Ready to capture those gorgeous fall maternity portraits? 🍂 I’ve got you covered. Fall is the perfect season for maternity portraits in Virginia with its vibrant colors, cozy vibes, and that magical golden light.

Choose the Right Outfit

Cozy Sweaters: Nothing says fall like a chunky knit sweater. Opt for neutral tones like beige or cream to keep the focus on you and that beautiful bump.
Flowy Dresses: Long dresses in earthy tones or floral prints can add a touch of elegance to your maternity portraits. Plus, they allow for easy movement and twirling!
Scarves Galore: Scarves are not only practical (hello warmth!) but also stylish accessories that add texture and interest to your outfit.
Layer Up: Layering is key in fall fashion. Think cardigans over dresses or vests paired with long-sleeve tops. Target always has great options!

And don’t forget about footwear! Boots are always a good idea – they’re comfy and look great in maternity photos. Just be sure to try them on a few days before your session to make sure they still fit.

Funny story but I once thought I was going to have to cut my foot out of a pair of boots I tried on while I was pregnant. Like sitting on the little bench at DSW I got my foot in the boot but it was not coming out. It took me at least 10 min of tugging and sweating like a pig before it finally came loose. I almost cried from relief that I wasn’t going to have to humiliate myself by telling the staff lol!

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Choose the Perfect Location

First things first – location, location, location! Think about what makes fall so special: the crisp air, the colorful leaves, and all those cozy spots that just scream autumn. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing for your fall maternity portraits in Virginia:

Vibrant Leaves: Head to a park or forest where the trees are ablaze with reds, oranges, and yellows. Imagine standing amidst a cascade of falling leaves – pure magic!
Cozy Parks: Find a local park with benches, pathways covered in fallen leaves, and maybe even a little pond. These settings offer endless possibilities for stunning shots.
Pumpkin Patches: 🎃 Who can resist the charm of a pumpkin patch? The bright orange pumpkins create a fun and festive atmosphere that’s perfect for fall photos.
Fields: My clients really love their fields here in Virginia so of course it had to make the list! The neutral colors of the field blend so nicely with fall outfits and the grasses add a beautiful texture.
Mountains: Being in Charlottesville now this will be a new backdrop for me! I adore the mountains and so many wineries here have gorgeous views and allow photography for a fee. I can’t wait to add mountain backdrops to my portfolio!

Remember, the key is to choose a location that feels right for you. If you’re more into cityscapes than nature scenes, find an urban spot with some fall flair – think tree-lined streets or charming coffee shops with seasonal decor. Check out our post on Charlottesville Fall Activities to get more ideas!

Plan Around the Best Lighting

Ah, lighting – the secret sauce of any great photo! In fall, we’re blessed with that dreamy golden hour light that photographers (and Instagrammers) rave about. Golden hour is that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and oh-so-flattering.

Here’s why you should embrace it:

Dreamy Glow: That soft golden light wraps around you like a warm hug from an old friend. It highlights your features beautifully and gives your skin a lovely glow.
Flattering Shadows: Unlike harsh midday sun that creates unflattering shadows (hello raccoon eyes!), golden hour light is gentle and forgiving.
Mood Setting: The warm tones of golden hour perfectly complement the rich colors of fall foliage.

So set your alarm clock or plan for an evening session – trust me, it’s worth it!

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Incorporate Personal Elements

I am not a prop photographer let me just get that out there. But personal elements that we use for a few maternity photos are totally ok!

Ultrasound photos: I love ultrasound photos definitely bring those!
Blankets: Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket for those intimate close-up shots.
Baby Shoes: Place tiny baby shoes on top of your bump – it’s an instant heart-melter.

Bring Your Loved Ones

Including loved ones in your maternity portraits can add layers of emotion and connection that make each picture even more special. Whether it’s your partner gazing lovingly at your bump or older siblings eagerly awaiting their new brother or sister—these moments are priceless.

And hey, pets count as family too! If Fido has been faithfully guarding over Mama Bear during her pregnancy journey (or just providing much-needed cuddles), why not include him in some shots? I love when clients include their dogs in our maternity portrait sessions!