pants
   • Crisp dress shirt
   • Blazer or suit jacket
   • Dress shoes

By following these tips, the father will be well-dressed and ready to complement the mother beautifully in your maternity photos, creating a cohesive and elegant look that enhances the overall aesthetic of the shoot.

Ideally anywhere from one to two hours. Anything over two hours might be too long.

Outdoors

The best time to shoot is what photographers call the ‘golden hour’ or ‘magic hour’. This is when the sun is close to the horizon and creates a golden warm light, perfect for maternity shoots.

Studio

We often use natural light for our photoshoots, so we recommend late mornings or afternoons. 

You and your family will treasure your maternity photos for a lifetime. You’ll be able to show your children what mama had to go through to bring them into the world. Trust us, it’s worth it! Here are some other reasons why they are worth it:

1. Capturing a Special Moment

• Unique Time: Pregnancy is a unique and fleeting time in a family’s life. Maternity photos capture the anticipation and excitement of expecting a new baby.
• Milestone Memory: These photos serve as a visual reminder of this significant milestone and the emotions associated with it.

2. Celebrating Motherhood

• Empowerment: A maternity photoshoot can celebrate and honor the mother’s journey through pregnancy, highlighting the beauty and strength of her body.
• Confidence Boost: Many women find that maternity photos can boost their confidence and make them feel beautiful during a time of significant physical changes.

3. Creating Family Memories

• Family Bonding: Including the partner and older children in the photoshoot can create memorable family moments and highlight the unity and love within the family.
• Future Reflection: These photos can be cherished by your children in the future, giving them a glimpse into the time before they were born.

4. Professional Quality

• Skill and Artistry: Professional photographers have the skills, experience, and equipment to create high-quality images that beautifully capture the essence of pregnancy.
• Creative Vision: A professional can help bring your vision to life, whether it’s a simple, natural shoot or something more artistic and elaborate.

5. Customized Experience

• Personal Touch: Maternity photos can be tailored to reflect your personality, style, and preferences, making the experience unique to you.
• Meaningful Locations: The shoot can take place in locations that hold personal significance, adding an extra layer of meaning to the photos.

6. Keepsake for the Future

• Family Heirloom: These photos can become family heirlooms, passed down through generations.
• Photo Albums and Displays: Maternity photos can be beautifully displayed in albums, frames, or as wall art in your home.

7. Emotional Connection

• Reflection of Emotions: Maternity photos capture the emotions and bond between the parents and the baby before birth, creating a tangible reflection of this special connection.
• Pregnancy Journey: Documenting your pregnancy journey through photos can be a meaningful way to reflect on the changes and growth over time.

Yes, the father should ALWAYS be in the pictures. Just remember one day your little one will want to see these pictures, so dad should be there. Trust us, it’s worth it!

We love sharing our latest family images online. We hope that you will support us by letting us use your images in any future promotional material that we may need. This is hugely important so we can advertise our services and hopefully attract future clients to sustain our business.

Please let us know in advance if you don’t want your images shared on our website or social media channels.