Jun

Studio Maternity vs Milk Bath Maternity Photoshoot: How Do I Decide?

Like the look of both studio maternity portraits and maternity milk bath photography but not sure which to choose?

There isn’t one that’s necessarily “better”. The right choice depends on the style of photographs you prefer, how much variety you want and the experience you’d like during your maternity photoshoot.

Studio maternity photography gives you greater variety in outfits, lighting, backgrounds and poses, and makes it easy to include your partner or children.

Milk bath maternity photography creates a softer, more intimate look, with much of the styling created through the water, fabric and floral elements.

And if you like both styles, you may be able to include both in the same maternity session, depending on the package you choose.

Here’s how they compare.

Already planning your maternity photoshoot?

See our Maternity Photoshoot packages, studio options and what to expect.

Studio Maternity vs Milk Bath: What’s The Difference?

.	Studio Maternity	Milk Bath Maternity
Look	Classic, light, dramatic or contemporary	Soft, intimate and romantic
Variety	More outfits, poses and lighting styles	More focused visual style
Partner & children	Easy to include	Better suited primarily to Mum
Posing	Guided standing, sitting and other poses	Generally simpler posing in the bath
Clothing	Your own outfits + selected studio pieces	Fabrics/styling suitable for the bath
Best if you want	Variety and family photographs	A distinctive maternity look
Can't decide?	Depending on your package, ask us about combining both styles

Do I Need To Know How To Pose?

No. You don’t need any posing experience for either a studio maternity or milk bath photoshoot.

For studio portraits, your photographer will guide you through body angles, hand placement, posture and where to look.

Milk bath photographs generally involve less standing and positional variation, although we’ll still guide your hands, face and body position to create flattering angles.

If posing is one of your concerns, see our Maternity Photoshoot Posing Guide.

Is A Milk Bath Maternity Photoshoot Difficult To Pose For?

Milk bath photography can actually involve relatively simple posing. Much of the look comes from the angle of the photograph, the water, fabrics and floral styling.

We’ll guide you on where to place your hands, which direction to look and small adjustments to your position throughout the session.

What Do I Wear For A Studio Maternity Photoshoot?

You can bring your own outfits, and we also have a selection of maternity clothing and styling pieces available in the studio.

Let us know the looks you prefer before your session so we can advise what is available and what you may want to bring.

For ideas, see our 8 Tips On What To Wear For Your Maternity Photoshoot.

What Do I Need To Bring For A Milk Bath Photoshoot?

We provide the fabrics and styling elements used for our milk bath photographs, so you don’t need to source these yourself.

If you’d like to incorporate something specific such as particular colour theme do let us know. Also if you have specific flowers that you like, do bring them along.

What If I’m Worried About How I’ll Look?

This is one of the most common concerns we hear before a maternity photoshoot.

You don’t need to have modelling experience or know your best poses. Lighting, camera angle, body position and styling all play a part in creating a flattering maternity portrait, and you’ll be guided throughout the session.

The aim isn’t to make you look like somebody else. It’s to create photographs of you at this particular stage of your pregnancy in a style you feel comfortable with.

Will My Hair And Makeup Get Wet During The Milk Bath?

Your face doesn’t normally need to get wet during the milk bath photographs.

Depending on the poses and look you’re creating, some of your hair may get wet. If you would like both dry-hair and wet-hair photographs, we can photograph the dry looks first and leave the wetter looks until towards the end.

Let us know your preference before the session so the sequence can be planned accordingly.

Can I Do Both Studio Maternity And Milk Bath Photography?

Yes, depending on the maternity session you choose.

Combining the two can be a good option if you want the variety of classic studio maternity portraits as well as the softer look of milk bath photography.

Because changing from studio photography to the milk bath involves a different and advanced setup. Therefore milk bath are usually booked in advanced.

See our current Maternity Photoshoot packages for session options, or check with us if you’re unsure which is most suitable.