Kalispell Maternity Photography

I’m always so grateful when an expecting mama trusts me to be their maternity photographer. This is such a beautiful and important stage of life and I know how important it is to document these moments. This gorgeous lady was so great about trusting me to style this session and going along with all of my posing ideas (have you ever pretended to wash your hair during a session?). I promise that posing might feel awkward but translates so beautifully on camera!

Fall Maternity Photography in Kalispell Montana

These photos were taken at the end of September, it was still warm enough to show some skin but just cool enough to see those fall colors peeking through! I love to shoot in tall grass, water, rocks, anything that adds texture to photos. Sometimes the most mundane things, like grass, can make or break the photo!

Backlight Versus Direct Light

Another way that I like to add variety to my maternity photo sessions, especially if I’m in an area where the environment doesn’t offer a huge amount of variety, is changing up the lighting. I love love love a backlit photo and that’s probably what the majority of my golden hour photography sessions encompass but once the sunlight softens or if I can find a way to filter it (cuz no one wants a squinty eyed photo), I love to change up the look with direct sunlight.

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Show Me The Emotion

Have you noticed a trend in these photos? Very few include looking and smiling at the camera! Yes, I will for sure capture some of those but I’m forever chasing authentic moments and trying to really make you feel those moments of waiting for baby, capturing the beauty, the emotions, and the love that comes with pregnancy.

My hope is always that you walk away from your maternity photo session, family photo session, or newborn photo session, with photos that take you back to the moment every time you look at them. We’re not just snapping pretty pictures, we’re leaving a legacy for your family to look back on and treasure for years to come.

What To Wear For A Maternity Photography Session

Not sure what to wear for your session? I’ve got you covered! I actually have a fairly extensive (and always growing) client closet with a large selection of maternity gowns in a variety of sizes. Not a gown fan? Let’s chat and I can help you come up with something that will still photograph beautifully but keep you feeling like you. However, I would still encourage you to at least consider a dress.

Why a dress? There’s a few reasons. One, these photos are meant to be special, this is a time to celebrate. Yes, you should look like you but I encourage you to treat your maternity photography session as a special occasion, something to get all dressed up for. I know some people might think a gown is just awkward on them, but I also encourage you to setup an appointment and stop by my studio to try one one. I can’t tell you how many moms to be have tried on a maternity dress and said, wow, this is so much better than I thought. You might just be surprised at how great you feel showing off that gorgeous baby bump.

Another reason I love gowns, for any session, they add movement and drama. If you’ve seen my work, then you probably know that I love to capture emotion and gowns that flow and move will create more drama and just photograph so beautifully. And it doesn’t have to be a fancy “gown”, there are many dresses that could be more casual but still bring the drama. In fact, this mama donned a kimono and a billowy dress and I couldn’t love these photos more. P.S. All of the clothing pictured above is a part of my client closet.

To see my full selection of maternity dresses, get a copy of my Maternity Welcome Guide here.

Ready to book your own Kalispell Maternity Photography session?

Head over to my Contact page or message me directly at hello@valerieclementphotography.com. I’m always happy to answer any questions you might have and I can’t wait to work with you and your growing family!

Valerie Clement Photography is a Kalispell family photographer and a leading Kalispell newborn photographer, also providing maternity and baby photography. Valerie provides photography services throughout the Flathead Valley area.