As a maternity photographer in Boston, my clients have the added challenge of dealing with seasons. Pinterest and instagram can sometimes lead us to believe that all maternity sessions happen in warm weather. The internet is flooded with expectant mothers in flower crowns, bare bellies, and flowy off-the-shoulder dresses. I am here to let you in on a little secret! JUST AS MANY BABIES ARE BORN IN THE WINTER! Okay, actually the most popular months to have a baby are August and September but if you look at the data for the US we are talking 387,000 in September versus 356,000 in March. That’s still a whole lot of Winter babies!

What to Wear for your Winter Maternity Photos in Boston

While I am a maternity photographer in Boston, I am also a three-time Winter baby mom. My boys were born in November, December, and January. These cold weather pregnancies are near and dear to my heart. Everyone deserves beautiful maternity images, not just warm weather pregnancies!

Layers are the key to a successful Winter maternity photoshoot in Boston.

Just because it’s Winter doesn’t mean you need to give up your dreams of a gorgeous dress. I recommend a flowy maxi-length dress for colder sessions. What this enables you to do is wear warm leggings or long underwear underneath. Pair that with wool socks and winter boots and you’ll be golden! Up top plan to bring a nice jacket, a sweater, a scarf or a shawl. Bonus points for bringing several of these options!

Warm Up Between Shots!

I always advise my maternity clients to bring large coats to throw on in between shots. There is always a little downtime between images to throw on your big bulky winter coat and warm up. I am also going to keep you moving and walking. Native Bostonians know that moving around is the key to being comfortable in cold weather!

Work Fast!

This part is all on me and luckily for my pregnant mamas, I am a pro at working quickly. No one wants a long drawn out session when it’s freezing outside! The winter locations I suggest are ones I know inside and out. I know where the great light is and how to get optimal shots quickly. In the photos in this post, it was 28 degrees outside with a significant wind chill. This mama had a gorgeous golden dress and she knew she wanted a couple images without her sweater on. I positioned her, she took off her sweater, and I finished this series in under 2 minutes. After that, we did a series with Winter coats on to give her a chance to get warm again.

Blast That Heat in Your Car!

I know this seems like a strange tip but it works really well. Pre-heat your car before you leave for your session and get nice and toasty on your way over to your location. Having your core temperature on the slightly-too-warm side when you arrive helps keep you warm and comfortable for a good portion of your session. If it’s true Wintertime and you spend half of your ride waiting for your car to warm up, you’ll be less comfortable during your session!

Purchase some hand warmers to throw in your pockets!

You’d be surprised how having a little bit of toasty warmth in your pockets can help your whole body warm up quickly. Consider purchasing some of those ski hand warmers for your session.

Siblings involved? Dress them for Winter!

As a maternity photographer in Boston, I have just one piece of advise for maternity shoots with siblings. Dress your kids for Wintertime! This may seem like silly advise but it’s the number one mistake parents make. Young kids cannot handle the cold like adults can. Cold kids are not happy kids! Your big sibling should be in a winter coat, mittens, and a hat that you love and don’t mind being in pictures. Places like Old Navy, H+M and Target have plenty of affordable and stylish options for outerwear.

TLDR: What’s the Quick Do/Don’t List?

• DO bring a winter coat/scarf/shawl/sweater that you love and don’t mind having in your photographs.
• DON’T forget to layer long underwear under dresses!
• DO take advantage of the Winter landscape and wear boots and warm socks.
• DO wear something with a color pop as the background is very neutral in the late Fall and Winter.
• CONSIDER purchasing some hand warmers if you tend to be sensitive to cold. Every little bit of warmth helps!