If you are an expecting mother waiting on your newborn this holiday season, you are in luck! That means your maternity session will be in one of the most beautiful seasons, fall. That means all those beautiful colors or rust, mustards, eggplants and dark browns are at the ready and the summer heat is on its way out. Here are my 5 Tips for Fall Maternity Portraits in New Orleans which will help expecting mothers make the most of their fall maternity portraits.
5 Tips for The Best Maternity Photos this Fall
Table of Contents
Choose a Fall Maternity Outfit that Shines
The cooler fall temperatures this time of year allow for more varied clothing options and layers! Flowing dresses, cozy sweaters, scarfs and cute jeans can be a great look for a maternity shoot. Boots can be a great addition, but make sure they are still fitting well in your final trimester, and if not, go for some flats. The fall season provides a chance to play with textures, colors and accessories that compliment the natural setting and your complexion. Guys also look great with a sweater or vest, adding texture and color to your combined outfits.
- Embrace Fall Colors
- Find fabrics that add texture and allow you to move (knits, lace, flowing dresses, vests or sweaters for men)
- Accessories to enhance your look (scarves, jewelry and even a hat can be great)
- If comfortable, boots are perfect for fall
Select a Colorful Location
Although we don’t get the leave changing color as much as up north, there are a few select places where we can find the orange leaves on the ground. However, New Orleans fall color is yellow. It’s blooming everywhere and makes for a gorgeous backdrop. Using warn fences such as outside of the Pitot House in Bayou St. John, the falling leaves near the Tree of Life in Audubon Park or rusty bridges of Couturie Forest can bring a warm fall color palette to your maternity shoot. The best part, is all of the locations are easily accessible for an expecting mother. The key is to find a location that feels right for you and your partner for a maternity shoot. If you love nature and the big oak trees filled with moss, one of our beautiful parks is the place to be. If you are planning a safari themed nursery, a walk around the Audubon Zoo could be a fabulous location. Or if sitting in your favorite coffee shop filled with pumpkin spice colors feels right, let’s do it!
- Finding the foliage and natural colors of fall in the city
- Unique backdrops of bridges and old fences in New Orleans
- No heavy hikes to find the best spots
Time of Day for Portraits Matter
Photographer’s are so pesky. We all want to photograph in pretty light, and sadly that narrows the day down to early morning or late afternoon. So why bother with only taking pictures in the best time of day for light? That soft, warm lighting just before sunset is what we photographer’s call the golden house glow. It adds depth and emotion to your photos as well as being the most flattering on your skin. Avoiding the harsh shadows of mid-day light is important so you don’t only have photos under the shade of an awning. The only exception is an overcast day where the clouds act as a natural diffuser. Unfortunately, we can’t control the weather so for the flattering photos let’s stick to the mornings or late afternoons. As winter approaches, the light changes and softens for longer periods of the daylight hours giving us a little wiggle room even though the days are getting shorter, perfect for fall maternity photos in New Orleans.
- Golden Hour Glow
- Soft, warm light is emotive in photos and more flattering
- Winter light is approaching
- Overcast days can be a great mood setter
Incorporate Siblings and Loved Ones
Bringing along a few personal elements like your ultrasound or baby shoes can be fun for your maternity shoot, but when it comes to moments, nothing is better than the people you love. For your second and on, including big brother or sister is such a joy for them. They will love hugging you and comparing bellies. Your partner may not be carrying, but this is just as much their moment too. Much like an engagement session, there will be dancing, cuddles, laughter and a lot of connecting. Don’t be afraid to bring in your fur baby as well, they have been diligently watching over mama and will do the same when your baby arrives. They are every bit as part of your growing family and can be a lot of fun to incorporate into your family photos!
- Ultrasound photos or baby shoes
- A big sibling to be will get you all to themselves one last time
- Your partner will be asked to cuddle
- Fur babies are welcome!
Stay Comfortable and Safe
As you enter into your final weeks before baby arrives, it’s important to listen to your body. Where a dress that is comfortable and moves with your body. Stop to driving plenty of water and have a snack. And don’t be afraid to tell your photographer that you need to sit down. True story, I have had two maternity sessions cancelled the day of because they went into labor early. All ended well, but a reminder to schedule early for those fall maternity photos in New Orleans!
- Bring water and snacks
- Listen to your body
- Reschedule if needed
- Wear comfortable clothes that you can move in
5 Tips for Fall Maternity Portraits in New Orleans
A fall maternity session in New Orleans offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural charm and comfortable weather. The city’s unique locations, like the oak-lined paths of Audubon Park or the historic French Quarter, provide stunning backdrops enhanced by the vibrant colors of autumn foliage. The mild fall temperatures allow for stylish and comfortable attire, while the golden hour light adds a soft, romantic glow to photos. Add in your loved ones, and a fall maternity session in New Orleans becomes a memorable and picturesque way to capture this special time.
Scheduling your Maternity Portraits and Other Tips
I hope this helps you get excited about your baby, the season and maternity portraits in New Orleans. If you are expecting your first or fifth child, reach out and let’s schedule maternity photos! And make sure to check out some other newborn + maternity shoot tips below!
Top 10 Date Night Ideas in New Orleans Before Baby Arrives
